"Granny Chic" Style - Doily Bowls

I got this idea from Tif at Dottie Angel... not sure how she did it but I figured out a way myself. Lace doilies turned into bowls - "granny chic" at its best. I think for the next batch I will add fabric and ribbon. Aren't they adorable? Not super strong but I can put threads, candy, etc. in them! I'm addicted!

Addendum - Do you know the history of a doily? I didn't - so Wikipedia says "A doily (or doilie) is an ornamental mat, originally the name of a fabric made by Doiley, a 17th-century London draper.

Yet another website gives the following history, which I like better - "Robert D'Oilly (Great Britain) was given his Barony on condition that he gave the king three shillings' worth of linen table-cloths per year. Since lace making was one of the specialities of the region, and because Robert wanted to show off, these table-cloths were beautifully embroidered by the D'Oilly ladies, and were reserved by the king's household for great occasions. They were known as "D'Oilly's linen. But, by the nineteenth century, these "doilies" had shrunk to fussy plate-sized circles of lace. Three bob didn't go as far as the old days".

SNOWY Friday

Not a very good photo, but as I look out my studio window this morning I see SNOW! It's June 11th, right? It is still snowing (actually now building up quite a bit) and about 32 degrees. I really, really want to see some sunshine soon! aacckkk!

Second Hand Rose Revisited

Dropped in to Second Hand Rose for a quick visit, where I found vintage pillowcases, doilies (why do I like doilies so much?) and a lovely old tablecloth. I then found some red/white/blue fabric at the quilt shop for a project I'm doing for JunkFest! Only about a week away - I better get busy!

Rainbows and Ruffled Tulips

Sometimes only pictures are necessary!

Cross Stitch Revisited

Many, many years ago I cross-stitched. I collected all sorts of books, patterns, floss and needles! I'm afraid I've been hooked again! My first new project in the works!

May Dress

April Dress

Dress Challenge Update

I got so far behind in my dress challenge! Here is January through May all together! I'm working on something a bit special for June! See more of the challenge here at Alice and Camilla! Feel free to join in!

Finally, The Flowers!

This just makes me a happy (Montana) gardener~ I took these photos the other day

on a trip to Wagner's Nursery...

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is about remembering those who have died in our nation's service. None of my family died while in service but I still like to remember them on this day, and they are all still living. My dad served in the Air Force in the 50's but never had to be in a war; my guy Jim served in Vietnam with the Air Force 1964-1968; my nephew Tyler just graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs a few days ago and my Uncle Bill served in the Army during World War II! In my collection of grandma's treasures I have a stack of letters my Uncle Bill wrote to my grandparents and mom while he was stationed in Europe in WWII. I have read every single letter. My grandma had them tied up in this bundle. They are so awesome! The one on top is dated 1945. He was 20 years old at the time!

Vintage Baby Clothes

What do you think? I have all of these vintage baby clothes from my grandma's trunk and I want to display them. I thought hanging them in the window of my studio/bedroom would look kind of nice. I don't think they can fade much more so I'm not worried about the sun. I'd rather use them than keep them in the trunk... Just an idea!

For the Love of Books

Have I mentioned I LOVE books? Since I was very small I have been obsessed with reading and books (give me Nancy Drew anyday...). My mom was a librarian. I took library science classes in college but they had no degree in it at MSU so I got my degree in Elementary Education. I have lots of children's books (I still buy them, though my kids are not so young anymore), lots of other books I've collected, both new and vintage. So - I pretty much never pass up a university library book sale. Really had to control myself yesterday, but I walked away with three vintage books - a story on rabbits (my other fav), one on snowflakes, and the other gorgeous one on growing violets~ I don't have a scanner so the images aren't that great, but the violet book has lots of beautiful pictures~

Vintage Treasures

The other day I went to the Senior Center for lunch with my guy's 89 yr. old mom and her friends. I loved it. I really enjoy their company. Little did I know, but downstairs in the basement of the center is a place called Second Hand Rose... oh, my! Why didn't anyone tell me about this place? We have very few thrift stores or antique stores in this area, and we never have flea markets like I see all of you blog ladies going to. So when I went down to this place I was pleasantly surprised! Lots of vintage linens, laces, crafty things, and so much more. I only spent about 10 minutes in there. I was overwhelmed. I found this really cool gingham apron, vintage cotton fabric, and a beautiful vintage tablecloth with blue flowers~ I have lived here 23 years and I had no idea this place existed! I'll be back!

JunkFest 2010

I'm so excited that we are going to have the 2nd Annual JunkFest right here in our area on Saturday, June 19th! There will be lots of vendors, food, music, "junk hunks" to carry your purchases out to your car, and 'trash-to-treasure' demos by me! I'm really looking forward to this. If you are in the area stop by! Go here for the Antique Barn website and here for the Antique Barn blog. Photos courtesy of Antique Barn.

