Salmon Alley

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Little Pink Houses

Yep, you're singing that song - so is the entire neighborhood. We kinda like the color... even though it's temporary. The siding will start soon and then the Easter Egg color house will be a thing of the past.

And while the outside of the house is getting a makeover, I've been a busy bee here at Salmon Alley. (Love the bees buzzing around the redbud.)

Can't get over this warm spring.

Still only March!

Here's what I've been making:

Banners for babies or weddings.

I've designed several styles. Some that hang and others that drape.

I've also made a Christmas one "tis the season" which feels really out of place right now.

Close up detail with vintage buttons

Birthday Banners! I combined this with a paint chip banner for some really festive birthday celebrations.

100% cotton banner- very festive

And lampshades! Some sweet shades for some sweet girls.

A small lamp shade with just enough room for an initial... perfect!

Another small shade, this one goes with the Amy Butler ottoman/puff shown below.

I made this cute puff for a client with her Amy Butler Pattern... so cute!

A perfect size for the nursery.

Took a quick trip for work... gorgeous skies!

Here's Mungo traipsing over the new pavers. He's pretty happy. It's been warm and sunny. The hydrangeas are coming up and a dandelion is already to seed.

If you've got a smart phone check out Retro Camera.

I just love how images look.

These were taken by a 5 year old with my iphone.

You just can't go wrong!

Love my scarf! It's been my favorite accessory this year.

Perfect weight. From the Gap.

Ok, I've got several lampshades and other projects in the works and

I hope to get back on track with the blogging really soon. Really!

Enjoy the beautiful spring!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Second Annual Craft Show

I had so much fun last year, I had to do it again.

After many, many weeks of preparations, I was ready for my second craft show. And I had a many new items this year.

Sweet little pin.

Lovely, lovely pins

Everything was received with a lot of enthusiasm... I feel the love! My booth was decorated with a few antiques, my products and the lampshade/sign from last year. The additional lighting was great in the booth and cast a nice glow. I have to say the hours flew by and before I knew it, I had several orders and hopefully many new fans.

I hope everyone that bought something at the show is happy with their purchase... please let me know.

I made this for my craft class and it was a hit at the show

I will show several garlands in my next post. And as always, I will make custom lampshades, pins and garlands. Just send me your ideas.

Dirty Betty and a new lampshade for my craft room... taking orders!

If you need anything from me, just send me a message and we can get together. I can fill orders for Christmas!

Part of the garland and a stack of acorns

On a personal note, I couldn't have done this without the help of my husband, kids and my sisters. Thank you all so much. It was fun to hang out with my sisters all day. It was busy and hectic but we did get to visit. And it was great to see so many friends who stopped by to support me! I really appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy schedules to stop by the show.

Thank you all for your support. Enjoy!

2011 SalmonAlley

Sunday, August 14, 2011

In these dog days of summer... these are a few of my favorite things

I've been a workaholic lately. I've been reflecting about many things and realized I have recently discovered some new favorite things... and thought I'd share them.

Those of you who know me may be a little surprised by my next statement:

I eat breakfast everyday.

Really... I have found something I truly enjoy eating - every day.

Fage 2% Greek Yogurt with local honey and walnuts. Sometimes I'll throw some blueberries or strawberries on it or just the honey. It is so delicious and really good for you too.

I love that every August, like clockwork, the PeeGee Hydrangea out front blossoms and goes from a creamy white to a light blush pink. Many other flowers are looking a little spent by this time of year, not the PeeGee... So pretty.

My newest favorite obsession: a truly decadent find... Trader Joe's does it again. 70% Dark Chocolate with Carmel and Sea Salt. It's a piece of heaven, right here on earth.

Get a look at that caramel... they say the serving size is 4 squares... but I savor this. It is so rich you really don't need that much. A square or two is perfect. And so is the price: $1.99!!

I love to harvest! This morning, I went into the garden and brought in a lovely assortment of peppers and tomatoes. Delicious. Organic and warm from the sun. Made quite a yummy BLAT (I added avocado) --mmm--mmm. After toiling for hours getting the weeds out... this is a really lovely reward to harvest the veggies. I do it every year, I must love it!

I love the simplicity of Homemade Philadelphia Style Vanilla Ice Cream. Simple and delicious. I can whip up a batch in about 35 minutes (30 minutes is in the ice cream maker). Pop it into the freezer to firm up for another two hours and then you can enjoy it however you choose: summer fruits, nuts, honey, caramel or just plain. Yum, Yum, Yum

And finally, I love having my birthday in the midst of the heat and chaos of summer. One day for me to be pampered and loved above all others... at least by my family! This year was especially grand... my husband and kids took the best care of me and had a pile of presents for me. It was a glorious day... thank you! I love being a Leo.

I am crafting away in preparation for the Sycamore Craft Show this fall... mark your calendars: November 19. I requested the same booth. So come listen to the bands and buy some great handmade items for the Holidays.

Enjoy!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Beautiful Summer Nights

We've been busy doing yard work lately, and tonight we finished moving Mulch Mountain off the driveway! Here are some shots of what parts of the yard look like... I did see a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly flying around as I was taking photos... of course it wouldn't sit still long enough to have it's picture taken. Lots of bees buzzing around too... love seeing that!

Not sure what we have going on here... but the vine, even though it's weed, looked charming on the furniture. I noticed this while I was grilled dinner tonight.

Beautiful daisies... how sweet in the sun. It was a really beautiful evening... cool and not to humid for our neck of the woods.

The purple coneflowers are just starting to blossom, they are like fireworks every year. I leave them through the fall the goldfinches love their seeds.

How can you not love this face... such a sweet heart. She is patiently waiting for me to take her picture in exchange for getting to lick my ice cream dish.

Hope you enjoyed this quick post.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Headbands galore!

I've been busy making headbands...lots of headbands. The components are pretty easy to make and don't take a lot of time (Which I don't have a lot of at any given stretch.) So it's pretty much perfect for me right now.

Using only fabrics I have on hand... I should be able to make a garden the size of Giverny - just ask my husband!! I have made the following lovely little flowers.

There are many tutorials on how to make the various flowers. I let the fabric determine the type of flower to make. It's a great way to use up some scraps.

Some of these will be in a professional photo shoot for a local hairdresser. I'll post the photos when I get them. Meanwhile, I'm making many more. I'm loving this new pass time!