tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37516881269137467122024-03-14T10:49:29.841-07:00Granny SaysMusings from an old lady who refuses to grow old quietly.Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-60346078589347567552010-03-11T09:21:00.000-08:002010-03-11T09:23:10.004-08:00Well, Isn't That Just Peach-y!<strong>The word I pulled from my "word jar" this week was PEACH. I am really glad this word popped up as it allowed me to explore the many items currently listed on <a href="http://etsy.com/">etsy</a> when I typed it into the search bar. As usual, I explored both the HANDMADE and the VINTAGE categories. There was no lack of items to choose from. My only problem was that I needed to narrow my selections down to four. So here goes:</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHB046nnA60oE6fNldPsFdZUE-1EuG19yyRCt2jSYoNrH1pf2CNVbc9L_B7Yacf55dptJPJg-GGldIx_XhduHnvxOiqAB5mWKPpfBaTMQriM9OTYwMYR9bz4SJGm9fWHkrS28FNaKKe3t/s1600-h/peach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHB046nnA60oE6fNldPsFdZUE-1EuG19yyRCt2jSYoNrH1pf2CNVbc9L_B7Yacf55dptJPJg-GGldIx_XhduHnvxOiqAB5mWKPpfBaTMQriM9OTYwMYR9bz4SJGm9fWHkrS28FNaKKe3t/s200/peach1.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>My first pick in the VINTAGE category is this beautiful beaded and lace sweater offered by <a href="http://2and2together.etsy.com/">2 and 2 Together</a>. I think I had one like this way back when I was in high school - and that is going back a ways! This great shop has some great vintage items. However, they seem to specialize in beautifully crafted pillows featuring exotic and interesting graphics. If you are in the market for a pillow, they are currently running a special of buy one and get one at half price. Check them out!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I found these stunning handcrafted earrings in <a href="http://jesskaydesigns.etsy.com/">Jess Kay Designs</a> glorious shop. Hey! These earrings would look great worn with that sweater above! This shop in filled with some really gorgeous handcrafted jewelry. It offers necklaces, bracelets and earrings. All are unique and high quality. When you are there, be sure to check out the Clearance Section - it is loaded with bargains!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Back over on the VINTAGE side of things, I found this great set of 4 Haviland Dinner Plates being offered by <a href="http://jenscloset.etsy.com/">Jen's Closet</a>. This is a beatiful pattern that features delicate peach & taupe roses. Whether you need to fill out a set you already have or just need a set of 4 dinner plates for special occassions, these are perfect. I have a soft spot in my heart for vintage glassware. If you do, you are sure to find something it this shop that you will fall in love with. She has china, crystal, Fire King, Pyrex and much more. She also offers vintage linen, clothing and barware, Give your eyes a treat and visit this shop!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Anyone who knows me, will not be surprised that I picked this HANDMADE hat by <a href="http://knitrgal.etsy.com/">LA Originals</a>. My family is soon to be blessed with a brand new baby girl so I was naturally drawn to this hat. But you really need to check out this shop if you are on the hunt for a knit hat for either a boy or a girl! The variety of hats offered here will blow your mind. Hats with Fruits and Vegetables, Hats with pom poms, huge flowers and bows. I spied some really unique little cowls over there too. You just have to take a look!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>So there you go for this week. I wonder what word I will pull out of my word jar next week? Can't wait to go exploring on etsy for more great finds!</strong></div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-34376883836806207172010-03-03T10:35:00.000-08:002010-03-03T10:36:54.914-08:00etsy BEARS it all...............<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a little trouble coming up with a theme for this week's etsy blog. So I wrote down a bunch of words on little pieces of paper and tossed them in a bowl. I drew one out and it was "bear". What fun typing the single word "bear" into the seach bar and seeing all the possibilities!</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHF-Q4DtBO8_V0o2PdwdE2AEo__1VFTchQ1Dbgf_1OfatZz5cqlIIFbZFLpVoti-TOOI-Zmci62OLhAyZcpdtJJsnmqnhSjxC0CdO2_nDAYujVBechWJnaIJlqVrih-W9YhjdwAxZO38VX/s1600-h/bear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHF-Q4DtBO8_V0o2PdwdE2AEo__1VFTchQ1Dbgf_1OfatZz5cqlIIFbZFLpVoti-TOOI-Zmci62OLhAyZcpdtJJsnmqnhSjxC0CdO2_nDAYujVBechWJnaIJlqVrih-W9YhjdwAxZO38VX/s200/bear1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://clickityclack.etsy.com/"><strong>Clickity Clack Collectibles</strong></a><strong> has this most wonderful handmade bear named "Buino" He is absolutely adorable! Bruino is 18 inches tall, fully jointed and made from faux fur. Please check out this shop - it is loaded with bears in many colors. You will also find wonderful wooden puzzles and toys, purses and dolls. This shop is well worth a browse!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Maybe VINTAGE bears are more to your liking. If so, you have to go visit <a href="http://eclecticpelican.etsy.com/">Eclectic Pelican</a>! This bear is very, very old and has tin eyes and nose. He is perfect for the collector of old bears or as a display piece (especially at Christmas). Eclectic Pelican sells a wide range of charming vintage. The items I found there included drawer pulls, primatives, interesting stuff for the kitchen and clothing. This is another great etsy find and I think you will have fun looking around this shop.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>This one really caught my eye. It is a beatifully hand knit bear by <a href="http://mknits1.etsy.com/">mKnits1</a>. This is just one of the many bears available in this shop. What I really like is that this bear is so functional - it is durable and can be machined washed. So after a lot of loving - which is bound to include a few drags through the dirt and food spills, he can be washed all brand spaking new and be ready to go! He is 27 inches tall. Check out mknits1 and I am sure you will find a cuddly bears that will steel your heart.</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7dHNmMc4x3vfL22uZ-R-ioCjN3MWnQoBhEHtxtPa1KYcx0wQ8jOAIODDZHI3-Fnt5X0XUWIMJAkjQvfXnfGtAr02wMIwTbkaVVo0VLzM8aQgHEwH2onXi_gQlTqna-ZHZNa0e4EfMiCD/s1600-h/bear4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7dHNmMc4x3vfL22uZ-R-ioCjN3MWnQoBhEHtxtPa1KYcx0wQ8jOAIODDZHI3-Fnt5X0XUWIMJAkjQvfXnfGtAr02wMIwTbkaVVo0VLzM8aQgHEwH2onXi_gQlTqna-ZHZNa0e4EfMiCD/s200/bear4.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><strong><a href="http://christmasangel.etsy.com/">Christmas Angel</a> is offering this great VINTAGE fully jointed teddy bears from the 1940's. You just have to love that face. You know it is just saying "Come on! Give me a hug!" I really enjoyed my trip through this shop. I was particularly struck by the wide variety of Paper Ephemera you can find here - postcards, photographs, etc. If you are a collector of vintage Christmas ornaments - this is the place for you! Christmas Angel has quite a few and all the prices are very reasonable!</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><strong>All in all my "bear" search was quite a bit of fun. Again, narrowing it down to just 4 items was a struggle. If you are up for a good time, go over to <a href="http://etsy.com/">etsy</a> and type in "bears" in the search bar and be prepared for surprises and fun. Or type in something else - it is an adventure waiting to happen!</strong></div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-89792714463475381762010-02-26T07:35:00.000-08:002010-03-03T10:36:37.007-08:00Having a Baby - Then and Now<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My oldest daughter just had a birthday the other day. My youngest daughter is having a baby in July. I guess these two things combined to make me start remembering and thinking about having babies and how different it is today from what was way back in 1969 when my first child was born.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">Remember? They made you stay in the hospital for a minimum for 5 days! Jeez! What the heck for??? And it wasn't even any fun! You did not have your child in the room with you. Oh No! The babies were all kept in the nursery behind glass. You could walk down there and stare through the window at your child - but you could not touch!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">The nurse would bring your baby to you at feeding time all wrapped up tightly in a receiving blanket and you got the priviledge of feeding your child during the day. Not at night! You needed your rest, you know. And absolutely NO ONE could be in the room with you when you were feeding your child - not even the father!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">Speaking of fathers - these poor guys never even got to touch their child the whole time they were in the hospital! They only could gaze at them from behind that nasty glass partition. They were not allowed in the delivery room and they were not allowed to touch their baby until the day you brought it home. How crazy was that!?