Category Archives: Shop Talk
Where I get to give a shout out about other folks who make stuff I think is cool, clever, great, awesome or just catches my attention
Get Your Beach Read On :: Treasury Thursday
I remember a good book like I remember a good friend. I may not recall every detail or line, or even the sequence of events, but I will always be able to feel the mood of a book, the way I think the characters look and act, the feeling(s) I had while reading it. I can’t remember movies to save myself, and even watched the same one three times because I kept forgetting that I had seen it already. I can’t even remember which movie it was. Really { I know…}. But a book, it’s with me always.
Real readers read all year long, but isn’t there just something about the summer read; the beach read? Decadent, indulgent, savory. Somehow we give ourselves permission to get lost in a story that may not be the most enriching or most mind bending because it amuses, it comforts, it transports. It delivers us from our own daily routines.
A good book should leave you… slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it. ~William Styron, interview, Writers at Work, 1958
Every summer I set out with a great plan to tackle one of the classics that I somehow missed in my younger days, but I usually manage to sabotage my own plan! I hate to admit it, but it’s true; I get to this time of the year, and I just want the easy read, the escape, the transport into the lives of the memorable characters that always manage to take up permanent residence in my memory.
From summers gone by, these are just a few of my favorite beach reads. They are epic, with stories that seem to go on as long as summer itself.
But what about when the book just ends? Leaves you hanging, wanting more? I usually race through a book, only to realize that I miss it the minute I finish the last page. Sometimes, it seems impossible to start a new book, it feels almost disloyal; or, it just seems that nothing can compare with the experience. After I finished reading Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption; it was at least three months before I could pick up another book; the story so compelling, it moved me, and I dare say it even changed me a little.
But if you find yourself looking for good recommendations, try Shelf Awareness: Enlightenment for Readers. They have a newsletter that helps you discover the 25 best books of the week!
For this week’s Treasury Thursday; you will find some wonderful items for your reading escapes – comfy spots to curl up, fun ways to tote and store your books, a few fun accessories and always, some simple truths.
I leave you with two questions – what’s your favorite summer beach read, and when you read, do you go for an ‘old fashion’ paper book, or the modern day e-reader?
Happy reading!
A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a (hu)man’s mind can get both provocation and privacy. ~Edward P. Morgan
Run Like the Wind :: Treasury Thursday
About a week ago, I admitted that I had given up on running some time ago, only to find that I really miss it and that I am making it my mission to see if I have any of the run left in me.
I’ve made good on my end of the deal and I have to say, it feels as good as I remembered. I will never qualify as a stand in for The Flash, but neither will I be representing the tortoise when he goes up against the hare. I’ve always been a middle of the pack runner and I think it’s safe to say that some things never change.
I am completely ok with this undeniable truth.
My goal is 30 miles in 30 days; I am a firm believer that if you want to add something healthy, something positive, into your life, do it for at least 21 days and it becomes a habit, or at least not such a struggle. On the flip side, if there is something you want to take out of your life [Cheez-Its perhaps?], stop doing that behavior for at least 21 days. By the way, I haven’t had one single Cheez-It since the middle of May. Honest. What Cheez-Its? You mean the little crunchy, crispy, salty yummy, cheesy little scary orange crackers? Oh, right, those.
So, my theory is that if I can churn out 30 miles in 30 days, running might actually become a habit again.
You, my dear bleeps, are here to help hold me accountable. Look for this little update in posts now and then. I am 7 days into my challenge so far and here is my update:
So far, so good. I am on track but the best part is that it feels good, I end my little runs looking forward to the next one. The early summer mornings are cool, crisp and fresh and that fresh start helps me get through the rest of the day.
So, this week’s treasury is all run inspired. There are some fantastic and creative items out in Etsy-land for you runners or for the runner(s) you love. Find the treasury in Etsy, or take an easy jog right here.
School’s Out! :: Treasury Thursday
The idea of “School’s Out” is so well timed and is a great idea for this weeks’s treasury challenge.
I love this time of year, have I mentioned that already?
When school is out, we can hopefully enjoy longer days, a more carefree routine, and perhaps be reminded of easier, simpler and innocent summer days of childhood.
