Artwork I missed out on 2025

These were two pieces of artwork I was bidding on this week. Sadly they went way over my budget. The water color is of Ano Nuevo State Park, a place my family has gone to for years. The sea lions come into shore every year to mate. Massive animals that is something to see. The artist Trevlyn Williams is very well known in the area. The second one is also a local artist from the Bay Area, Yan Inlow. I'm learning more about the art of hand embroidery, which is just amazing! I was hoping to add the crows to my collection but again went over my budget. Still it's good to see their work is appreciated. 

 

Simple Book Binding Practice

I've been working on simple book binding techniques. Things that can be taught in a two hour class. I do the classes at FabMo for fun and to use up my massive craft stash. :) 

I have two of these comb binding machines (use to have 3) because you can pick them up for free most of the time. This is one of those things Google lens isn't going to be accurate about the price. I picked this one up down in Carmel for $5 (things are expensive there) and the other one as it was headed to the dumpster. It has its limitations for the any paper crafter. It was made to bind standard size paper and has a height limit. Found out my chip board is too thick. A lot of trial and error before I got the holes punched where I wanted them to go. Making little memory books for grandsons for my practice rounds. 

 

Another MaxSold Buy - Mugs

I didn't really think I would get this lot of handmade mugs on MaxSold last week but I did. It only works out to $1.87 for each mug (that includes fees and taxes) so hopefully an easy flip selling them for $6.99. They came from an estate of a local potter who back in the day did all the high end shows. I don't think this was her best work but I can appreciate the time and skill. 

I plan to take them into Cottage Crafts today and make a whole wall of these mugs. It will add a little more interest to my booth (fall theme) and give that handmade vibe. 

One of the side benefits of getting this lot was I got to chat with seller who's an estate cleaning guy. There weren't a lot of people picking up when I got there so he had time to show me some things coming up of auction. We chatted about some artwork that couldn't be easily found on Google. They do try and be as accurate as they can, but you can't always tell when something is behind glass. I've been on the search for interesting local artwork for my son's place up in Lake Tahoe as I've filled up all my walls. I buy original art that speaks to me. The only piece I have that isn't an original is an almost full size Picasso. Copies of an original artwork can't be the exact size, something has to be different.

Found the perfect planner

I know using a paper planner is old school but there's something about writing something down. During meetings I'm still faster looking up my calendar than those using laptops. :) 

I'm not into doing all that sticker stuff, I just need the bare bones. I'm getting booked out for next few years so finding a three year one was perfect. I know down the road the cover will get beat up but I can alter it or even replace it completely. 

Mini journal book 2025

 

On Labor Day I decided tackle the book binding project I've been saving up all the chip board for. After moving all the armoires into my bedroom space, I finally put together a crafting corner. My paper cutters are huge so I needed a big flat open space. It was a fun day of working on several projects at a time. :) 

The fabric is a sample square of linen from FabMo. I think I got it from the free room but if I didn't it was only .25.  If I'm careful I can get two mini books out of one 12" square.  Making the book part was easy but adding the pages was a challenge. So many different ways to add them. This project will at some point be a workshop for FabMo. I'll have to make several more before I'm ready to teach. :) 

Fabric Cover up

At the store we use black sharpies to prices everything. I made the mistake of not putting the cap back on tight enough when I put it in my shirt pocket. Pocket protectors aren't a thing anymore so of course I got a big black ink stain on one of my good shirts. Where the stain was a small patch wouldn't work. 

My first thought was to have a friend machine embroider something over the whole pocket, like a cover up tattoo. While I was at FabMo a few weeks ago I saw a fabric sample with a very large embroidered bird. So today I ironed on some fusible backing and cut it out. Keeping the pocket would make it too bulky so I removed it. You can see where the stain was.  The bird isn't quite big enough to cover the whole thing but still better than a big black ink stain. Now I just have to decide if I'm going to hand stitch or machine zig zag. 

Eraser Carving with Sandy Allnock

As I go down the rabbit hole of eraser carving with Sandy Allnock, I've started investing in the tools needed. 

I first started out with the kid's craft set by Kiwi Crate Inc. I found the kit at the thrift store so I did't have to break the bank gathering up the supplies. Didn't know this is a local company in town! Have to say the blade in the kit was really sharp and just a little different than the Speedball blades. With this kit it at least got me started to see if this was something I would like to keep doing without breaking the bank. 