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">I remember one time when the nurse brought my beautiful little girl in for feeding and I just could not help myself - I unwrapped her from that tightly wrapped blanket. I wanted to count toes and touch her knees and just behold the wonder of it all. When the nurse came in and discovered my sin you would have thought that I was dangling her out the window by her feet! Man, did she scream at me! Oh the horror of it all. She snatched that child from me, wrapped her up and stormed out of the room leaving me feeling like the worst mother on the face of the earth! What have I done! I UNWRAPPED her! I have ruined her before I even took her home. Somebody shoot me!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">Lots of other things have floated through my head about the differences between then and now. Things like no such thing as disposable diapers, plastic pants that got all crinkly and hard in the dryer, sterilizing bottles, tee shirts with snaps (no onsies back then) diaper rash (remember Desitin?), no car seats. Oh and this one - You absolutely NEVER put your baby to bed laying in his/her back! Heaven forbid. You must ALWAYS put your child to bed on its stomach - to prevent choking.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, lots of changes between then and now. But one thing that has not and never will change - The joy of having a child. The wonder at watching him/her grow. The miracle of gazing upon a sleeping face and knowing all is good with the world.</span></strong>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-31655611613837916142010-02-20T09:32:00.000-08:002010-02-21T05:55:01.120-08:00Celebrating the Winter Olympics with ETSY<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It wasn't difficult for me to come up with a theme for this week's blog about <a href="http://etsy.com/">etsy</a>. I mean, isn't everyone watching at least some of the Winter Olympic events. So I typed in "winter olympics" as my search keyword and was once again amazed at the number of items I was able to pull up and the variety of things available - both HANDMADE and VINTAGE. Again, it was hard for me to make my choices - but here they are:</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB-vECTaoIBr6raovkyCxDrUFyNbdA4W_9L_QouFjL42vlLjH8O1_DDGqx1GsmvY08W6PWPIjP2yWIiS9AIiASkJSvXqn5MBdsk4DvqWvCdikzSvrZS2MsmkR7gtNyPGcuGHw7Jl8oKkg/s1600-h/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB-vECTaoIBr6raovkyCxDrUFyNbdA4W_9L_QouFjL42vlLjH8O1_DDGqx1GsmvY08W6PWPIjP2yWIiS9AIiASkJSvXqn5MBdsk4DvqWvCdikzSvrZS2MsmkR7gtNyPGcuGHw7Jl8oKkg/s200/blog4.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I fell in love with this original oil painting by </span></strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jtj1227"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Janice Trane Jones</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. I love the period feel of this painting. I also love that it highlights one of the Olympic events that does not get a lot of coverage. This shop is filled with wonderful original oils (more that 50) and watercolors. The subject matter runs the gambit from country landscapes, sea scapes to flowers. Go on over and browse through this shop and give yourself a real treat!</span></strong><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the VINTAGE side of things on etsy, I found this great set of cuff links and tie bar being offered by </span></strong><a href="http://readressedresale.etsy.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ReADressedResale</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. These are a great Vintage collectible from the 1972 Sapporo Winter Games. Perfect for the collector or the sports lover. They can be displayed or worn. This shop has a very interesting collection of vintage items that range from more cuff links, Fiesta Ware and clothing. You will surely enjoy your visit!</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Back on the HANDMADE front, I found this great tile pendant celebrating the SPEED SKATER. This pendent has been upcycled from a scrabble tile by </span></strong><a href="http://indyandcleo.etsy.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Indy&Cleo</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. This is a most interesting shop. They have all kinds of upcycled tiles that cover a wide range of subject matter. More speed skaters, flowers and geomatrics to name a few. They also have some darling Sock Monkey items and other original art. Give them a browse!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>My final selection in the VINTAGE category is this beautiful scarf listed by <a href="http://madmenvintage.etsy.com/">MADMENVINTAGE</a>. This is a beauty from the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Games. Remember that US Hockey Team? MadMen have an extremely interesting collection of vintage offerings. Thye seem to specialize in quality vintage clothing, but they do throw in some fun surprises - like globes, bow ties and even a typewriter. It is a fun step back in time to browse through this shop. I think you will really enjoy the trip!</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, that's it for this week. If you have not visited etsy yet, please take a few minutes to check it out. Look at the shops I have highlighted here. Or, be adventurous and type in a keyword - any keyword - in the search box and see what you come up with. I think you will be surprised and pleased!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-28872554807357866352010-02-19T11:20:00.000-08:002010-02-19T11:25:04.737-08:00Gotta Love the Sun!<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow! We have finally had two days in a row where the sun came out. Now, I don't mean it kind of peeked out here and there through the cloud cover. It actually came out and shone down upon me in its' full glory!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It felt soooooooo good! I think I have a "spring in my step". I did a blog a few days ago about gardening and sticking my toes in the mud but I have to now admit - that was really wishful thinking and faith. I mean, it really seemed like maybe warmer weather was just going to take a pass this year. No sun, no fun - or something dire like that!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">But out old Mr. Sun came and now I can close my eyes and feel that warm mud oozing up between my toes! I can see myself sitting out on the deck, face turned up absorbing the heat, sipping an ice cold lemonade! Ah! Bring It On! Oh yeah, I can also hear myself lamenting the heat and wishing for the cooler weather to come back. Happens every year.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I guess I am just so darned happy that I live in an area of the country/world where I can enjoy the four seasons, anticpate the coming change and complain! Complaining about the weather is a favorite pasttime of us midwesterners - and thankfully - our weather patterns are very accommodating and condusive to complaints.</span></strong>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-15425378432105771612010-02-13T08:14:00.000-08:002010-02-15T08:01:04.719-08:00Spring is coming! Really! It is!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipeLgRwxq6HR6tyyLvpSzG-w5ylRKnwUDhDEpyXfPkooWwzV0UADp6PC6SF5SKCEVSlMhfGM5rvf3cAGH-k7sIrwj77yamxyxX_QhXpIm3dN2Hi8iy7DbEUckPZI0Jbl90YRJ9Wym3MKX/s1600-h/flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipeLgRwxq6HR6tyyLvpSzG-w5ylRKnwUDhDEpyXfPkooWwzV0UADp6PC6SF5SKCEVSlMhfGM5rvf3cAGH-k7sIrwj77yamxyxX_QhXpIm3dN2Hi8iy7DbEUckPZI0Jbl90YRJ9Wym3MKX/s200/flower.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong>OK. So I am sitting here looking out the window and the snow is piled up to my knees, the thermometer says is a whopping 14 degrees out there and I think I should go put a warmer sweater on. So why am I thinking about Spring and gardening? Well, the new seed catelogues are starting to come in the mail, for one reason. That surely puts one into mind of summer and digging in the dirt and the smell of lilacs wafting through the air - right?</strong><br />
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<strong>But another reason I have been thinking about spring and planting and toes in the mud is because I have been browsing around in <a href="http://etsy.com/">etsy</a> shops that carry all sorts of things for the outdoor garden. I was amazed once again by the variety of stuff that is on this site. It seems that no matter what your particular interest is, the talented folks over at etsy have something for you.</strong><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://myvictorygarden.etsy.com/"><strong>My Victory Garden</strong></a><strong> is the perfect place to start your search for things for your garden. This is a beautiful shop that specializes in Heirloom seeds - both vegetable and flower. The lettuce pictured above is called DRUNKEN WOMAN LETTUCE! You just can't go wrong with that! Browse through this shop and you will find some hard to find seeds that will really get your juices running to get out there and plant something! And, this shop also offers gift certificates which is great if you need a gift for a gardener but really don't know for sure what they need or want - they can pick their own!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>One of the best things about gardening is that it attracks all kinds of birds and butterflies to your yard. I really fell in love with this darling birdhouse from </strong><a href="http://pianoplayer1949.etsy.com/"><strong>Jenny's Tole Shed</strong></a><strong>. Check it out! This shop is full of all kinds of handpainted, unique items - not just birdhouse. It is well worth your time to brownse through.