A day of thanks.

Wishing you...
and yours...

the best Thanksgiving.

And lots of pumpkin pie.

Etsy Favorite: Rachel Loves Bob

I haven't shared any of my Etsy favorites in a while. I think these button embroideries from Rachel Loves Bob are great and wanted to share them with you. Most of us who love beads also have a healthy appreciation for buttons.

I've had this bird in my favorites for a while. It would look very nice in my house.

I like that the empty spaces are filled in with beads! Very clever.

I'm hoping to get back into blogging a bit more regularly. Hopefully it will motivate me to start making stuff; if not, I'll show you more of my favorite things on Etsy!

Painted vase.

For my birthday last month, a friend and I went to a paint-your-own pottery shop. The shop is in a really quaint, historic town in Illinois. We made a day of it by having some lunch and doing some shopping after painting. I painted this pitcher/vase, which I now use for some of my vintage beaded flowers.

I haven't been working on much of anything lately. N's homework takes up a good portion of our evenings and we've been busy running around on the weekends. Plus, I've been reading more. Maybe this weekend I'll find some time for beading...

Chicago Craft Social.

I had the best time last night at the Chicago Craft Social in Evanston, Illinois, where crafters get together to make things and be social. So fun!

There were a variety of projects to choose from and snacks were available. My friend Christina and I were too busy making things to stop for snacks!

I saw on the list of projects that one of the tables would be making terrariums. I bought a container to make a terrarium more than a year ago, but never did it. I brought my container along just in case.

There were a variety of mosses and plants to choose from and even little animals to add. Here's a better picture of the inside.

Next I made a fleur de lis ornament taught by Simone of Craft Fancy. I saw people walking around with some sparkle and had to find out where they got it! I'm looking forward to visiting her shop.

After these projects, Christina and I met up and made paper owl collages.

I have one more project that I started, but need to finish at home. It involves chalkboard fabric, which I never even knew existed!

Now that we've checked it out, we decided we need to bring more people with us next time. We met a lot of great people and had a fantastic time. Can't wait to do it again!

Amy Hanna.

I ran across this magazine at Barnes & Noble and really liked the necklace on the cover. I liked it enough to buy the magazine and learn more about the designer.

I learned that Amy Hanna also had a book.

A beautiful book.

She also has an Etsy shop and blog, both with beautiful reworked vintage treasures. I think this pretty locket I found on Etsy would work will in a design inspired by Amy Hanna.



I have a tangled mess of old jewelry in a box. Maybe there's something in there that I could reuse to make a new treasure with this locket.

Fawn.

I noticed that I seem to be acquiring some fawn things. I received this necklace from a great friend for my birthday. The necklace was made by Figs & Ginger. I love it.

For a while I've kept an eye on Elisabeth's shop, The Illuminated Owl. She creates art with leather. I ordered a fawn cuff from her that didn't fit me. Elisabeth was wonderful and offered fantastic customer service. Now this cuff will be on its way to me soon.

In keeping with the woodland sort of theme, I was drawn in by this ornament kit from Alicia Paulson of Posie Gets Cozy. There are beads and sequins!

I should get to work on them soon. Christmas is coming fast...

Books.

I had a Barnes & Noble gift card burning a whole in my pocket, so I pre-ordered a book I've been waiting for patiently.

I can't wait for it to arrive!

I also ordered this one, which I thought sounded like a fun read and has a pretty cover. I've read many good books by choosing them from the cover!

With all of N's homework lately, I've been doing easier, more light-hearted reading. This book was a fun read and the glossary was a hoot.

I recently picked this one up on a whim, but haven't started reading it.

N has been doing more reading on his own lately. The other day I walked into the family room to find him sitting there reading a book. I was so excited! I tiptoed out of the room and dreamt of spending a rainy afternoon together reading our books.

What are you reading?

Dear Mom...

Thank you for my new stocking, also known as my favorite birthday gift. You were right; my previous stocking with the Mary Engelbreit design didn't suit me any more. I know I strongly hinted that I needed a new stocking...maybe to the point of being annoying...but I really didn't expect you make me one. I love this new one so much.

I appreciate all the hours you spent backstitching when I know that is your least favorite part of making stockings.

I can't believe you even found a stocking that had beads in the design. And I like having a stocking with "Tina" as it somehow feels even more personal.

I can't believe how cute all the details are, especially the boy's boots.

Even though it's only October, the stocking is proudly on display. I'd like to leave it up all year!

Thanks, Mom. I'll treasure it always. You made this birthday truly special.

Love you,
Tina

(You can see others she's made for family members here, here, and here.)

Drawn to the sparkle.

I bought these rhinestone buttons at a flea market over the summer and have been contemplating what to make with them ever since.

Maybe a bracelet? Maybe some grouped together in a pendant?

Birthday goodies.

Mark and N were very good to me on my birthday. They took me to dinner and showered me with birthday songs (more N than Mark in this case!), cake, and beautiful gifts.

N gave me this necklace from Mood Swing Studios. My favorite number is 5 and my birthday is on the 5th, so it was perfect.

Mark gave me this necklace made by Simone Walsh.

It was a great birthday with my boys.