Brief Update

• bargain hunting 

      I get so excited when I find oil paintings for just a few dollars.

• ministry cards

      Sometimes I paint on them before writing a message or verse.

• baking 

      Today I made sugar cookies to take to friends after church tomorrow.

      They invited us to their Easter lunch. Two strawberry pies will get made         

       in the morning. 

       

Happy Easter Blessings 

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!

Unexplained

I wanted to write about today's happening while it's fresh on my mind. A few days ago I spotted a painting at the Goodwill store that I almost bought. I liked the colors, subject matter, and name, place, and date on the back, but didn't want to pay the ticket price even though it was reasonable. Stopping by the store today to check on that one painting, I headed to the back wall of shelves. It was gone. I even surveyed the assortment of framed pictures two times, looking carefully for it. Oh well, I knew I had missed my chance. I spent time looking over the other aisles stocked with dishes, books, knickknacks, etc. And then something eerie happened. I had returned to the aisle with photo frames and happened to glance at the back wall. The painting was there! And in the very same location where I had first spotted it. This time I took that painting to the front register and even inquired about a small discount which was granted. 

 

   

 

 

With the frame removed I was able to place it on the hutch. 

 

Bargain Hunting

You never know what you will stumble across when treasure hunting. Recently I was at a thrift store that stocks mostly clothes and books. However, on the floor in one corner was a group of framed pictures. The painting below was worth the two dollar price. The fruit basket had been done by a young artist in 1971. Rather than the art subject it was the information on the back that prompted me to buy the oil painting. What was she like? Did she continue to paint or give it up? 

 

 

 

 

 

   
Another find was a Haeger piece of pottery for four dollars.
White and cream pottery pieces are hard to resist. I like them for useful containers and for their beautiful forms. 

Finally at Goodwill among their decorating and craft books was this special treasure. I had no trouble parting with three dollars for this book.  So many exquisite photos and wonderful ideas. Some of them I had clipped and saved from past magazine issues.

If you are a treasure hunter, you already know the fascination and thrill of a trip to the flea market, antique shop , or thrift store.