</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://thesucculentgarden.etsy.com/"><strong>The Succulent Garden</strong></a><strong> is a real fun shop to look through. This shop specializes in homegrown succulent plants. You will find some great cuttings, rooted plants, air plants and so much more. I discovered some things there that I had never heard of before. This shop also offers Gift Certificates for ease in gift giving. Take some time to check out this most interesting shop!</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenGPSJyUssLkEDC6n72C31Kh9P2FUuaSRG8YCeAOMkuSxiQXGhptqoUlQ-DB2mYtYLldqQv84L7FOHZMz-h9JOojVRjxfzBATIguWbge_Ea1PCfoqmzGwpK2DJpVb6lqmBHzqDfAByVA3/s1600-h/garden4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenGPSJyUssLkEDC6n72C31Kh9P2FUuaSRG8YCeAOMkuSxiQXGhptqoUlQ-DB2mYtYLldqQv84L7FOHZMz-h9JOojVRjxfzBATIguWbge_Ea1PCfoqmzGwpK2DJpVb6lqmBHzqDfAByVA3/s200/garden4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>The last shop I have chosen for this series on etsy is just pure eye candy for me! </strong><a href="http://trueconnection.etsy.com/"><strong>True Connection</strong></a><strong> has a wide variety of items made from recyled wood. They have a motto "Saving Life One Tree At A Time!" You just have to love that! The artiistically crafted offerings in this shop includes birdhouses, birdfeeders, a wide variety of benches and tons of other furniture - both indoor and outdoor. I believe that you can also custom order things if you don't find exactly what you are looking for. Give this shop a look see and you will be amazed!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I hope that you all are enjoying this series on etsy. I am determined to hunt through etsy to discover all the wonderful things that are out there. My goal is to mix it up as much as possible and to find the unexpected. I also want to mix up the HANDMADE and VINTAGE as much as possible. I am open to suggestions on themes that you would like to see featured here. Keep those cards and letters coming, folks!</strong></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-29189129319229681142010-02-10T10:10:00.000-08:002010-02-10T10:10:36.848-08:00Flashes of Memory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5-EJ62BZJSKvaVLcKjYuhuq8hpERPoX1V4eAWr-oEI596oYCeAeIMmTxiSfeIlig0DSIc8mk9ac3YUEtwpf7EoC-0ee-Kupy70_IfujXTPYxSH4uS4cHDAo-DMXsngSTJUXfkV2FNPBm/s1600-h/mem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5-EJ62BZJSKvaVLcKjYuhuq8hpERPoX1V4eAWr-oEI596oYCeAeIMmTxiSfeIlig0DSIc8mk9ac3YUEtwpf7EoC-0ee-Kupy70_IfujXTPYxSH4uS4cHDAo-DMXsngSTJUXfkV2FNPBm/s200/mem.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I recently had an email exchange with one of my cousins in which I had shared a little childhood memory with her. It was a rather insignifcant memory - just something I used to do once in a while when I was a little girl.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>But for some reason recalling this memory from my childhood seems to have opened a floodgate of memories. Ever since this email exchange, I have been having the most amazing flashes of memories from those days long gone by! Little vignettes of my childhood flash through my mind in little bits of what is almost like one minute videos of people, places and things that I have not thought about in years. </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>There does not seem to be anything special about the memories that come forward - they are totally random. They are not necessily memories of really important stuff either - just stuff. For instance, last night as I was falling asleep, I had a flashing memory of myself and a good childhood friend, Margie, running down an old gravel road barefoot! We were running and laughing and must have been heading somewhere fun! I mean, I could feel the gravel under my feet! It was a hot summer day and we were running so fast I was getting one of those stitches in my side.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>I have never been one to always be looking back. Well, I do somethimes think about my childhood and feel lucky to have lived in the time and place that I did. See this early blog I wrote about my hometown of <a href="http://etsygranny.blogspot.com/2008/01/reflections-of-my-childhood.html">Winneconne</a>. Once in a while through the years my kids will ask about life "way back then" and I would tell them about the games we played (Annie Annie Over, Kick the Can) or the things we did that I would NEVER allow them to do - like play in an old abandoned barn, take long, long (and I mean all day) walks just following the railroad tracks just because.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>But most of the time, I am content to live in today. I acknowledge that my past - for better or worse - had a great deal of influence in shaping me into the person I am today. But otherwise, I just sort of left the past in the past. But I have to say these flashes of memories are fun! I rather enjoy laying in the grass again with Janie Gavin and watching the clouds go by and finding shapes in them. And I always loved swimming in the Wolf River so it was kind of fun to have that great flash of me running down the dock and jumping in and feeling that icy water cool my summer hot skin.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>So come on memories - show me some more!</strong></div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-66389769401049947932010-02-07T10:54:00.000-08:002010-02-08T07:55:51.472-08:00Time To Get Your Green on - Etsy Style!<div><strong>You know what they say - On St. Patrick's Day everybody is Irish! So now is the time to get your <span style="color: #006600;">GREEN</span> on!</strong></div><br />
<strong>I was browsing around <a href="http://etsy.com/">etsy</a> and checking out all the St. Patrick's Day stuff trying to select some items to help me kick off my series to showcase the many shopping opportunities available on this astounding site. I really had a hard time making my selections - but here goes...........</strong><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml2EhoqwmDTgSg4-odZEoywel_xw8jBVn6rBoae2zME9RGxS3NaNOMutFFsxkkTcWhRgf3_EEtg1Q7ZFi7mCxdtiDljrW90_ph4kmseJ5hGzkGNJ48SWZvnER14P-mF0Dj5lSALO_RWKC/s1600-h/blog1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435525003019688754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml2EhoqwmDTgSg4-odZEoywel_xw8jBVn6rBoae2zME9RGxS3NaNOMutFFsxkkTcWhRgf3_EEtg1Q7ZFi7mCxdtiDljrW90_ph4kmseJ5hGzkGNJ48SWZvnER14P-mF0Dj5lSALO_RWKC/s200/blog1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 134px;" /></a></div><br />
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<div><strong>In the HANDMADE category, I love this great pillowcase dress made by <a href="http://lilsweetieboutique.etsy.com/">Little Sweetie Boutique</a>. I can just see a sweet little leprechaun dancing around in it! Check out the whole shop. She has tons more of these lovely pillowcase dress in all kinds of fabric themes. I am sure you will find something there to please any little girl on your list. Most are available in the size of your choice from 6 months to 5 years.</strong></div><br />
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<strong>On the VINTAGE side of things, I picked this really super<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435526300919046802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N0nAJbJypgRyMI-8f13EdanI3zVNCziWT_7IN0o8H_5TUo4unkGwd3FbE5ALTMDbTzUi1GV_HHyLRWu0hTltGVXFuiaDuZtO6elQ2BYXkr_tHkAarBF-fuD8bM6pUUdavIGvMnnVPvaB/s200/blog5.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></strong><br />
<strong>nice rhinestone Shamrock brooch. You will find this</strong><br />
<strong>in <a href="http://cricketcapers.etsy.com/">CricketCapers</a> shop. While you are there, check out</strong><br />
<strong>all the other wonderful vintage items showcased there</strong><br />
<strong>They really run the gambit - clothes, purses, jewelry an</strong><br />
<strong>so much more!</strong><br />
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<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gUJHpRhXgvUlhokyYcg6FgrOzNzT2Jg0B7leSuhmdnJgFTgnjH6PDOL1bz5BE9DfOrH-XC5uI5jToDhgiPJPNcnOWkIkqzpLVjaPUQJy2Lke25RUFyURZ2v0XQfGCRR5w0_13P9PC6Tv/s1600-h/blog4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435527377785487666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gUJHpRhXgvUlhokyYcg6FgrOzNzT2Jg0B7leSuhmdnJgFTgnjH6PDOL1bz5BE9DfOrH-XC5uI5jToDhgiPJPNcnOWkIkqzpLVjaPUQJy2Lke25RUFyURZ2v0XQfGCRR5w0_13P9PC6Tv/s200/blog4.jpg" style="float: left; height: 183px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Further checking into the many VINTAGE items out there is etsy land, I discovered this really neat Irish Mug in <a href="http://yesterdaysmemories09.etsy.com/">YesterdaysMemories09</a> shop. Can't you just see yourself sipping a cup of Irish Coffee? Need a recipe? Check this site - they have a bunch! <a href="http://cooks.com/">cooks.com</a>. If you are looking for some unique and interesting VINTAGE items - this shop is a good place to start your search.</strong><br />
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<div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdrObR6hAfY7E6oRPcHbEBgYaagYzZBETNWZiSIyDhkDXGUISbTccpbfya00ZJM-LPVmnQdbliFF_HatBCSF2ph9bzZ50wFlvfb9CnyqIdwhl9YaoQB-XJuORUYkY42QBtUV67UWkK4t3/s1600-h/blog6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435529150689902114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdrObR6hAfY7E6oRPcHbEBgYaagYzZBETNWZiSIyDhkDXGUISbTccpbfya00ZJM-LPVmnQdbliFF_HatBCSF2ph9bzZ50wFlvfb9CnyqIdwhl9YaoQB-XJuORUYkY42QBtUV67UWkK4t3/s200/blog6.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 150px;" /></a></strong></div><br />