I liked the project enough to invest in the supplies Sandy suggested. The Speedball blades were very dull compared to the one in the Kiwi kit for kids so that is being sent back. Now do I spring for the more expensive set that Sandy recommend? Still not to sure about the sharper but that is a learning curve thing. Sandy said to read the directions first which of course I did not. :)  

 

Sandy Allnock Eraser Carving Jig

 

First Practice Round

When I saw the jig that Sandy Allnock (Google her, she's easy to find) made for her upcoming eraser carving class, I knew I had the right materials to make one!

I've been collecting thick chip board from old 3 ring binders for months. I pull apart the binders, which I find for free at the thrift store. I have plans to do a book binding workshop for FabMo (I donate my time to teach) so needed to find inexpensive chipboard. 

Made the jig and it's working out great. Now I just have to decide which set of blades to get! :)

Sandy Allnock's Erasers Printing Making Class

Sandy Allnock, an artist that I have followed for years is doing a class on carving and printing with erasers. If I knew how to link her YouTube I would but I don't. She's easy to find if you Google her name. Since by crafty luck I came across some carving tools specifically for making stamps. Not only that but when I stopped my local  Staples store the erasers were on sale for .75!!!  Do I need 36 erasers? I know I will make a lot of mistakes and at this price, (it's a seasonal school item) why not! Now off to make Sandy's jig so I don't slice my fingers!

The crafting stars are just lining up for me.

 

Visited the ReStore in San Jose

I finally made it to the ReStore store in downtown San Jose. It's been on my list of places to check out since I shopped a lot at the one in Oakland for the Thrifty Kitty. I was in the area dropping off and picking up things from friends so decided to hop on over. 

It is a very clean and modern store (solar parking lot etc..) but much smaller than the other ReStore stores. Prices were way better than Oakland by a lot, which was a surprise. Didn't have a big variety of things for someone building a home. More furniture (most of which looked new) than anything else. I can only guess the location is new or newly rebuilt. I think there is a work program, help find a job section to this location as well. There was part of the building looked like a business center. I didn't check to out as it looked like some people were getting help. 

So unless you're looking for furniture or doors (had a lot of those) it's not worth the drive. 

RIP - Chocolate Oat Milk.

RIP

Another sad day in my food world. Trader Joe's discontinued my favorite chocolate oat milk. I've used it for years as my stomach can't tolerate straight milk. I like the smell of coffee in the morning but drinking it is another thing. I have to mix it with something and I found oat milk or beverage as TJ calls it, works. I'm now on the search for a replacement that doesn't break the bank. 

I'm trying out the regular oat milk but it's not as tasty. 

Space Planning 101

I've been at my place for 6 months now and I always knew that I would move my furniture around. Nothing was in its forever place. I learned a long time ago to live in your space (home and work) to get the feel of what will work for you. 

There are several big pieces of furniture that came with my place. Since it was originally designed to be a man cave everything is very dark. I wouldn't have picked black armoires (there's no built in closets) or black bookcases but that is what I have to work with.  The super sized TV (which I never use) fills one wall and it's solid black. I'm thinking of set up a DVD player (yes very old school) to at least have something playing to light up the wall.  Being a night owl, I decided last night to move both the armoires into my bedroom space. That means emptying both out of everything I've squirreled away. Take the artwork off the walls and move the bed. It's going to take all day and fingers crossed I'm making the right move. 

Update: the move went well and I'm very happy with the results. I'm now researching how to add removable wall paper to the armories doors to lighten up the room. 

Tomahawk Steaks

As you can see my son was super happy with the two tomahawk steaks he got for his birthday. His friends asked what he wanted and it's always these steaks. He does ask me but knows it's not going to happen. I think he needs better bath towels and sheets but that's just me being practical. 
 

Bird Theme Friday

This was an impulse buy at FabMo on Friday. Do I really need 5 yards of fun fabric, no but I just couldn't resist. What do I plan to so with it, I have no idea. 

