Breaking News!

I told you about my friend Anna here. We've been friends since the day she was born. Literally. Anna is an artist in Southern California who creates ~ among other works ~ whimsical prints of animals, polka dots included!



Tomorrow is the last day to grab yourself Anna's "minis" at a fantastic sale price. Check out her Facebook page &/or her website for details.

To Hell With Christmas!

The best part about decorating for Christmas is sorting through the ornaments we have accumulated over the years. Some of the most cherished ones belonged to grandma Millie, others were regulars on the trees from my childhood and are now loved by my kids.

This is one of our favorites, just for the sheer randomness of it. A few decades ago, somebody, somewhere was making ornaments out of egg shells. And she, (because of course it was a she) decided to do something really unexpected. "I know"...She mused..."I'll make a devil ornament. A girl devil ornament!" We think she's sinfully wonderful!

Knick Knack Patti Whack!

My friend Patti is hosting a swell event at her shop in NE Portland this weekend. 4 local crafters have set up mini shops of their own within the Butter Bean walls of Patti's delightful space.

Let's have a look, shall we?

Nancy Goldman creates awesome brooches out of plastic animals, ribbon, wire and beads...

She up-cycles cast off sweaters into warm and whimsical hats...

Nancy also attaches images to canvas and adds bits and bobs to complete the picture. A cat with a crown and an Italian Count with a rhinestone earring, for example.

Julie Feuerborn is a master of glass transfers...



Aren't they wonderful? (The girl with the bird on her head in the first photo now belongs to yours truly.)
Laurie Buckley knits beautifully...


and makes lovely jewelry too!

Trina Hesson does amazing things with paper and glitter...

and paints colorful and unusual ornaments for your holiday tree.

Don't miss this show chock-full of charming and very reasonably priced goodies.

Patti Smith West

3746 NE 42nd - 1 block north of Fremont St.

Saturday 11/12 from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

A Festive Blue Truck

Spotted in the parking lot of the grocery store. I think it's Santa's warm up vehicle.

Chreepy Christmas

There are just some things on this earth that I never need to have in our house, particularly during the holidays.

A front loader Santa.

An indescribably hideous object.

A duck that I'm pretty sure quacked out a Christmas carol. I didn't dare squeeze his arm (or should I say wing?) to find out.

I have nothing against Jesus. However, this one makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. And not in a good way. Which one makes your blood run cold?

And the Tradition Continues...

Inspired by the stocking my mom made for me a few decades ago, I made each of my kids a felt stocking when they were babies. Santa and I have such great stuff to put in them this year...can't wait for Christmas morning!

Merry Christmas to you!