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<strong>My final find in the HANDMADE arena, was this super Kiss Me, I'm Irish </strong><strong>apron by </strong><a href="http://grandmahansen.etsy.com/"><strong>Grandma Hansen</strong></a>. <strong>Maybe you could put this on while you are whipping up that Irish Coffee! This shop is loaded with all kinds of neat stuff! She has aprons for every occasion. Many NFL themed aprons, aprons for kids, bonnets and hats for toddlers - just lots of fun stuff!</strong><br />
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<strong>Well, that's it for my first in this on-going series to highlight all the talented folks over at etsy. I am setting a goal of once a week. I am going to try to change up the theme and keep a good mixture of both HANDMADE and VINTAGE. I welcome suggestions about themes for this series. In the meantime, check out etsy and see what you have been missing!</strong>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-62028243930586902992010-02-07T09:58:00.000-08:002010-02-07T10:02:45.543-08:00Linking problemsI apologize to anyone having problems with my links. For some reason they are not working in the posting I did yesterday. I am working with blogspot to try to figure out what the problem is. When we figure it out, I will make the appropriate changes so that you can use my links.<br /><br />I will hold off on #1 in my etsy series until this is resolved.<br /><br />And it isn't even Friday the 13th!Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-76276784744953319982010-02-06T10:40:00.000-08:002010-02-07T11:00:19.549-08:00Changing<strong>Wow! I have been really, really negligent with this blog. I knew it has been a while - just didn't realize how long of a while it had been.</strong><br />
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<strong>I guess it is because I have been so busy with my shops on etsy. I have 2 now so I keep going back and forth between the two and never seem to have time for anything else. I have greatly scaled back on the </strong><a href="http://grannyscloset.etsy.com/"><strong>grannyscloset</strong></a><strong> shop while I try to figure out what I want to start making in the handmade category next.</strong><br />
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<strong>Most of my time lately has been in the </strong><a href="http://ilovevintagestuff.etsy.com/"><strong>I Love Vintage Stuff </strong></a><strong>shop that I share with my daughters. Vintage and antiques has always been where my heart was and I am so much enjoying getting back to it. There is something about the hunt for vintage/antiques that just makes it ever so satisfying to me.</strong><br />
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<strong>In case you have not discovered it, </strong><a href="http://etsy.com/"><strong>etsy</strong></a><strong> is a most wonderful place! It is a site that was established for people who make stuff and they want to sell it - all kinds of stuff - fine art, jewelry, clothing, bizarre stuff. Just think it and it is probably there. Later on, etsy also included persons who were selling vintage stuff (vintage being 20 years or older). When I saw that, I was thrilled. Now I could work with both of my loves all in the same place!</strong><br />
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<strong>So, I am going to start a new series in my blog. Hopefully this will entice me to be more proactive with this blog stuff and maybe upload some pictures now and again. I am going to try at least once a week to may a blog entry to highlight some of the GREAT FINDS on etsy. I probably will try to have a theme to each entry. I know for sure that I am going to mix it up as much as possible - some HANDMADE and some VINTAGE. I love both!</strong><br />
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<strong>So my next blog entry will be my first in the series. Hopefully it won't be the last! Give me some feedback. Do you like it? Have a theme suggestions. Get a new hobby?</strong>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-49952148525116855232009-08-29T12:19:00.000-07:002009-08-29T12:22:49.314-07:00<strong>I have decided that living on an island is not all that bad. Once you accept the fact that there really isn't anyone else there - no one hiding behind a palm tree or nobody living on the other side of the island who wants to sits around the fire with you, it gets to be not so bad. There can be something calming about the oneness of it all - just you and maybe............Wilson.</strong>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-63919732007129673422009-05-26T11:36:00.000-07:002009-05-29T09:23:05.524-07:00Gardening - Knees hate it, soul loves itI have been a gardener for most of my adult life. Every spring (actually it starts in February) I start to think about what I am going to plant, where I am going to plant it and how much of the stuff I planted last year is going to withstand the winter and come forth when the ground begins to warm.<br /><br />As I age, it gets a little harder every year to crawl around on hands and knees to dig the dirt, pull the weeds and nip the fading blossoms. I am usually full of aches and pains every spring from bending and pulling. But it is worth it. Right now I am eagerly awaiting my lupin (pictured below) to come into full bloom. They really came back in full force this year. This is the most blossoms I have ever had on one plant. Pure Soul Food!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQzaMmDJeawhGpax5vjFXuzOcOV772e8MPSsnH6fGJrYsTDmhoIzLmI3LXOBF9JRNpiFcPNawCOrK2axtCqxFO5Q9-soe6VV-paNr2BV3Od7RmcebR42P4iJ6kl6d2ZeZEfCFLe84WR-4/s1600-h/IMG_2669.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340204698162204098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQzaMmDJeawhGpax5vjFXuzOcOV772e8MPSsnH6fGJrYsTDmhoIzLmI3LXOBF9JRNpiFcPNawCOrK2axtCqxFO5Q9-soe6VV-paNr2BV3Od7RmcebR42P4iJ6kl6d2ZeZEfCFLe84WR-4/s320/IMG_2669.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The other bonus in flower gardening is being able to bring all these wonderful scents into the house. My lilacs are just about ready. Can you see that the buds are almost fully opened? In a few days they will be ready to come inside to become eye and nose candy for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grampy</span> and me. And, about the time they are done, my peonies will be ready to take over the "good smell" duties. Pure Soul Food!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGWpN9-H3b_68MRCmAB5pSQRrBgjYnOb-bAM09AjrMEn8LGv1Su62qrKdjl-fq57-ZsjkPsjEuGdBGVMhObCKvHjWlixebCvSNTrvh7xDdcCm7YBM1sJaM8i-AI2F06SBfIUxwsn8ZCIv/s1600-h/IMG_2673.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340204308606104482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGWpN9-H3b_68MRCmAB5pSQRrBgjYnOb-bAM09AjrMEn8LGv1Su62qrKdjl-fq57-ZsjkPsjEuGdBGVMhObCKvHjWlixebCvSNTrvh7xDdcCm7YBM1sJaM8i-AI2F06SBfIUxwsn8ZCIv/s320/IMG_2673.JPG" /></a><br />In the meantime, while I await the lupin and lilac to reach full bloom, I sooth my soul with the Columbine. Aren't these beautiful? This is only their second year gracing my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">gardening</span>, but already they are offering me some wonderful sights and hinting at how wonderful they will be in the years to come. Pure Soul Food!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8tlqTuxjQKniyMIeRqkxcqau90KDNyFe06N0tYXsxKfrgz7bTgcb5WlyEXweIx_lAMCnfGwRalZMbNefGp5mZm35JrRd_DkDYiqIEOxNnHeCaZ4ROP27r4qAPoJuPbrtCMAGJFpB6VxI/s1600-h/IMG_2670.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340203978670594754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8tlqTuxjQKniyMIeRqkxcqau90KDNyFe06N0tYXsxKfrgz7bTgcb5WlyEXweIx_lAMCnfGwRalZMbNefGp5mZm35JrRd_DkDYiqIEOxNnHeCaZ4ROP27r4qAPoJuPbrtCMAGJFpB6VxI/s320/IMG_2670.JPG" /></a> </div><div>So, the knees will just have to suffer! The back can ache, the nails can be broken and jagged. I need my Soul Food and my garden gives it to me every day!<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-23930257174945556722009-04-26T10:18:00.000-07:002009-05-02T11:36:42.504-07:00Bad Granny!I have been a Bad Granny! It appears that I have not posted anything in my blog for a long, long time. Guess I need to find a good excuse as to why this is so. So - here goes. See if this excuse works for you.<br /><br />A couple of years ago I purchased a brand new sewing machine. It is a glorious sewing machine! It has bells. It has whistles. It has doodads on it that I still don't know what they doo or dad. But little did I know when I purchased it, brought it home and set it up that the darned thing TALKED!.<br /><br />Yes! It talks to me. Whenever I start to do something like make a blog entry or check and respond to email it starts talking to me. It is the DEVIL! You should hear it when I try to do something like head for the closet that holds the vacuum!<br /><br />Ewww! It takes on that low, sultry voice and starts in. "Hey, Baby. Come on over here. Take a seat. I am waiting for you. I have a full bobbin"<br /><br />And it just goes on and on. "Remember that brand new needle you just gave me? Well, it is here all shiny and new just waiting to caress that new fabric that came in the mail 2 days ago. Yes, I saw that package. I know what it is. Let me push the chair out for you, baby. We have things to do."