What started my path down the road of no return was this embroidery sample. Last week I made the mistake of putting a sharpie pen in my shirt pocket without a cap. Yes, it made a hot mess and the stain didn't come out. So my first thought was to put a patch over it. Didn't find any I liked so then I thought of asking a friend if she could embroider something over it. Wasn't too crazy about that idea because it would be big and may weaken the shirt fabric. Then I saw this sample at Fabmo, which was right on top of the pile. I think it was meant to be. The plan is to use fusible interfacing and cut the parrot out. I'll then stitch it on to the shirt. I'll lose the use of the pocket but I'm not good at remembering to put the caps back on my pens anyways. I'm also looking to find a  thin pocket protector, which are very hard to find now days. 

Wildberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Is Back.

I only really shop at two stores, Trader Joe's and Costco. Thankful they're not on the boycott list! 

TJ does seasonally items and this was one ice cream I really liked. When this one went out of stock, they came in with all these alternative flavors that were just down right weird. It was like what can we mix together that really has nothing to do with traditional ice ingredients and still try calling it ice cream. Now the dilemma is do I stock up on it because it's a seasonal thing? 

 

Security Cameras Everywhere

Today at the store we got one of those "Karen" types during closing. I don't know what was happening but one of the volunteer who loves everyone and never has a bad word to say about anything came back to warn us not to go out to the front. So you know it had to be really bad. When the store is getting ready to close the manager will announce please head to the counter to check out about 10 minutes before closing. The Karen was upset about how slow the check out process was and that she was being rushed etc... I only walked out there to make sure the manager was not going to get hurt.  Of course the usual, "I'm going to call and complain" comment was made. The manager said here's the number and you can talk directly to the security cameras which are recording everything. The Karen got very quiet after that. I'm surprised that she didn't realize security cameras, especially at the cash registers would be recording. 

I posted this Lego Shakespeare book on Facebook market place today.  When it came in, I thought it was funny enough to post. I'm sure it won't sell but it's worth the shot. I mean who thought to put lego figures and Shakespeare together! 

Anthropologie - 2023 Faye Plate

 

I thought this plate was interesting. It's from Anthropologie, the 2023 Faye collection. That of course sent me down the rabbit hole to see what else was in the collection. No, I won't be collecting them all, I just liked this one. It was interesting what the artist or artists decided to combine together. A bee and a radish, snail with a scallion, butterfly with sweet peas and a lemon with strawberries. Looks like there maybe a cherries, blossoms with a long tail butterfly but it's not as 3D as the rest of the collection. I think it was the usual pairing that caught my eye. I know this type of plate won't last long if used. I was surprised the wings were still in one piece. 

Thrifting in Reno 2025

Line to pick up Aki's pink guava cake

Drove to Incline Village this weekend to celebrate my son's birthday with one of his favorite cakes, Aki's pink guava cake. They sent out a confirmation email and said to make sure to pick up on time because they had another engagement to attend so will close at 2:00. The line went fast as everything is preordered. The only downsize for me was having to leave so late (10:30) to make the drive to Tahoe. Traffic was bad all the way up but I didn't have to deal with semi trucks like I did on the way home on Monday. That was super scary!

Since I didn't want to go mountain biking we went thrifting in Reno. It was a treat to get chauffeured around and not be too concerned when we went to some sketchy area where most thrift stores are. Didn't find much but that was no surprise. I picked up a few puzzles and this small glass basket. It glows green so is vintage but doesn't really have a high resell value. Paid $2.99 (no tax in Nevada on non profits) and will tag it for $12.99 

Next trip we're going to visit the pawn shops!

Vinatage Duncan & Miller Basket

Fenton Glassware Worth It?

I finally did the make over on my booth on Thursday. Not 100% sure it looks better but at least I got it done. I was totally exhausted when I got home because of all the people that wanted to talk to me. I think that added another 3 hours to my day. People overload for sure! Posey had to wait for her evening walk as I had to take a nap. 

One of the people I talked to was another vendor. We have different opinions on going to estate sale. I normally don't go because the prices are just too high to resell, even on the last day when everything is 50% off. We then got into the discussion about vintage glassware. The secondary market isn't all that great IMO. As she rattled on about all the vintage brands she's picked up I said the people with the money (younger generation)  aren't buying at least not at full retail. Way too easy for the them to look it up and buy it online if they really want it for a lower price. 