I savor the longer days, warm summer nights and as a mom of a school kid, I am not sure who’s happier when school is out, me or the kiddo!
There is less homework, more peace in the house; less rushing, more family time; less cooking, more grilling.
This week’s idea hails all the way from Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland – thanks to Louise from CraftyLou! You can find CraftyLou in a few places…she’s got a shop on Folksy and Etsy , some fun boards on Pinterest, Facebook, and I suggest grabbing a cup of tea and pay a visit to her blog.
Since my own Etsy shop is focused on Paper, I feel that I have stumbled across a kindred spirit when I read her personal message on her Etsy shop…
Paper……..it surrounds us everyday….newspapers, office printouts, junk mail, magazines….and I love making things with it. Ever since I was wee I’ve drawn on, cut, folded, glued, selotaped and stapled paper to make things….some more sucessful than others! My choice of university degree and subsequent career as an Architect have developed and inspired this love of modeling paper into forms.
She makes the most detailed, beautiful hand-cut paper works of art – I can’t imagine the patience this must require! One of her pieces is in this treasury…I think you will spot it easily…it reminds me of one of my favorite movies of all time, Grease, and the summer romance between Sandy and Danny!
When school is out, it leaves an empty canvas; the days are no longer filled with the three R’s, but instead space is created for …
Sprinklers.
Popsicles.
Swimming pools.
Flip flops.
Staying up late.
Summer nights.
and more…
Take a little break and enjoy the treasury…what easy breezy ‘school’s out’ memories do you have? And be sure to stop by and say hello to CraftyLou!
 School’s Out |
Printable, DIY, Schools Out, Sun, Flip flops, Summer, Labels, stickers, Hang…
Hand Stamped Graduation Key Chain Class of 2012 With Graduation Cap Charm Per…
I Love School ….When It’s Out Patch
Deep in a wood carved on a tree – wedding congratulations card
Vintage Drive In Movie Pendant Resin Pendant Picture Pendant Photo Pendant Re…
Vintage Children’s Book Set, “Let’s Find Out” Book Series
Record Clock – Grease (Summer Nights)
School of Fish Decals (100 fish to arrange any way you’d like)
Swimming Pool Summer Water Blue Ladder – 5 x 7 art print by Dawn Smith
Custom Sand Imprint Flip Flops. Your Design. No Minimum Order Quantity.
popsicle print, beach art, summer photography, carnival, popsicle print, nurs…
Swimming: Use a Medals Rack to display your swimming ribbons
Stayed up past my bedtime…and survived T-Shirt – Not The End of the World D…
Last Day of School Countdown Clock
Back in time beach days :: Treasury Thursday
As soon as the idea of “Retro Beach” came in on Facebook for this week’s treasury challenge, this image came to my mind. I mentioned in an earlier post that my mom had lived in San Francisco and this photo captures her and her girlfriends in their heyday – look at those bathing beauties! Life was more carefree; this was before marriages and baby carriages, before mortgages and carpools and weekly trips to the grocer. Easy days in the sunshine, probably talking about boys, what dress to wear to dinner and perhaps the rock star everyone was crushing on.
My mom is on the left and my guess is that this photo was taken mid-late 1940s…
and has a permanent spot in a frame in my home!
Thanks to Leona from Lee’s Whimsy for the great idea and the inspiration to return to simpler times; such a perfect fit for the season when we should all slow down a bit, hopefully enjoy some carefree moments and savor the longer days! Stop by and say hello to Leona!
View the Treasury in Etsy or take a stroll right here…don’t forget the sunscreen!
Treasury Thursday :: watermelon sunshine
I headed into the archives for this week’s treasury theme…for a suggestion from a few weeks ago that I didn’t want to leave behind, especially since it’s summer! What, it’s only my favorite season of the year!
This idea was inspired by Paula from Stuff I Tell My Sister, her blog that is all this and more…
Who do you call or text with everyday “stuff” that occurs? Your sister, your mom, your best friend? That’s what this blog is about, “stuff I tell my sister”… Great books, photos, music, new ideas, product reviews, exercise and health info, rants & raves and random life thoughts. (from an Oklahoma gal to you♥)
You might remember Paula from an earlier post this week, where she shared some awesome sunshine over this way, so it seemed only right to pair the scrumptious watermelon with some bright shiny sunshine. I’ve enjoyed getting acquainted with Paula through bloggity blog world…and we realized we share the experience of growing up in a small town and both have an affinity for a certain author [more on that sometime soon!]. Take a minute to meet Paula…by no mistake, one of her most recent posts is a tribute to the farmer. Perfect for watermelon week, yes? After reading it, I hope you savor that watermelon even more.