<br /><br />So there you have it - that is why I have not posted is such a long time. I think I need to find out where Mr. Sewing Machine's mouth is and cover it with duct tape or something so I can get something done around here!<br /><br />But it is not all the machine's fault. I guess part of the blame needs to go to that new <a href="http://ilovevintagestuff.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a> that I started with my daughters at the end of December. You see, we started it because we all had way too much antique and vintage stuff around that we really needed to get rid of. Both my daughter Tracy and I had gobs of vintage jewelry, paper ephemera, sewing patterns and stuff. We thought that this would be a great way to sell some of this stuff - you know - so we could buy more stuff! Well, it has been highly successful! I sold out almost everything I had in very short order. And - of course - I had to buy more so I could sell that too! I love antiqueing, treasure hunting and going to garage sales. Results? No blogging for a long, long time.<br /><br />I still have my original <a href="http://grannyscloset.etsy.com/">handmade etsy shop</a> going but right now I am pretty much only selling off already finished items. I have not created any new stuff for the shop for quite some time now. Overall, between the shop and the annual craft sale in Minneapolis, I have sold around 3 thousand needle bags and I am kind of tired of making them. I will be going into a new handmade direction in that shop as soon as a good idea falls out of the sky. I keep looking up but so far - nothing.<br /><br />Anyway, I will try to be a little more regular in my posting here. I mean, I do muse alot and probably should write some of it down while the mind still sorta functions.Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-28434650637768528522008-12-05T07:34:00.001-08:002008-12-05T07:51:42.368-08:00All Packed and Ready To Go!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF1LkaTcwXUl6fws0ns4rr5V6Q4pWPFpVtLzI2XtLM3wN9M6ic9ZIBMKclqYFI15X1Wg2SWkptWVKcX1aQttipSFZbAUivM2gPYu0Mj2SZAuT3DDgyu5LM2b7QRiq3Sghj3IFJJUL5kBZ/s1600-h/IMG_1134.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276330139846516146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF1LkaTcwXUl6fws0ns4rr5V6Q4pWPFpVtLzI2XtLM3wN9M6ic9ZIBMKclqYFI15X1Wg2SWkptWVKcX1aQttipSFZbAUivM2gPYu0Mj2SZAuT3DDgyu5LM2b7QRiq3Sghj3IFJJUL5kBZ/s200/IMG_1134.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZkgFPt1JjqMJEr2BgIG5A1JSrprnfpExdkgEQjfhjuBwRiw8dyodF3yjpu0t3IX98AHoE-pnp71_lzTs6pyMFVEESIywSVF_RGKK41QAuTFsn3_kyIieDtD5El9TJe6CGVowDneLt_At/s1600-h/IMG_1133.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276330016962063682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZkgFPt1JjqMJEr2BgIG5A1JSrprnfpExdkgEQjfhjuBwRiw8dyodF3yjpu0t3IX98AHoE-pnp71_lzTs6pyMFVEESIywSVF_RGKK41QAuTFsn3_kyIieDtD5El9TJe6CGVowDneLt_At/s200/IMG_1133.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>OK! I am ready! Well, at least as ready as I am going to get. The BIG Craft Sale is tomorrow in Minneapolis. No Coast Craft O Rama actually starts today, but for logistical reasons, I only participate on Saturday.</p><p></p><p>I have all my junk (I am too modest to say Treasures) packed and ready. Grampy and I are heading up to my daughter's house today and then we are all making the trek from Eau Claire to Minneapolis early tomorrow morning. Grampy serves as the grunt to help with the heavy lifting and my daughter is my sales assistant. I could not do this sale without either of them! I am grateful that they are willing to give up a weekend to indulge my hobby. And I cannot forget the other daughter - she is the co-founder of this successful annual craft sale! If she was not so involved with this sale I doubt I would even make the trip to Minneapolis to participate.</p><p></p><p>It is with a little mixed emotion that I prepare for this sale. For reasons that I do not want to make public right now, this is probably the last year that I will be taking part in this sale. I think I will really miss the excitement of the event. But I probably will not miss the pressure of getting enough product ready each year to make it worth it for me and my family to to make the trip.</p><p></p><p>Without the pressure of having to have such a huge stockpile ready, I think I will be more inclined to do some experimenting with new and exciting items to sell at my etsy and my madeitmyself on-line shops. I have wanted to get into some other things that are maybe a little more adventurous and creative but have been reluctant to take the time.</p><p></p><p>More importantly, however, is that I feel that I never have time to sew for my grandchildren. They are the whole reason I got back into sewing in the first place after a 10-year lapse! So, now perhaps I will have time to sew for them more often AND to keep up with my shops and still have some semblance of a life!</p><p></p><p>Anyway, wish me luck tomorrow! I will post again to let you know how it all went.</p>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-25247976163777474562008-11-15T12:00:00.000-08:002008-11-15T12:12:12.232-08:00Getting Ready for the Big Craft Sale!<div>As many of you know, I participate in only one craft sale a year. it is <a href="http://nocoastcraft.com/">NoCoast Craft O Rama</a> in Minneapolis. Besides being a super wonderful sale, I take part is this one because my daughter is one of the co-founders. She and a group of wonderfully bright and talented gals started up this annual event 4 years ago. It keeps growing and growing and is fast becoming one of the "must do" Holiday events in the Minneapolis area.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My other daughter has always gone with me to be my sales assistant. And believe me - I could not do this without her! The second year of this event I had made us some vendor aprons to keep our money, pens, and other misc. items in during the sale. They worked ok but they were not great. I had just slapped them out with some fabric I had laying around and, other than serving their purpose, they did not have much appeal.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But this year, I am taking it up a notch! I found these great vendor aprons made by <a href="http://www.madeitmyself.com/user/mylittle.aspx">MyLittle</a> who has a great shop over at Made it Myself (referenced in my last post). She embroidered my shop name on them. How classy is that!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here they are. If you need vendor aprons - give this shop a look-see!</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268979240437228018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVm-1eHaM7wZNONSJ1gDsW4dpvbTj6YehFhsQFSJwYBgRYAHRAcYZJ2OTbQMOXktVLqU8vMY995nCDqni3Pl006g3CMKnykjTqvJL-55SOKAEkVIpxL_n8OzNhiXBnuaIyaMl1Ai4Q7yX/s200/IMG_1053.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-12941219732870681912008-11-05T13:15:00.001-08:002008-11-05T13:30:34.936-08:00Halloween<div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkNdWgjG5qw5tZ4qgYgEMjAMmlO7iLYvV8P5P1HhTtOaOHW314NRlOWNez2rXRu75Tup9JVI_LG1afeaId5pKD2QgFaYrzH1SywWAz_LQu8GLPg28P4CWuLVwJzugPRQwmgoD2qfYvDla/s1600-h/IMG_0948.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265286247252899874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkNdWgjG5qw5tZ4qgYgEMjAMmlO7iLYvV8P5P1HhTtOaOHW314NRlOWNez2rXRu75Tup9JVI_LG1afeaId5pKD2QgFaYrzH1SywWAz_LQu8GLPg28P4CWuLVwJzugPRQwmgoD2qfYvDla/s200/IMG_0948.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNmdEDDiqXamXQTZxwoAsRDoMg7bFAhfVYtFp5MMumNmczsJFb9dKW4Dr8e3CNS6aJ9nffFNSxJ0BJHc5DQ7FOPez9fwJTHmM04HP2KacjLesagLET_LK23nFIL6HqaV6CFmd1Onsu4rd/s1600-h/IMG_0945.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265285735353204066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNmdEDDiqXamXQTZxwoAsRDoMg7bFAhfVYtFp5MMumNmczsJFb9dKW4Dr8e3CNS6aJ9nffFNSxJ0BJHc5DQ7FOPez9fwJTHmM04HP2KacjLesagLET_LK23nFIL6HqaV6CFmd1Onsu4rd/s200/IMG_0945.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>Wow! This was a great Hallowe'en for Granny and Grampy! We went to visit with our granddaughters and go out Trick or Treating with them. The weather could not have been better! And the kids were out in huge numbers. I mean the streets were loaded with goblins and witches and spidermen and bunny rabbits and all kinds of fun and interesting creatures.<br /><br /></div><div>I love going to visit my grandkids at this time of year. They always have the most creative costumes that they put together with the help of their very creative mom. And the people in this small community really go all out. Lots of the grown ups wear costumes, they houses are decked out with some of the most creative and fun decorations I have ever seen!<br /></div><div>Here are a few more of the creativeness we saw on Halloween night:</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_S5eztJFcYHWBvh69Zl49ruoxZtg17dqbv12QTqf7iaJIy6a-xWANYKfwUqpZXk3Ua9MfO7zIY93AzvXZB-2C9l1NiM-BsDkwog-k0K3Y2YHLdCLGtfIPjwaHglpQXkVUykBu8b2otjh/s1600-h/IMG_0962.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265287680699320882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_S5eztJFcYHWBvh69Zl49ruoxZtg17dqbv12QTqf7iaJIy6a-xWANYKfwUqpZXk3Ua9MfO7zIY93AzvXZB-2C9l1NiM-BsDkwog-k0K3Y2YHLdCLGtfIPjwaHglpQXkVUykBu8b2otjh/s200/IMG_0962.