Manic Monday! Embroidery

Here is what I've been working on this week. He will join my owl I shared on Thrifty Thursday... and, if you look closely, you can see another one of his friends behind the frame. (He came from Urban Outfitters). It took me about 3 nights to embroider this owl from design to finish. I borrowed a book from the library about all kinds of embroidery stitches for a few new ideas... thus the cool circle stitching behind the button eyes! The green ruffles are made from some vintage seam cover, and the buttons are vintage from my husband's grandma's stash! I hope you like him!

Photo Friday!

The power of suggestion? Here's Tigger taking part in a most popular feline obsession... window watching. His friend? That would be our younger daughter's Fur Real cat. I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw this the other morning!

Thrifty Thursday!

So, I knew I was working in the right place when I found out the nursing home where I work has a thrift store that's open every Thursday... doesn't that make Thrifty Thursday that much more appropriate for me? :) Anyway, the last time I went there, they had this owl, and I knew it needed to come home with me. So, for $5, it did! It's actually an ice bucket. I haven't used it for its intended purpose yet, though! With the current owl trend, I feel very lucky to have found this! My husband, for the record, thinks it's creepy. Hopefully, I'll add some friends to what should be a small collection! And that's what's thrifty this Thursday!

Wow! I feel lucky!

Yay! I just found out I was the lucky winner of a ceramic mug from Heather at Daulhaus! The above is just one example of her wonderful art! I just discovered her work through another blog, and I am amazed by the simple beauty of her work... just fabulous! If you have some time, stop by her blog or etsy shop and take a peek! Thanks so much, Heather!

Beading!

I had some time to get crafty last night, and I made these two necklaces. The first is made of a turquoise donut bead from Fire Mountain Gems, hemp cord, and various metal beads and findings. I just love turquoise! I think of all of the semi-precious stones, it is definitely my favorite! The variation of color is always intriguing...  This necklace is on the longer side (about 24") and I used lots of knots... I wanted it kind of simple and organic feeling. The second one is made from some glass faceted beads I bought from The Garden of Beadin' during our last trip to the Outer Banks... I simply fell in love with them. Even better was that the beads were buy one strand, get one free (gotta love a sale!). It took two to make this necklace. It's about 18" long. I knew since I planned on just using the one style of bead, that it would need a special clasp. I found this one at Michaels. Have you done any crafting this weekend?

Photo Friday!

Here's one of my favorites from a recent trip to the Outer Banks! Have a wonderful weekend! I don't know about you, but I am ready for it! It's been a rough week at work!

Thrifty Thursday!

On Saturday, I spent the day thrifting/antiquing with my good friend and co-worker Suzanne. We found some cute things... some of which had to come home with us! We checked out some antique stores on 301 in Mechanicsville, and then I took her to a couple of my favorite places. My favorite find of the day was a set of 8 cups and saucers with one of the salad plates.... yes, only one. I have done a Google search for this pattern to no avail. It's made by Johnson Brothers. The only other markings are that the pieces were "made in England" and "ironstone." Other than this, I don't have a clue about the pattern! Apparently, Johnson Brothers has been in business since the 1920's. In the late 1990's, the company moved production to China, and is now no longer in business. So I know that it was likely made before then. Any ideas? I'd love to find more pieces! Anyone else go thrifting this week?