So, wha-la: here you have some watermelon sunshine. But first, some interesting info about watermelons and a few new recipes to try out…
Who knew?
Watermelon is thought to have originated in southern Africa where it is found growing wild // There are more than 1200 varieties of watermelon, ranging in weight from less than a pound to more than two hundred pounds, with flesh that is red, orange, yellow or white. // And just for Paula, did ya know that the Oklahoma State Senate passed a bill on 17 April 2007 declaring watermelon as the official state vegetable, with some controversy surrounding whether a watermelon is a fruit? I did my research!
We all know that watermelon in it’s natural form is one of the most delicious flavors of summer…but, have you ever thought of using the rinds? Me neither…so think about this:
- Try Spiced watermelon honey, a great way to use up watermelon rind that normally ends up in the garbage. Watermelon honey is great on pancakes, biscuits, & toast.
- Or, make this Watermelon-Peach Salsa to complement your chicken or fish on the grill.
- Feeling more adventurous? Great…try deep fried watermelon. Yeah. Let me know how that goes!
View the treasury here or savor all the juicy goods below…and Paula, the clock is for you 
I hope you enjoy and thanks for the inspiration!
Cheers!
 Watermelon Leather Pouch |
SPECIAL OFFER…3 x 10ft WATERMELON Felt Circle Garlands in Pink and Green – …
liquid sunshine hand painted yellow mug 2.0
Brighten your home with a little sunshine Art
Popsicle Soap (Juicy Watermelon)
6 Sunshine Felt flowers applique sew on poppy 3 shades of yellow summer
Padma & Pickles Jewelry: Completely Handmade in Hawaii-Watermelon Tourmaline …
That’s my Jam Watermelon Jelly 8 oz jar
Sunshine shea butter soap BIG 5 oz bar
Watermelon Shimmer Gloss – Lip Gloss – Natural Minerals With Sparks and Refle…
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE Hand Painted Wall Clock
You Are My Sunshine – Printable Art – Nursery Art
Handmade Glycerin Soap – Summer Watermelon – 1 Bar
Mid Century Art Print, Orange Yellow Grey, Sunshine, Mountains Abstract Lands…
Treasury Thursday :: all buttoned up.
I know I say it every week, but it’s so much fun to assemble a treasury based on a challenge…it gets me out of my own zone and on the hunt for things I might not otherwise seek out. It’s good to see things differently!
When I was a kid, my mom was always asking, ‘what do you want for dinner?” I never had a good answer and couldn’t figure out why she was always asking ME…she was the mom! Now, I get it and gosh darn it if I don’t do the same thing! Thinking of what to cook is harder than pulling the meal together…once you have a plan, the rest is fun. And, the same is true here!
So, this week, my hat is off to Kate over at A Creative Cookie for her idea of buttons! And, once you spend even just a few minutes on her blog, you will realize she really is in fact one creative cookie. Wow! I have visited her blog many times and have a few ideas bookmarked, so it was great to spend a little more time ‘getting to know her’ so I could introduce her to all of you!
What’s fun is that one of her recent tutorials is the perfect match to the buttons…a necklace made from a spool of thread! You can find tutorials for all things creative over at A Creative Cookie…from holiday fun, jewelry, fun for kids, creative organizing, tips and techniques and ideas for parties. And that’s not all, she has a super duper list Link Parties, and if you are looking for a little bit of the spotlight, go see Kate and chat about advertising and give aways …she’s got that covered too! Stop by and say hello; you can find her on Facebook too!
I love buttons, and check this out. When I put the word button into the Etsy search tool, any guesses on the number of items that popped up? Go on, take a guess. Did you guess 371,673 items? Didn’t think so! Buttons show up in so many ways: necklaces, bracelets, every kind of vintage button you can imagine, fabric, painted, wood, ceramic. There are giant buttons, oh so petite buttons. Buttons you can eat, buttons you wash up with…there is a button for everyone! Kate, I hope this inspires your creativity…it will be be fun to see what button projects you come up with.