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265288131966746898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs1S0z26LB95-ZWyoMlgFCZY9CyRo9Ob-xrS3ZDYZW-tHQwxcE85-KRzbcBELXej-SlfzrDyHtrWvxlTdoF6rM4xlL94ocFmuvWcqhfEhUuS6K1wZmayox5lC-gurODPGL746gOTjJATk/s200/IMG_0956.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2c0uCsNvviEs9BlloPALh4hISIuxsN8PQDaQummwlixddxvn3bDlqIfXaO5XjEwpxK6UefIVkQ6coKqaMfynuLCjK9hjZLa_i0S_XInUFbgVLGzr3rTKMwQxca71pLB-gM-3HTnDw1J2/s1600-h/IMG_0966.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265288499841398882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2c0uCsNvviEs9BlloPALh4hISIuxsN8PQDaQummwlixddxvn3bDlqIfXaO5XjEwpxK6UefIVkQ6coKqaMfynuLCjK9hjZLa_i0S_XInUFbgVLGzr3rTKMwQxca71pLB-gM-3HTnDw1J2/s200/IMG_0966.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-15876611632192105272008-10-30T08:18:00.000-07:002008-10-30T08:33:26.436-07:00Still Trying to Learn the New Camera<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-mrPeL0hzUn68QDCrZeALj58k7DZiUUOz9F0kd9V6CxgKAObSdDxXgSMPT7fM4NWsJgoP16Al770GL_dh78r065Y-L5fuYHcMLDd6021xqN_OmBv5cSzzHvGd1EX9YQzrsNyJnF8K_VI/s1600-h/IMG_0941.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262969768336036514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-mrPeL0hzUn68QDCrZeALj58k7DZiUUOz9F0kd9V6CxgKAObSdDxXgSMPT7fM4NWsJgoP16Al770GL_dh78r065Y-L5fuYHcMLDd6021xqN_OmBv5cSzzHvGd1EX9YQzrsNyJnF8K_VI/s200/IMG_0941.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLElkqHG1y7rP4ocoHoiwWiuk9vSxvx8oXT6i4m_Bcn8iQNOaGsMxaqtc5EGqM51i_uo6fXElpOgE1pxoo_TYdr5vaRiyoCCN2tB5Ax_xOpgz8gZt-JbFOna434sI1PL5oJhiyPAWSF0g0/s1600-h/IMG_0939.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262969761863542562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLElkqHG1y7rP4ocoHoiwWiuk9vSxvx8oXT6i4m_Bcn8iQNOaGsMxaqtc5EGqM51i_uo6fXElpOgE1pxoo_TYdr5vaRiyoCCN2tB5Ax_xOpgz8gZt-JbFOna434sI1PL5oJhiyPAWSF0g0/s200/IMG_0939.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxyAuK-wkLJgGPL4tMGwqlO0FEP4a8ibAq7UTgwRyM-tUCZp_fZBmps8anWC7igsvYMn-z1ptKhuyyfGJbxewCfMwWxLiDqbmmR0XBaseGVwtfGeFcUJrNr-akrLujJWA5nL4g0HHgiyy/s1600-h/IMG_0935.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262969757717792306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxyAuK-wkLJgGPL4tMGwqlO0FEP4a8ibAq7UTgwRyM-tUCZp_fZBmps8anWC7igsvYMn-z1ptKhuyyfGJbxewCfMwWxLiDqbmmR0XBaseGVwtfGeFcUJrNr-akrLujJWA5nL4g0HHgiyy/s200/IMG_0935.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>So I got this new camera a while back and am having mixed success in learning all the ins and outs of using it. It is a Canon Rebel. I like it because it is a digital camera but has features that Grampy and I missed when we gave up our 35mm manual camera - the ability to take lots of shots without the delay you get with a digital, having a zoom lens and focusing ability. One of my favorite settings in the "Sports" setting which allows me to just hold the button down and the camera will take about 5 or 6 rapid shots. This is especially useful when trying to get photographs of my grandkids when they are riding their bikes or doing gymnastics.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The above shots are not very good, I admit. I was trying to get some good shots out my patio door of the birds at the feeder. I was trying to catch some in flight using the Sports setting. The lighting wasn't very good and the darned birds were just too quick for me most of the time. I sorta just stood there with the camera aimed at the feeder and was trying to catch some as they were flying in. Unfortunately, they were already landed before I started clicking - bummer!</div><br /><br /><br /><div>But, I will keep trying. So along with the pictures I posted some time back of the Red Tailed Hawk that adopted us, I thought I'd post a couple of my not so hot bird pictures here and maybe we can see how I progress as I post some more in the future. Winter should be a good time for getting some great bird shots!</div></div></div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-29975282128048135742008-10-19T08:36:00.000-07:002008-10-19T09:02:05.556-07:00BiFocals Suck!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yMPf50QFLHjj3RJ51gehMZtVwMaO0ZwQkyTPEvtnJm_SQoIL7PtZWGmjm0M8Ks59_vFvAKY-2H_Dr4XOqArXYzL0Hg5nyq_XCbS3GGl7vno7NRCGZZ-OFrYNOnlXhkX6xZxqOZ2q2wFR/s1600-h/IMG_0866.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258890798682062610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yMPf50QFLHjj3RJ51gehMZtVwMaO0ZwQkyTPEvtnJm_SQoIL7PtZWGmjm0M8Ks59_vFvAKY-2H_Dr4XOqArXYzL0Hg5nyq_XCbS3GGl7vno7NRCGZZ-OFrYNOnlXhkX6xZxqOZ2q2wFR/s200/IMG_0866.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p></p><p>As if the wrinkly skin and aching bones wasn't enough, old age had to further make itself known to me by requiring that I now needed to wear bi<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">focals</span>! Yuck!</p><p></p><p>Actually the adjustment from my prescription reading glasses (which I have worn for years) to bi<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">focals</span> was not that difficult with one major exception. I did not have the problem many have with going up and down stairs or with reading. Thankfully, I quickly found the right head position for machine and hand sewing. What I could not master was seeing the computer screen!</p><p></p><p>No matter what I did; no matter how I held me head; no matter how I tried to adjust the location/position of the screen it was just a big blur and kind of made me sick to look at it. I finally gave up and went back to see the eye doctor. Well, it turns out that the bi<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">focals</span> probably will never work for me when working on the computer and needed to see the full screen. You see, I have what is called a "lazy eye" and usually only use one eye (the left one) when looking straight forward. So finding that mid-range "sweet spot" for looking at the computer screen becomes much more complex and often impossible.</p><p></p><p>There is a solution, however. Per my eye doctor I am now using my old prescription reading glasses for computer work. Because the prescription for these is the same as the close range prescription in my new ones, she assured me that I am not doing any harm to my eyes by switching back and forth. She cautioned me, however, to only use the readers for the computer so that I continue to perfect my ability to use the bi<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">focals</span>.</p><p></p><p>So old age continues to creep up and play nasty little tricks on me. I am trying to fight back as best I can. I just got a new bike and am taking up bike riding after more than 20 years. I am having a little problem adjusting to the new-fangled bikes. I did get one that is made especially for people like me who learned to ride on the old fashioned biked that did not have the seat up so high and the handle bars straight out. That seems to be working pretty good for me but I still have to adjust to the skinny tires. Wish me luck and pray that I don't break a leg!</p>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-58437850994586405682008-08-24T07:27:00.000-07:002008-08-24T07:52:36.679-07:00WWWG Street Team FindsAs I was browsing through the listings of my fellow etsy Wild Wise and Witty Grandmamas of Etsy Street Team members, I must have been thinking flowers! Maybe it is because summer is beginning to come to a close and the flowers in my garden are fading, the blossoms are getting smaller and everything seems to be preparing itself for the winter that lies just around the corner.<br /><br /><br /><br />Whatever the reason, all three of my picks to feature this time all have a flower theme. So, although they are diverse items, they all speak to my love of flowers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238093053375511106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U5NbeNKxK0bTNeIPup8AQIiG1aJOC6fKGgo3VGv9Q-L1L-nZ_4pxxSZ4ozibAKbBlRzV7_Kz_TKDkpCqEhiRFQc5puWnkjDHMzkFFJR3LW3IQNX778iiyC8onaXFvejcaaq9Weje6CwZ/s200/Jacket.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://stormeejean.etsy.com/">Stormeejean</a> is the maker of this wonderful jacket. The soft, subdued colors are perfect. I think this jacket is so versatile that it works for the office, an evening out or even with a nice pair of casual pants for a walk around the Farmer's Market!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238094243163319410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CXu4udaupIMpsBzJA60TVllitq4KShzF_Y_EQCoJjvpij95TEZpisaYUzRWh5ma5Sn7OVnQAzzIS4ilEAj6jbWzsN3AFdKoN7umOr6k7ryzbM25Sflbcp8WCctpL2P8oteko2_T4wIyq/s200/pendant.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br />When I came across this beautiful Fused Dichroic Glass Pendant made by <a href="http://fireflyglassdesign.etsy.com/">Firefly Glass Design</a> I fell in love. Her shop is full of wonderfully designed pendants and deserve a closer look if you are in the market for a unique piece of jewelry for yourself or as a gift. Check her out and I am sure you will love what she has to offer and find her prices quite reasonable.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238096531823508802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBX7ysEUegtQpPavOI-ByYRuXBxob4QlVY1Kqb_NTQEdmc56PNEfRIxbpwaBRO722KhPnwP2K6y2dcqeJ1PcdSToPZjBoZ8wg3JtND8ZAidyg8eLkPSZYBkoTKl8yBmZogDOktre9A1ka/s200/xmas.