These are vintage pink Fenton candy dishes were given to me. I would price them between $9.99 - $12.99. Knowing that who ever buys it will probably be another reseller.  The other vendor would price them at $36 which is full retail. I know for sure I will sell them quickly which is more important than getting the maximum amount.   

Water Time Fun

The boys are in Mackinaw, MI for a few weeks. It's a family vacation cabin on the lake. From the looks of it they're have a great time. The water is very shallow so it's a little safer for the boys to paddle around and play. 

The only downside to the cabin is there's no mail service. As it's a family compound (five homes) there was a PO box back in the day. Not sure if it's still active as another family took ownership and no one lives there full time anymore. 

 I did ship out a few boxes to a trusted former sister in law, that a long story why that's important.  She was going up to visit with my daughter for the weekend so I shipped everything to her.  My daughter asked me to source jeans for the boys which are very hard to thrift and very expensive in Holland.  Boys that age are just very tough on pants so hard to find in good condition.  I  shipped out most of the  Trader Joe's ubi pancake mix I got for the boys as it's their favorite.  
 

Things you do when you're bored

The store gets a lot of new in the box stuff. This came in and for only .50 decided to give it a try. Yes, I was bored. 

It has so many don't do instructions I thought that alone made it a bad purchase. It's basically a shower bomb that in theory fills your shower with a calming fragrance. Unless you just like watching something dissolve while you're in the shower it's a total waste. Does it work? Nope. Was it worth .50? Nope

My new oven

My place was designed to be a man cave so they didn't install an oven when it was being built. For the most part, I really don't miss not having one. I was told a Breaville was the one to get but the price tag for a new one just wasn't something I wanted to splurge on.  I see a lot of used one for sale online but it's usually the smaller models. I'm guessing because the price point is lower. This one came up for auction on Maxsold from a group I buy from all the time. Trusting that when they say it works is important. After a little cleaning my kitchen is finally complete! 

I forgot about the taxes when I was bidding. Most of time when I'm buying at an auction I'm using my reseller number so I don't figure in the tax. I forgot this time, so with the auction premium and taxes that added another $50.00 to my final auction bid of $175.00. Total paid $226. 89. Yes I could have gotten a new one for an extra $50.00 but in my mind I still saved money. :) 

The Impatient Embroiderer by Jayne Emerson

Just how I like reading cook books, I like looking through crafting books. The key word here is "looking". Will I ever do anything of the projects, probably not. :) 

I've been watching the YouTube channel "The Stitchery" and she has inspired me to get out my stitching projects. She really likes hand embroidery but her channel explores a lot of different needle and thread projects. I realized my eye sight can't handle the tiny little cross stitching I did back in the day. Now I have to find something to do with all the DMC thread I've hoarded away. Still  working out that problem. :)

When I saw this book (published in 2006) at the thrift store it looked interesting. Always fun when a box full of crafting books comes in. Even for it being published so many years ago, it's still had some timeless ideas. Going through it I was sure I was never going to do any of the projects until I got to the very last one. It was about using up your scrap fabric (which I don't have a lot of) and making a card. It's basic zig zag sewing (I can do that) and it's a card, which is my jam. So this maybe the rare time I actually make something from a book!

 

Stress Management

 With all that's going in our country it's been just a little stressful. It more not knowing what to do to help only adds to the stress. I do boycott stores that support the felon's grandiose ideas of a new world order. I put my vote and money where it counts but I should be doing more. 

My daughter likes these face mask thingy so when I just need to chill I get one out. Silly but for the 15 minutes you have to sit and be still. What do you do to manage your stress?

Summer Tofu Salad

While I was at the Japanese grocery store, I picked up some tofu. Being a city with a large Asian population, you have a huge variety to choose from. Having that many choices, it takes awhile to decide. :) Nice to have choices, just wish women's rights were the same way. 

Tofu like eggplant, it's all about the toppings. I always get a big root of ginger when I'm at the Asian markets. You can never have too much of fresh ginger in the house! For some reason I can't remember why I have several tins of smoked eel. I'm sure I was making something Japanese with it. The only thing I forgot to get was some green onion.

 A little sesame seed oil, furikaki (Japanese sprinkles), smoked eel, soy sauce, grated ginger and cucumber. A very refreshing summer meal. 