Hope you all enjoy all the amazing items made by such creative Etsy shop owners. View the Treasury in Etsy and below…
{ Hope your day is all buttoned up! }
Treasury Thursday :: living in America
So, after a short break, I am back with a new week of Treasury Thursday. It’s always a fun surprise to see what suggestions I get from the challenge I post on my Facebook wall and this week was no exception – so many great ideas. I couldn’t possibly choose, so I wrote all the idea on slips of paper and had my kiddo choose one. So…
The one he picked was from Masako at Sock Sock World!
Her suggestion was:
America or USA. I am looking for unique gifts for my family overseas.
Thanks to her, we get to take a moment to stop and appreciate the place we call home. I mentioned in an earlier post that I work with students who come from all over the world to attend the university where I work and I always ask them how long it’s been since they have been able to visit wherever their home is. It never ceases to amaze me when their answer is two or more years; often due to student visa issues or just a matter of finances. So, with that in mind, Masasko, I hope this treasury gives you some ideas for some gifts you might send home to give a glimpse of life here and how much your family at home means!
Before moving on to the treasury itself, I just have to tell you about Masako. I She is a wonderful person to be connected with; she is present, pleasant, and so positive, so friendly. It always makes my day when I log-in to Facebook and see that she has connected with one of my posts. I get the feeling that it would be easy to sit down over a cup of coffee and have an easy, comfortable conversation with her. Ok, and her shop on Etsy is just the best, you have to stop by and see for yourself. She designs and creates the most adorable sock animals of all kinds. Whales. Kangaroos. Dogs. Platypuses. Otters. Adorable and soft, they are perfect as gifts for the small set, and even the bigs. Not too long ago, I wrote to her and sent a photo of my dog to see if she could create a sock animal for my son for his Easter basket. She did an amazing job creating a soft version of our dog Stuart
In the photo I sent, Stuart had his tongue sticking out like this, and she took the time to capture not only that detail, but also the color of his collar and included a tag with his initial that she hand stitched…and this was all after making sure she had the right kind of fuzzy sock to use to match his crazy hair. Meet some of her other wonderful Sock animals, in the shop now!
Find Sock Sock World on Facebook, Etsy, & Twitter and you will feel like you have a new friend. I do! Now, on to the treasury…hope you enjoy all things U.S. of A. and find some inspiration and appreciation of all the freedoms we enjoy! View the Treasury here or below…
 Enamel flower brooch Vintage… $7.00
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 Vintage map gift tags, six r… $3.00
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 Linocut Print – 8×10 USA Air… $22.00
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 Mohawk Zebra with Red Heart … $22.98
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 Vintage Suitcase Set of TWO,… $34.99
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 Not All That Wander Are Lost… $15.00
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 Before the storm Original la… $199.00
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 Women’s T-shirt, Thoreau… $18.00
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 50 Red, White and Blue Strip… $8.00
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 Eco 13.5 inch Laptop Bag Pad… $35.00
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 Sakura Stitch Marker Keeper … $11.50
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 Memorial Day Flower Hair Cli… $6.00
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 I Love America Gift Tags $4.00
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 High Waist American Flag Sho… $35.00
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 Red/White/Blue 4th of July P… $42.00
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 Button Magnets, Red, white a… $19.50
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{ cheers }
Treasury Thursday :: let’s connect the dots
This week I am going to the ‘archives’ for Treasury Thursday. Ok, so not really the ‘archives’; I am just going back to last week. There were a few suggestions for the weekly challenge I post on Facebook, and there was one I couldn’t get off my mind. Simple, but fun and whimsical was the idea from Hailey Ann over at Lizzy and Jaynes: dots, spots, & speckles. For some reason, she had me at dots! So, the big reveal is that this week’s treasury is inspired by Hailey Ann from the Etsy shop LizzyandJanes: custom creations and accessories. Hailey Ann…thank you, it was a delightful quest for all things dots, spots and speckles!
photo via LizzyandJanes on Etsy
She shares her Etsy shop with her sister, and though they live hundreds of miles apart they found a way to bridge the distance and work together. Even though I loved their shop name right off the bat, I have to admit that I didn’t clue in. When I read their shop profile it was so much fun to learn this…
As you might have guessed from the shop title, we LOVE Jane Austen and more especially Pride & Prejudice!!!