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I suppose part of that "fading summer" mood I was in this morning is one of the reasons I was so drawn to <a href="http://kelseyskorner.etsy.com/">Kelseys Korner</a> because she has some of the most beautiful Christmas Ornaments I have seen in a long time! This Victorian Rose is so delicate! And she has many more to choose from, so please give her shop a look over! You will be glad you did.<br /><br /><br /><br />So if you are like me and get a little sad when you think of the flowers fading and summer coming to a close, check out these lovely shops and find a way to have the flowers in your life all year around!Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-27521904784675009572008-08-05T08:50:00.000-07:002008-08-24T06:56:39.914-07:00More Great Finds From WWWG etsy Street TeamI have been busy looking through all the shops of my fellow Street Team members and find that the variety and quality of items my fellow "old gals" are putting out on a daily basis is astounding! Here are three more sellers that deserve a closer look:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231062277732863842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelM0J2F9paXrMThYTGgM3x0_SK_lXYV4jsNe0FQ8vpRfp3lKizJatFIvYm5VDApF8Bp1wHbRGrj085R7zAI963K3XkGC9k0mGhM9N4DFBqjw6RDPOcl7jqoqBxsiRB8SjSyzsO-GgzVvA/s200/ennadoolf.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><a href="http://ennadoolf.etsy.com/">http://ennadoolf.etsy.com/</a> has a wonderful shop with a wide variety of items. If you are looking for some really beautiful Barbie Doll clothes, you really need to check her out! She has lots of these wonderful reversible dolls. I remember my daughter having one of these when she was little and she loved it</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231063342463240818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnB8zj_xJ9ecfUxx4SIThKutvksKGxtZPXAzQ9jNThn9AjB1urZ28RY-CMUZcIrr557cIMI9HK77wpOGnpd-AEjHsAFF_mEDt3PwicxBvJmqaqsqpk9TD2lJRVV8Eh0opK76P53gIloDC/s200/circleinthesand.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><br /><p><a href="http://circleinthesand.etsy.com/">http://circleinthesand.etsy.com/</a> - this is another great seller! She has tons of vintage stuff, including buttons, patterns and Christmas items. Take a look - you will love it. And <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">interspersed</span> throughout her shop listings you will find some great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">handknit</span> items for baby!<br /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231064000065012850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmCbjOnyxYZ37_GxvrVyZWCXhaUA1glONnJxkmaoYmR1eCk97LddzmNyeJhq_6Bl2YwCu1Ux-ZmdHo-YQuSi4INriQBVX0yNMRiIeEbDTmPtvBKRY8KgxZcGgpjyOkreR5mWX7R7u7Uh_/s200/scottieacres.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><a href="http://scottieacres.etsy.com/">http://scottieacres.etsy.com/</a> - in keeping with her shop name, this seller seems to have a Scottie on everything in her shop! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">These</span> cute little craft aprons, bibs, t-shirts and a whole lot more. So, if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Scotties</span> are your thing - you have got to check out this shop.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>So enjoy checking these shops. If you would like to check out the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">grandmama's</span> who are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nat</span> letting the aging process interfere with the creative side of life, you can check out all the Wild, Wise & Witty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Gramdmamas</span> Street Team by entering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wwwg</span> team in the search bar at the top of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">etsy</span> page.<br /></p><br /><p></p>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-79174474736798882442008-07-28T07:14:00.000-07:002008-08-24T06:57:58.946-07:00Wild, Wise and Witty Grandmamas Street Team<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYRiTbXcdUgHgvmswU9YjF1H3-FpzsS6THzR_5bhoph06S6KVJQiR-zDgaR6KS4yQ-JE1E2XrZTEO-mVECDxrmb51XRjQeIxGYzYVYI08Uq2-nb6rF1PhbXF0XXpIOP6IZ5Lu4lRiFw3w/s1600-h/judysnow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228068806604909138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYRiTbXcdUgHgvmswU9YjF1H3-FpzsS6THzR_5bhoph06S6KVJQiR-zDgaR6KS4yQ-JE1E2XrZTEO-mVECDxrmb51XRjQeIxGYzYVYI08Uq2-nb6rF1PhbXF0XXpIOP6IZ5Lu4lRiFw3w/s200/judysnow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq20GqzDBx8_Gkw1n40AO2bInoYZD2fl4JVD8BQg29zvlDFz8TG_bVORyNa1t_7KA1mTD7hlbfXa5auacMdtF3VGaaI9ph7Ji5uHIor2ebgYeuXoaii8hlLG7LkRvDnSAtx6ebz4xS4Az/s1600-h/ElenaMary.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228068632012337122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq20GqzDBx8_Gkw1n40AO2bInoYZD2fl4JVD8BQg29zvlDFz8TG_bVORyNa1t_7KA1mTD7hlbfXa5auacMdtF3VGaaI9ph7Ji5uHIor2ebgYeuXoaii8hlLG7LkRvDnSAtx6ebz4xS4Az/s200/ElenaMary.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5C2aqmQtpLOXMIg2_haNYglBr9qdnjA4ZITJZD2lW4kfDCr3HiFurt2FmDZLOnzCpU0TlGlBlKUKc2sU-hXJxtRe0mz0nICHvHHxv9S-Hh_tf5iueM3XYF7MDq0AWj9mddT0PiUG7iS3o/s1600-h/JNpottery.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228068464265798050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5C2aqmQtpLOXMIg2_haNYglBr9qdnjA4ZITJZD2lW4kfDCr3HiFurt2FmDZLOnzCpU0TlGlBlKUKc2sU-hXJxtRe0mz0nICHvHHxv9S-Hh_tf5iueM3XYF7MDq0AWj9mddT0PiUG7iS3o/s200/JNpottery.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>I recent joined a Street Team on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">etsy</span>. For those of you who are not familiar with the inner workings of <a href="http://etsy.com/">http://etsy.com/</a>, one of the feature in place to help out the sellers is the ability for sellers to form teams to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">provide</span> each other with support and community. Teams get together and give each other advise, find ways to promote each other shops and just build a sense of community.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I have been an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">etsy</span> member for 3 years and have never really felt compelled to join a team before. But the title of this team - Wild, Wise and Witty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gramdmamas</span> - kind of caught my eye. Although I am not Wild (well, one night I stayed up until 10:30!), any wisdom I once had is long gone and my wit is often described by my children as being a little on the sick side, I thought that at least I qualified as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Grandmama</span>!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>So one of the goals of any Street Team is promotion! Today I am promoting three excellent Witty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Grandmamas</span> that are on my Street Team. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>First, there is <a href="http://judysnow.etsy.com/">http://judysnow.etsy.com/</a>. This is a wonderful shop that features many different types of items. I am drawn to the wooden toys because I now have a grandson. One of his latest tricks is to point to the sky when an airplane goes over - thus I love the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">helicopter</span>!</div><div></div><div>Ah! Then there is <a href="http://elenamary.etsy.com/">http://elenamary.etsy.com/</a>! Her jewelry is to die for! Please check out her shop and see the wide variety of things she has to offer. And, remember - Christmas is just around the corner!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I have always had an affinity for pottery. My house is full of it, so naturally I am drawn to <a href="http://jnpottery.etsy.com/">http://jnpottery.etsy.com/</a> I am in love with this bowl! And her shop overflows with so much more! You really have to take a look-see!</div><div></div><div></div><div>In the weeks to come, I plan to feature more of my fellow street-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">teamers</span> here. I hope that you all will take the time to check them out and find out all the treasures that are out there waiting for you. You could have all your Christmas Shopping done before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hallowe'en</span> and tons of time to bake cookies!<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-38560610941222934492008-07-18T08:16:00.000-07:002008-08-24T06:58:50.872-07:00Introducing a New Product on etsy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgUrVby8hObBdkdSKIE3Qx_U20SoExnplBn2n_fQasv9NJdcpKuQVZaY5VFe_Di5q060wZZi7uBA9cc-4PGCTpZBkg2pGK4D74HMSemgbWC-5ZXUcDvc8QZNlj_4Vr7IxbhJN4izj3K8C/s1600-h/IMG_2548.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224373659291962274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgUrVby8hObBdkdSKIE3Qx_U20SoExnplBn2n_fQasv9NJdcpKuQVZaY5VFe_Di5q060wZZi7uBA9cc-4PGCTpZBkg2pGK4D74HMSemgbWC-5ZXUcDvc8QZNlj_4Vr7IxbhJN4izj3K8C/s200/IMG_2548.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HcmJKQUtJaOC4XCic-GUAaobnfB20ndEYIQVwx2933hoBFb6M-W2sty9OXjK2kh3t-awUyQ7w4yAFQJEdKFFM-u_Bzcb1csSWMxftODWT5n13N26TK-Jy3W2cuNOdX5NuS7oe52F_2a2/s1600-h/IMG_2547.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224373673755853106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HcmJKQUtJaOC4XCic-GUAaobnfB20ndEYIQVwx2933hoBFb6M-W2sty9OXjK2kh3t-awUyQ7w4yAFQJEdKFFM-u_Bzcb1csSWMxftODWT5n13N26TK-Jy3W2cuNOdX5NuS7oe52F_2a2/s200/IMG_2547.