The bookshelf.

Today I thought I'd show off some of Mark's woodworking talent. He made this bookshelf for me a couple of years ago and I painted it. I had seen a similar bookcase in a magazine and kept it for years to use as an inspiration piece for Mark to use when he drew up plans. I especially like that the shelves are so unevenly spaced.

Let's see...some of the items on the shelves...the little bird on the top is from the past Christmas collection at Pottery Barn. I liked it, so I kept it out. The bird in flight tile is from Sid Dickens. I love his stuff and I have a big problem in that I cannot resist them. There's a glass pear in honor of N. who is absolutely obsessed with pears, a concrete fairy piece that my mom gave me, some antique tiles, and an iron grate. Oh, and and the tree stained glass piece is by a fabulous Naperville, IL artist named Alison Fox. I could not find a website for her, but I did find a photo of another of her pieces from an art show website. Take a look.

And here are a few more Sid Dickens tiles.

I have lots to show from my bead show class and shopping yesterday. Since I showed you some of my bird things, I have to take a moment to tell you about the purchase I am most excited about: a birdhouse pendant made from PMC by Christi from Elemental Adornments. It was her first Bead & Button show and I think it will be a big success. Her booth was packed! My pendant is similar to this one, but doesn't have anything dangling from it.

It's amazing. The front door opens (and so does one half of the roof) to reveal a small nest with pearl eggs. I have to make a necklace for mine (hopefully this weekend!) and will post pictures when I do. I just couldn't wait to tell you about her amazing stuff. Her website is still under a bit of constructions, but you can check out her gallery.