 

Make some family favorites.

Had fun working in my brother's garden today even with the giant bumble bee buzzing around my head. Green beans were a favorite of my dad especially the way our mom cooked them. None of us have been able to make the bean dish the way she did. Not sure if our flavor memory is out of whack as it's a very easy basic recipe. Our mom didn't follow written recipes so we can only guess on the seasonings. 

I made a cucumber salad, which I haven't had in a long time. It's something we have at our family gatherings. I only know the seasoned noodles by the packaging. It took me 4X times around the store to find it. It use to be in a tube and easy to see. I almost gave up but when I went back for some tofu I saw the dragons. Much smaller than it use to be but with the cost of everything now, it's no surprise. 

It was very noticeable there were no Hispanic male workers normally at the store. I asked about it when I was checking out. With the raids happening in the area I was concerned. The cashier said so far nothing at the store but she's on edge. Scary times! 

California 1960's Cat Plate

I occasionally get to talk to people who buy things from my booth at Cottage Crafts. They tell me I always have interesting stuff. Even if they don't buy anything, they come in to see what's new. :) 

With all that is going on I'm not sure how many people will still be able to shop for random non essentials. So that means I'm being a whole lot more careful what I source for my booth. 

This is a vintage California made plate from the 60's. I've been leaning more toward things made in California lately. I'm also planning a complete booth make over. Just trying to psych myself up to get it done. :) 

Halloween Cards 2025

I know Halloween cards aren't big sellers but I still had a lot of fun making the pumpkin and candy corn. 

Getting my card rack at Cottage Craft stocked up so I can donate the profits to the International Children's Art Foundation. With all the funding being canceled it's time to step up. 

Domestic Diva Day

Don't ask me why I saved this faux antler from the bins but I did. Still not sure what I will do with it but for now it will visit with my basil plant. 

Sunday is my domestic diva day and I try really hard not to go anywhere. I tackle the many cleaning projects I ignore during the week. I would also like to do my laundry but Matt is home so it has to wait until Monday.

One of the time sensitive projects was shipping a big box to Michigan. The boys arrive next week to visit an auntie, so a supply of Trader Joe's Ube pancake mix was requested.  With the postal rates going up by 51% I had to bite the bullet and learn to use Pirate Ship. It's not that it's hard to use but you have to be able to print the label. I don't own a printer anymore so that's the challenge. Shipping from the post office would have costed $48.00 vs $16.00 on pirate ship. The savings was worth me finding someone who still uses a printer.  Thank you Bron for saving the day! I'm going to have to check and see if my Rollo shipping label printer is still in the ZZ booth at Cottage Crafts. May have to bring it back home for the few times I want to send something. Going to the post office isn't an option anymore. 

Beaded Flower Basket Project

Just one more full day of dog sitting which means one more day of beading. I finally tackled the one design that gave me the most trouble. Daisies aren't' hard to make if you're not using wire. Yes, I made it harder on myself.  The basket is super easy and fast but it was the flower part that made me put this design on hold. I guess I could have switched to thread but not having any here with me I plowed along with wire. I don't even remember how many movies I had playing in the background while making these. I did use up all my brown beads which I take as a win. The next step is turning them into cards. 
 

Pumpkin and Candy Corn Seed Bead design

This pumpkin design took hours to get right. Not because the it's hard, but finding the right beads in my stash that were the right size. The newer size 11 beads are smaller than my vintage ones. Not sure but I'm guessing my newer ones are lower in quality as I'm finding more beads with very narrow holes. I had to change the original pattern several times so it didn't look like an orange skull. Lots of trail and error. It's funny as I know my halloween cards aren't a big seller so spending this much time on them seems silly. 

The candy corns are easy to make. Now I just have to find a sentiment that fits. Wondering if I should mail out Halloween cards instead of Christmas  cards.  I read that the mail rate is going up 51% this month. That's just crazy!

Do you mail out Halloween or holiday cards? 

Pet sitting projects - beading

When I'm pet sitting I bring along craft projects to past the time.  Most of the owners prefer that I spend as much time with their pets as possible. Many times I pack up projects but for some reason never get any of them done. It not like I'm watching TV the whole time even if I could figure all the remotes.

