They usually look like a bunch of grapes but you can find them in different configurations.  I think they were popular in the 1950’s and you can find instructions for them on line. I don’t think I would ever attempt to make one, I’m happy to treasure someone else’s hard work! I’ve been collecting them for years and have had them hanging in our kitchen.

In mid October, my friend Heather gave me two grape ones that she found at a thrift shop in her neighborhood. (Big HUG!) Then, on Rick and I’s recent trip to Seattle, we stopped in Olympia for lunch. We ate at this cute little diner and there was a “antique” shop right next store. Usually when I stop in and ask if they have any hot pads made from bottle caps, I get a blank stare. But this woman said, “oh, I just got two in.” So I added four new hot pads to the collection in one month. That inspired me to take them all down, wash them, and rearrange them so they are now over three doorways.

On this pineapple one, the maker went a little crazy and added a ruffley layer to make it even more dimensional.

I think they are really special. Rick thinks I’m nuts, but I’m used to that.

The monster only cost about half my birthday money and there I was at a show filled with amazing ceramics. How could I possibly leave without spending the rest?  And what did I spend my money on? Platters, bowls, mugs? No, I bought the incredible chicken headed fish person. The artist’s name is Alissa Clark. I just realized from surfing the web that she has a booth at Saturday Market this year. There might be more chicken people in my future. 

I bought the piece on the left several years ago at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. It was before they moved to the Pearl. I hate to say it but I can’t remember the name of the artist and it just has “jb” stamped into the side near the bottom. These two pieces are perfect together, don’t you think?

In Houston, they take their art cars seriously. They have a museum dedicated to art cars. And they have an annual parade that is a big deal. Last year there were 250 art cars and over 200,000 spectators. Like I said, they take this seriously.

Here are a few of the cars we saw.

The detail on this car was amazing.

This one we saw just out on the street one day.

This was outside of the museum. Why the horse is there I have no idea.

That’s my sister standing between the presidents so you can get an idea of scale.

This is the view from the porch swing.

statue in the back yard.

John used the Culprit to haul rocks and other stuff back to the house.

Today’s picture is of an original quilt. I think I made this back in 1995. It’s called Trick or Treat.

And here is the whole group on the mantle in the living room:

Aren’t they adorable???? I going to try and make a fabric insert for behind all the monsters using satins and painted cheese cloth, something that looks creepy and more monster appropriate. Probably in burgundy and black and grey. Fun.

I got this cabinet door from the ReBuilding Center for $3.00. I removed all the hardware and took the glass out of the center. Then I glued in some needlepoint canvas where the glass used to be. I added some pretty glass drawer knobs and voila, a jewelry holder. This is for my daughter; she’s been coveting mine for years.

This is the canopy I made to give us some shade on our back deck. I bought some adjustable tent poles and hooked them to the outer edge of the deck. I put five eye hooks under the eave of the house. Then I hemmed the fabric and put five grommets on the side that is next to the house and grommets on each of the outer corners. I used latches to hook the grommets to the eye hooks and slipped the outer grommets over the top of the tent poles. I will probably switch out the fabric because although I like the look of the gauzey stuff, it doesn’t block enough light. Still, done for now!

Our beloved cat Red Sox died on Saturday after giving us 14 wonderful years. She was a great cat who loved nothing more than sitting in your lap and purring her head off.

Of course she could also be incredibly haughty and look at you with utter disdain.

She had her eccentricities. She loved sitting in the sink and licking the water in the shower after you got out. She got quite mad if you didn’t let her in the bathroom.

She also was a huge fan of boxes. All kinds and sizes, any box will do.

She absolutely LIVED to get her scoop of canned food every night for dinner and usually started her vigil at the bowl around 4pm just waiting for six o’clock.

She was very good when Liza was a little girl and would let Liza dress her up and cart her around.

She also used to sleep with Liza. Sometimes you would go in at night to check on Liza and there they were, side by side under the covers.

She will be very missed by all of us. We loved her tons.

On another note, I will be taking a break for a week or two. My surgery is tomorrow, so send good thoughts my way. See you on the flip side.