1950's Vintage Typewriter

I did it! I will soon be the proud owner of this 1950's vintage Sears Tower typewriter that I just purchased on Ebay. I'm absolutely thrilled!

I can't wait to transport myself to another era to write

love letters

poems

thank-you notes

stories

&

anything else I could possibly write with this charming machine.

I'm thinking I may paint it a bright color, although doing so would probably take away from its value. But I got it for a bargain...we shall see.

I just love these brightly colored vintage typewriters...

Snowy Day

In case you weren't aware, the winter has been quite extreme in the Midwestern and northern states this season. This week we experienced a "historic" blizzard...some calling it "Snowpocalipse 2011." Today was my second snow day of the week and I have another tomorrow. While this would be an opportune time for getting cozy with a cup of tea and my sewing machine, I have been sluggishly working on a research paper instead. Not that my research isn't interesting...I've been studying the effects of integrating the arts into other curriculum areas in my classroom. It's just that writing 30 page papers has never been a thrilling snow day activity for me. But no worries, Maggie heroically came to the rescue after shoveling out her car and making her way through the treacherous snow-covered streets to take us to the craft store!

On our way to civilization...

Maggie with a snow mountain in the Michael's parking lot


It was taller than Maggie...and Maggie is tall, I might add.



Our trip to Michael's was a nice break and I came home with a new book, ribbon, and lots of ideas.


I've been looking at this book for a while and finally decided to go for it!

And as the cherry on top, Michael's was giving away grab bags with every purchase. These are a few fun things I found in mine.

OK...now back to writing, I suppose.

Making Valentines on a Crafternoon

Yesterday Maggie came over for a "crafternoon" as Martha Stewart likes to call it. We got a head start on our Valentines for this year. I have to admit, I broke a sweat trying to keep up with Maggie's craftiness...but I think my cards aren't too shabby.

You really can't go wrong with glitter when it comes to Valentines.

A Snowy Squirrel Story

So, this is a bit unrelated to crafts. But it was too adorable to not share. While working on a sewing project, this feisty little guy was busy foraging for acorns in the snow right outside my window. I was so entertained by this moment that I had to capture it.

At this moment, he'd heard the snap of my camera lense through the window and came over for a closer look...

...and off he went.

I couldn't help wishing he'd come inside to a warm nest of blankets.

New and Improved Craft Station

This weekend I reevaluated my crafting space and found that I needed a bit more room. Another desk was just the ticket. Now I can spread out and not be confined to one surface, which was pretty much consumed by my sewing machine. Now sewing projects and paper crafts can coexist in harmony :)

I can only imagine that my need for space and surfaces will grow. In June I am moving up to Rhode Island to move in with my fella and he's admitted his concern for accommodating my craft space. "How many desks will you need?" he asked. In reality, I'll probably have a designated corner somewhere until we get a bigger place. But he's already promised me a craft studio someday. What a guy! Until then, I'll be sketching plans in my brain...

I LOVE this closet craft space designed by Livy. I'm always inspired by her blog (which you should really visit) A Field Journal at www.afieldjournal.blogspot.com.



( Photo credits belong to Livy at A Field Journal)

Goodwill = Good for my room...

The open space on my wall needed something...

This hanging frame was perfect for this vintage postcard I had.

This frame came along with this pretty natural history print. (Only $3!)

Flea Market Finds

I love the feeling of leaving a market with

a collection of found treasures for under $10!

Vintage floral fabric

Vintage perfume container

Zippers


Vintage postcard from DC



Victorian saucer

Floral vase

Mom's Workbench

Every time I go home for a holiday I always enjoy spending time in the garage where my mother has created a space for her crafting. She calls it her "workbench" and among the chaos of our garage, it remains the only organized and sunny corner.

Craft night!

Thursday night was the long-awaited craft night at Maggie's house. It was the perfect break from conferences. We had a scrumptious veggie lasagna dinner with this incredible gooey cake for desert...can't quite think of it's proper name right now. It was wonderful nonetheless. To top it all off, Maggie gave me an adorable Halloween card and birthday gift!

And no, it didn't stop there...her brother also gave me a handmade birthday card...that he made...with felt :)

The fully belly and joyful spirits resulted in a productive night of crafts, stories, and this curious little gal...