This week's babysitting project is making beaded charms. I still have my ladybug and cupcake kit out from my last class at FabMo, don't judge. 

It's going well and I'm actually getting things done! I even branched out and trying some new patterns. Thought this goldfish in a bag was funny. It's Obon season (Japanese festival) and every kid comes home with a gold fish. I also have the Amuse stamp (remember that company?) that says "best fishes". I thought that would make a fun card.   The sea otter pattern has been on my list for a long time. The light bulb went on when I realized I could add a little shell from my vast shell collection. Not sure what sentiment I will use but at some point it will come to me. :) 

 

Overall Jean Bag

Always interested in checking out bags made out of jeans. Another volunteer at the store had this huge tote bag which if I had to guess was made from overalls. I was surprised the maker didn't use the jean pockets on the bag.  

I've been learning about the different grades of jean material. I know that's the really random thing to learn about. Most of the fashion jeans made now can't be recycled. The spandex stretchy stuff added makes it unusable for even rags. We always get requests for 100% cotton jeans that are headed to rag bin. We rarely get any of those in but when we do, they're still sellable. Faded or worn spots are no big deal. 

Chocolate mousse tarts

This was the treats that Michael brought in on Saturday.  It's a chocolate mousse tart with whip cream. It was good but her brownies are still my favorite. Still I did bring a few home. :)

Dog sitting now and that means a new schedule to follow. I'm still trying to get home in the morning in time to take Posey for her morning run. I've found it's easier for me to go home everyday to shower and make my breakfast. Less things to have to pack up and move. I also have to water my plants, many that were rescued from the store bins. People donate pots with almost dead plants still in them. Not healthy enough to sell and we can't water them. So my household garden nursery looks a little sad right now. Hopefully by the end of the year I'll have a house full of happy plants. 

 

Aki's Pink Guava Cake Back In Town!

I finally found the link to the REAL Aki's pink guava cake!  I knew they did a pop up but I wasn't sure where or when. This is site (sorry can't link it)  Sue's Bites and Delights, if your interested. 

I know when they sold the bakery years ago the recipe was part of the sale. It was their biggest seller. I would also guess there was a non compete clause too. The people that took over the bakery didn't follow the recipe at all and of course lost all those loyal customers.  Another big guess is the non compete clause has now expired. The grandson is making the cakes again, but only once a month.  It's sort of a pop up style business but you do have to pre order / pre pay for your cake 8" cake is $65.00. I'm guessing here again but I think his mom went into the wedding cake business at some point in Santa Clara and that is where he's baking everything. 

One of the volunteer at the store is a great baker. Michael (yes that's her name) brings in some amazing stuff. I told her about the Aki's guava cake and she had only heard about it many years ago. Someone brought one in to work for one of the doctors. That person got really upset when one of the nurses took a slice (just one slice) to share with her department. I'm thrilled I can finally take the real cake into for her to try.  

I'm planning on visiting my son for his birthday next month but the pop up doesn't happen the week of his birthday. He said it was worth celebrating his birthday whenever the cake was available. :) Now fingers crossed it makes it up there in one piece. 

Morning Schedule

I don't know if all dogs do this but Annie always sat just outside our front door. Posey started chilling by the door after our morning run. 

She runs, I walk :) 

Now that I know when the sprinklers go on and the big field gets mowed, Posey and I have a nice morning routine. She waits for me to finish my coffee but the minute I start to get dressed, the barking will start.  

Early in the morning there aren't many dogs on the field. Posey would love to play but jumping up and down wouldn't be good for her back. Her legs are getting stronger so she's not slipping anymore when she runs but I still don't take any changes. To help with her weight I now give her carrots for a snack. It's not her favorite but being a true lab, will eat anything. 

 

Busy Month July 2025

I'm currently cat sitting and after this week head over to dog sit. Busy month for pet sitting! I don't cook much in other people's homes because I don't know where everything is. Plus trying to keep a stove that is never used clean is more work than I want to do. I either meal prep at my place or pick something at Trader Joe's. 

When I was at TJ there was a sign about something being recalled for listeria contamination. I asked the very young cashier how are they getting this information when the felon did away with this department? She said it wasn't a very popular product but she really didn't know. I didn't really expect her to know the answer but hoping it will get her to thinking about our country's food safety or at least where our food is coming from.