I should have connected the dots, being a Jane Austen fan too! But, I must have been distracted by their fun shop filled with color, whimsy and all things wonderful. As a mom of a boy, with friends who mostly have boys, it’s an understatement to say that my shopping consists of sneakers, t-shirts, jeans, sweats and shorts. And, the occasional “little-man gets dressed up outfit”. But bows, flowers and headbands? Nope, not ever. **sigh** But, wait. You’ve got to check out their shoe clips…I could live in flip flops, so I just might get to do a bit of shopping afterall!
Find LizzyandJanes on Facebook, and on Twitter at @LizzyandJanes, and stop by to visit their blog! Tell them {PaperKeeper} sent you!
And, another thing I learned – they are coming up on their one year anniversary next month! Being a new shop owner too, that one year mark has got to be a thrill…congrats to LizzyandJanes – and thanks for the great inspiration this week!
{ find some dots in your life…and connect them! }
 The Jane Fairfax 3″ Pin… $7.50
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 Japanese Washi Masking Deco … $1.75
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 30 Paper Straws….YELLOW Po… $4.75
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 10%OFF- Amor Vintage Inspire… $42.00
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 Cornerstoregoddess Porcelain… $10.00
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 8mm Speckled Stoney Green an… $6.50
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 Handbag Purse Everyday Bag :… $65.00
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 round speckled red bead ring $7.99
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 Custom King Size Orange Yell… $140.00
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 Set of 6 Dotted Drawer Knobs… $42.00
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 Lots and Lots of Spots and D… $2.50
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 Coral Pink Polka Dots Washi … $4.35
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 SILLY SPOTS (Sunshine) Colla… $11.00
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 Washed Ta Dots Fabric/ Linen… $8.00
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 Lunch Bag: Boyfriend Spot Pr… $9.50
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 Orange Spots – Fabric Button… $8.00
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Treasury Thursday :: just a wisp
Today’s treasury challenge was really a challenge…I had so many great ideas to choose from this week and wanted to do them all. Ultimately, I ended up feeling pulled towards the light, the wispy delicate lightness found in a whisper, in the softness of a dandelion.
photo via LeesWhimsy
Thanks to Leona at LeesWhimsy [ LeesWhimsy: Digital Photo Art to Lift Your Spirit ] for today’s treasury theme, “ethereal wisp”. More on Leona and her great shop, but first a mini confession. Ethereal is one of those words that I know, understand, and can even feel, but honestly when I tried to put it into words for myself, I found that I couldn’t really come up with any. I could only define it in a physical sense, not a word sense, but I needed words t get started. So, I turned to our friend Mr. Webster and found what was on the tip of my tongue, tucked away somewhere in the back of my brain….and know how relieved I was to find that one of the defining terms is ‘intangible’. Exactly!
1. Characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; intangible. 2. Highly refined; delicate. See Synonyms at airy. 3. a. Of the celestial spheres; heavenly. b. Not of this world; spiritual. 4. Chemistry Of or relating to ether.
Leona’s shop is filled with beautiful images that easily convey the gentleness of something ethereal. In her profile I learned this about Leona and her art:
“I believe Art is vital to our wellbeing, and want to improve your environment with my photography! This means that my photos and digital art photos will be done in a way that lifts your spirit and mind, and creates a space where you feel safe, comfortable, and at peace. That way you can concentrate on whatever you have to do, even if that task is simply relaxing.”
And you know what, she’s right! I was feeling tired tonight, a bit overwhelmed from the load at work and well, just a bit worn out. Delving into a treasury to curate a collection of items that all have in common the essence of light and a delicate touch did lift my spirit! It was easy to concentrate on this very relaxing ‘task’! Thank you Leona for your gentle suggestion. Be sure to stop by her shop and all the great shops featured in this collection of beautiful items.
Now, prepare to enjoy the relaxing and ethereal goodness here. Thanks again Leona!