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>This is a new product that I designed and am going to be selling at my shop on etsy.</div><div></div><div>While it probably looks pretty much like all the other Needle Organizer Rolls that I have been selling this one is designed to serve a different audience. This Needle Roll is for holding Interchangeable Needle Tips and Cables. Many knitters have switched from buying all sizes of Circular Needle to just buying several cables and different size tips. It probably comes out being cheaper in the long run. And, I would assume that it makes it much easier to switch needle size in the middle of a pattern.</div><div></div><div>This bag features twelve slots that are 1 1/2 inches wide to hold the tips. And there are six slots that are 3 1/4 wide for holding the cables and other knitting accessories. As always, I have included a flap that comes all the way down over the tips/cables to prevent slippage.</div><div></div><div>My only problem with the product at this time is that I do not own any tips/cables so I was unable to photograph the bag filled. Buyers are better able to visualize how they will use the bag if they can see this. So, if I plan to make and sell a number of these, I will have to run out and purchase some needle tips and cables. I am sure that I will use them myself once I have them on hand.</div><div></div><div>So, I what do you think? Am I on to something here? Any suggestion on how to improve this item? Because I don't currently use the tips/cables I have to rely on those who do to tell me what they need or want in this kind of storage bag. Thanks!</div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-2452660639535571742008-07-13T09:36:00.000-07:002008-08-24T07:00:05.813-07:00In a Funk..........Wow! I have not posted anything here in a long time. For some unknown reason, I have been in kind of a funk lately. Unable to get too excited about much of anything and highly unmotivated. This is not like me at all - I am usually pretty upbeat and my body has a hard time keeping up with my mind as I always am overflowing with ideas about what I can/should do today.<br /><br />But I took some minor little steps yesterday to see if it will get my juices flowing again and get me to move ahead. I joined an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">etsy</span> Street Team. For those who do not know, Street Teams are groupings of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">etsy</span> sellers who come together to promote each other, converse with each other and share tips and ideas. They usually consists of groups of people who something in common. Jewelry makers, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">polymer</span> clay people, knitters and so on and so forth.<br /><br />I joined a team called WIST which stands for Wisconsin Street Team so it is all people who live in Wisconsin and you have swear that you love cows and cheese! I am thinking of joining another that is called Boomers - this group consists of persons 5o and over - I more than qualify for that!<br /><br />And I spent quite a bit of time the last 2 days cutting lots of stuff out to sew for either selling in my shop on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">etsy</span> or taking with me to the Craft O Rama Craft sale in Minneapolis. When I have a pile of stuff already cut, that usually will get me going!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Grampy</span> is going away tomorrow and will be gone for a week. Therefore, I think I will be able to get myself busy doing what I love most and that should chase this darn funk away! Sure hope so!<br /><br />Oh, and the garage sale was a great success and we got rid if all the junk. Our garage and basement storage area never looked so good! Now we just have to schedule an auction and get rid of the non-junk stuff and we are all set to go!<br /><br />So wish me luck on my quest to "junk the funk" so I can put something in this blog of interest!Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-46867018661970775462008-05-29T09:05:00.000-07:002008-08-24T07:00:50.222-07:00Uncluttering................<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZWtAnE-1wjY-wUsbqjAuuZN8wpays_HUyiiyKScj-CZQJa2Wq3Mx0WML5Af7GXFrhT6WUvtq28ZfIaNTmhKo6bJi_cNC8nQrotojFXmHABhNrv3A2a50Ac_hwQ_BGa4y2o2ylbCIZZg7/s1600-h/IMG_2328.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205832104535137442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZWtAnE-1wjY-wUsbqjAuuZN8wpays_HUyiiyKScj-CZQJa2Wq3Mx0WML5Af7GXFrhT6WUvtq28ZfIaNTmhKo6bJi_cNC8nQrotojFXmHABhNrv3A2a50Ac_hwQ_BGa4y2o2ylbCIZZg7/s200/IMG_2328.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uouReRVA7YiLpnWUrVaLwwzWXiUWXv_IyrUFEDBwJlm7Hr989THEFcYPp1ixsGJwXTpySUsxuNoCNFnVKdBWVrilk8D8Uz_s3_RgUHAfCOAbZrRq0eE2qNd2KXCcSXqz8Ne1ZxtSBcIX/s1600-h/IMG_2329.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205831937031412882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uouReRVA7YiLpnWUrVaLwwzWXiUWXv_IyrUFEDBwJlm7Hr989THEFcYPp1ixsGJwXTpySUsxuNoCNFnVKdBWVrilk8D8Uz_s3_RgUHAfCOAbZrRq0eE2qNd2KXCcSXqz8Ne1ZxtSBcIX/s200/IMG_2329.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Grampy</span> and I decided it was long past time to start getting rid of some of the junk we have been saving up in our basement for years and years and years. We pulled the family together and said "Let's have a Big Ass Garage Sale!"</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>So in a couple of weeks our three families are going to put all our collective junk out in the driveway and hope that someone else wants it. You know the old saying - "There's a sucker born every minute" - we are hoping that a few will show up at our garage sale and save us from this clutter.</div><div></div><div>I have been working out in my mind (yes, I do have one!) the ad that I will be placing in the newspaper as bait to draw in the unsuspecting. How does this one sound?..................</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>"OK folks, we have all this junk in our basement that is just taking up space and gathering dust. Why not stop by our 3-family garage sale and see if there is any good stuff here that you could take home to take up space and gather dust at your place for a while. We have a wide variety of stuff, with something for everyone. Old pots&pans, old fishing equipment, ice skates, all kinds of mismatched dishes and glassware, tools and so very much more. I mean, really, we could hardly walk through our basement so there will be a boat load of stuff for you to browse through! Come early because if, by chance, there are some hidden treasures, they will go fast!"</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Actually, I will probably break down and write a more conventional ad. It is just fun sometimes to say (write) the truth of the matter just to see how it plays. So, if you are not doing anything on June 13 or 14, mosey on over and check my junk! </div><div></div><div>If you click on the images at the top it will enlarge the image so you can get a good look at it (if for some reason you really want to) and remember, this is just some of it - yes - there's more!<br /><br /></div><div></div>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751688126913746712.post-26563484360781994332008-05-28T13:03:00.001-07:002008-08-24T07:01:21.393-07:00I Found Yet Another Great Etsy Shop!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNtwAb0J0RhldCBXmXaI5QWb1VxV1qdLnLHFaGpEzvHvIcOyKGrnPJIlqb-gJSY4SMEb05XJCCDo1jHgWfbhZ51gcAi9-x0a7KsUiOUgJAWfEWN-Sywu2RWyC55bJQfguqjsSsa2aRXJp/s1600-h/IMG_2323.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205522227241871506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNtwAb0J0RhldCBXmXaI5QWb1VxV1qdLnLHFaGpEzvHvIcOyKGrnPJIlqb-gJSY4SMEb05XJCCDo1jHgWfbhZ51gcAi9-x0a7KsUiOUgJAWfEWN-Sywu2RWyC55bJQfguqjsSsa2aRXJp/s200/IMG_2323.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p92U3T3KnDm2Is5h2LiTi3eQKoF8BOAdsUo7Rzaijnzg-6wDY0omlT5ovt95iSb-ctW7MEPKqr0Ps72Jxj2G2OropfzIX8nxseRZAm_Q9Pqazg1RuT4N6zJ39LaUmnI59QUze-8HHvBo/s1600-h/IMG_2322.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205522111277754498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p92U3T3KnDm2Is5h2LiTi3eQKoF8BOAdsUo7Rzaijnzg-6wDY0omlT5ovt95iSb-ctW7MEPKqr0Ps72Jxj2G2OropfzIX8nxseRZAm_Q9Pqazg1RuT4N6zJ39LaUmnI59QUze-8HHvBo/s200/IMG_2322.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Look at this great Soap Dispenser Face Jar that I got on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">etsy</span>. I got this from <a href="http://amandamoon.etsy.com/">Amanda Moon's Sunfire Shop </a>on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">etsy</span>. She does some wonderful work and you really should take a look!</p><p></p><p>This little guy is just the perfect size to hold my liquid soap dispenser that is ever-present on my kitchen counter.</p><p></p><p>If you haven't discovered <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">etsy</span> yet, you really need to check it out. What ever you are looking for can probably be found there. If not, you can do an Alchemy request and find someone to make exactly what you want. You will probably get so many bidders that you will have a hard time deciding which one to pick! And while you are browsing - please take some time to check out my shop (link to it over there on the left size of this page).</p>Grannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834566530345845287noreply@blogger.com0