Decisions, decisions

Often when I'm at an antique mall I spot something and can't make my mind up as to what to do - purchase, not purchase, wait. This happened to me recently at  Midsouth Marketplace. I saw a small painting for five dollars and chose to wait. However, the next day I returned to purchase.

I wanted to cover a water damaged place on  the den wall. For too long I've looked at those dark water stains and despised them. This picture worked out nicely below the opening with the folk art shorebirds.

 There's a lot to see at Marketplace. I hope people will check it out and also visit Plantation Antiques and Collectibles.  Having two antique malls in Millington is heavenly for those of us who like browsing for old and unusual things.

 Several booths had constructed mantels to add interest to their space. 

Another purchase that I had to think about was a set of vintage trouser hangers. Again I waited an extra day before making up my mind. Sometimes this backfires when that something sells and is gone. One day I might use all three in a grouping, but for now I'm using just one over in the art room.

This journal page came about today as I was using the last bit of paint from four bottles. I still like printmaking using wood blocks, round lids, and whatever else is available. 

My Escape

Just ten minutes or a couple of hours over in the art nook is time well spent to me. Sometimes I do ministry cards for the church or a personal project like the angel piece I'm working on.

Yesterday Nicolas took a white card and in just a few minutes made this.

He asked me how to spell calm. I wondered why.  

Bless his heart. He was not aware of the terrible event in Orlando.

I was amazed to see his message.

Miscellaneous

Another school year comes to a close.

For grandson Gunner it meant his eighth grade graduation. My, he has grown up fast!

Art room is still my quiet place. Bird images and words have  come together for recent creations. At Goodwill I picked up the white dish with the bird on a twig.

Spice has been taking good care of her kittens. All four are staying inside the shed, but soon they will venture out to explore.

Not sure how much longer I will keep my booth open. Business has been slow, and it's getting harder to find replacement items.

Spring is Tardy

My calendar page box said Spring for today. But I have to disagree 'cause we had chill, wind, and even a brief flurry of snow. One mild day this past week I did clean out flowerbeds. That put me in the mood for new plantings, warmer days, and flower blooms.  


I have had my head buried in a very good book that a friend loaned to me.

Unforgettable characters spanning three generations in fictitious Howbutker, Texas, will keep you turning pages.

I keep bringing home quirky one dollar finds -
a thin wooden plaque with a perfect quote, a colorful container with peculiar designs, and a paper heart of many colors. 
















                                                                                                  

A few Easter decorations are out. 

I put together another small canvas.

   I've been working a little on my booth. It needs revamping.

I was hoping someone would purchase the lantern to display a cute Easter rabbit with a few eggs or maybe

buy this sweet Teena Flanner collectible.  

But so far no takers.

When I was in Texas I purchased this soft green pitcher from an antique store in the old part of Celina. The shop is a real treasure trove, and the lovely, elderly couple encourage browsing.

Well, that's a summary for this Sunday evening. Hopefully spring is just around the corner. 

Studio

As you probably know by now this space is a favorite place of mine. Of course, I wish my mother was still living in the apartment. Sometimes a sadness comes over me when I'm there, but most of the time it provides a great spot for creating. For now it's my happy place. I have hung art by Kelly Rae Roberts, other local artists, and some of my own. 

Yesterday I used some paper scraps to make a small canvas picture.

Hello March

Slow Start

I'm off to a slow start this January. Once Christmas decor came down...what then...? I still can't figure out what I want to use for displays and decorations.
However, I'll share a few changes.

I wanted to find an oil painting with cows in a peaceful pasture or by a stream, but alas, I had to be happy with a dog painting for Corkey. It was a Christmas surprise, but he claims I bought it for myself. Well, the price was just too good to not buy. The handsome frame was worth what I paid. I thought thirty dollars was a bargain.

oil painting on bedroom mantel

Years ago my friend Carla bought this sign at Kirkland's in Jackson. I envied hers and searched for one of my own.  It took a very long time to find another. In fact, it was Carla who stumbled across it when we were shopping At Carriage House Antiques during our November reunion days in Jackson.

 I decided to hang the sign in the kitchen near the back door.

This magazine rack was made by my dad. I had been using it over in the art nook, but now it's in our den near my easy chair. It needs to be painted, but I'm hesitant to change it. 

Speaking of art, I finally got the paints out to try a technique I saw in a magazine.

Using cardboard scraps and bubble wrap I have a new abstract painting.

I'm still trying to come up with something for the den mantel. It needs a complete makeover. Maybe inspiration will strike when I least expect it.

Have a wonderful weekend!