{ relax and find some lightness in your day }
 Soft Fluff 8 x 10 Fine Art P… $20.00
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 Child’s Hand Holding See… $30.00
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 Will o’ the Wisp Necklac… $55.00
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 Burst into heaven – ethereal… $40.00
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 Silver hoop earrings with Mi… $22.00
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 20 Place Cards, Wine Glass D… $50.00
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 Dragonfly Bobby Pin – An Eth… $8.00
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 Ethereal Portrait Marie 8×8 … $30.00
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 Beach Fog Surreal Ethereal A… $25.00
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 the wispy duo // 2 tillands… $18.00
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 Cashmere-All Natural Mineral… $4.99
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 Blank Note Card With Dragonf… $4.00
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 evening wisps – nature photo… $35.00
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 Ethereal Seed Lampshade $300.00
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 Ethereal Opal Cage ring ster… $258.00
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 Ethereal Sky Blue Wave Trape… $25.00
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Treasury Thursday :: Breezy Ocean Getaway
May 17
Posted by Bonnie
This week’s treasury challenge has a bit of a twist..it’s a collaboration between two ideas and my upcoming weekend plans! Last week one of the great ideas was “Ocean Breeze” and who can argue with the sound of that? And this week, one of the ideas was “Getaway” and again, who am I to argue!? Especially, since this weekend, I am surprising my boys with a getaway to the ocean. They know we are going somewhere, but they don’t know where…mama’s mystery trip destination will be revealed when we pull into the airport!
But first, this fun collaboration – this week’s treasury is inspired by Aimee of byAimee.com { Ocean Breezes } and Pam from Bates Mercantile Co. and her blog Mercantile Muse {Getaway}. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places! With summer just around the corner, it would seem safe to say that we’re all ready for a little getaway, but first, some introductions are in order.
I have introduced you to Pam before, so it’s great fun to have her back for this week’s treasury! Though we live on opposite sides of the country, it often feels like she is just across town! I always appreciate her creative comments and friendly presence on Facebook and in the blogging world. She has a great blog where she shares some of the best finds, great advice and on many days a stunning capture of a brilliant sunset!
I am happy to have you meet Aimee! Aimee and I are in the same time zone and often we are both up waaaay too late, but so glad to have another night owl pal. Aimee has an awesome Website & Graphic Design company and no doubt you have seen her work all over blog town. She’s also the founder and editor over at Fancy Little Things. Be sure to stop by and say hello to each of them and tell them PaperKeeper sent ya!
So, thank you Pam and Aimee for your unwitting collaboration! And to everyone, I hope you enjoy the treasury, it’s full of what you will need if you are lucky enough to have an ocean breezy getaway in your near future. And since not everyone can sneak away, there are a few items tucked in to bring the ocean breeze to you!
Camper Necklace – Getaway – Airstream – Hand stamped – Sterling Silver – Trav…
fly away with me, to where we feel the ocean breeze – 8×8″ beach photogr…
Vintage Blue Luggage / Set of 3 Nesting Suitcases / BANTAM
Typography Art Print Illustration, Original Wall Art Print Typography, Retro …
Vacation Mini Album – Island Getaway Scrapbook
SEASIDE GETAWAY – Hydrangea Flower Headband in Vintage Aqua Blue
Luggage Tag / Gift Card Holder – Natural Butterflies MADE TO ORDER
Striped Tote in Turquoise and White French Stripes
Passport Cover , Tangerine Fabric , Floral , Pocket Style
She Sells Sea Shells – Australian Getaway – Fine Art Nature Photography 8×10&…
Spa Bath Soak – Ocean Breeze- Reflection, Romance, Gentle Ocean Breeze
Rustic orange floral statement necklace, vintage brooch moss turquoise stone …
Will Drive the Get-Away Car – Girlfriend Scrabble Tile Jewelry
Medium Double Pocket Wet Bag / Adjustable and Removable Strap / Michael Mille…
Breeze Necklace, book page necklace, literary necklace
Ocean Breeze Spa Blend Bath Salts
Cheers!!
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Tags: breeze, brilliant sunset, creative comments, getaway, graphic design company, luggage, mystery trip, ocean, ocean breeze, ocean breezes, sneak away, travel, vacation