View From My Backyard!

It is such a beautiful day I really don't want to be inside... I've snapped a few photos to share with you and then I'm on my way back out! Have a wonderful weekend!

What My Boys Did (For Me?) On Mother's Day!

No - none of this is me! I wouldn't be caught hanging dangerously off of cliffs! But apparently my boys would. It was a great day for climbing on Sunday so they took advantage of that. Gives me the 'willys' everytime they tell me they've been climbing. Often they'll send me a photo or video while they're in action - it scares the bejeezus out of me!

Nice Mom That Quilts!

My friend Pat, who's in my Art Quilters group, submitted this fantastic quilt to Quilting Arts magazine. There's an online article that tells her story on how the quilt was designed and made for her son who was stationed over in Bagdad. So very proud of you, Pat! Go here to read this fantastic article!

My Mom

My mom, Susan, is one special person! This is her high school graduation picture - 1956! She still looks much the same! She has been through a lot - heart attack at age 58; full recovery; stroke at age 71; pretty much full recovery! She's doing well. I attribute it to her being the original 'health food' guru and healthy lifestyle lady... no white bread, soda pop, or sugared cereal for us as kids. I think it's served her quite well. I am very happy to say she is still with us and enjoying life! I love my mom!

New 'Zine

I love 'zines and I ordered a great one the other day from Lee at The Way I See It. It's called Twigs and Feathers. There are a lot of great ideas and creativity! I think the first run has sold out but I believe they'll be making more issues available. (Photo courtesy of Lee's Esty).

Who's the Winner?

Sorry I'm a day or so behind. I ended up getting a job interview in Helena so was out of town for a day or two! Went to our cabin at the lake while we were there. Still pretty cold here in Montana! Speaking of Montana, I have a giveaway winner - can you believe it is someone with a Montana connection? The Random Number Generator picked #2 and that was KarenSue of Sue Bee and Butterflies . Congrats, KarenSue. Please email me your address! I have a few surprises already to send but will be hitting the antique stores, etc. this weekend so I'll probably pick up a few more things! Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I really appreciate it! Hope you'll continue to check in and see what's happening here!

Hello, Spring?

This is what is happening today - (view from my office). Oh, yes, we need the moisture, but I want sunshine!!!

Fabric Addiction

My name is Jamie and I'm addicted to fabric. What can I say. I have been stricken with this affliction since I was about 6 or 7. I think I still have pieces of fabric that I collected since I was that age (40+ years ago!). I know I still have pieces from the late '70s - early '80s. So, because I can never have enough, today I went to one of the local quilt stores, Main Street Quilting Company, for some textile therapy! I couldn't resist this new fabric from Moda called Cherish Nature. Check it out here. I love the eggs. I only bought fat quarters but I'm pretty sure I will need more of the egg fabric! I also really, really like the turquoise background. We are fortunate to have four, (yes, FOUR) really awesome quilt stores in our tiny little town of less than 30,000 people. Amazing! Lucky Me! If you're ever visiting Bozeman (or Yellowstone Park) visit these quilt stores:

Main Street Quilting Company

Reproductions Fabrics

Quilting in the Country

Quilts on Broadway

In the Garden

SW Montana has such an incredibly short growing season. As I read many of your blogs I envy your photos of the wonderful lilacs, tulips, etc. already in full bloom! I grew up in Northern California - Marysville and Chico, to be exact - and I have the fondest memories of all the wonderful plants that grew in our garden and for a lot longer than only three months! The past few days here it's been snowing - yes, s-n-o-w-i-n-g! But, there are a few grape hyacinth, daffodils and tulips peeking through and a really scraggly looking bunny rabbit!

I Love This!

First of all, if you haven't signed up for my giveaway in honor of my 200th post, please add a comment to the post here! I will choose a winner on May 5th! Not sure what I'm giving away yet, but it will be an assortment of vintage goodies and whatever other kinds of fun things I can find! Also, I was very lucky to win this beautiful little embroidery from Jenny at Yarn Soup! I love it! Please check out her blog here! Thanks for all your recent comments. Life is good! I'm ready for adventure! Here is what I won! (photos courtesy of Jenny's blog!)

200 Posts Giveaway

This is my 200th post! Wow. Can't believe it. I love having a blog, I love reading blogs. I admit I'm not as consistent as I'd like to be and I'd love to spend some time updating it! But, for now I do what I can! Lots of changes are in store for me - my job is ending June 30th - not by choice - victim of downsizing! I've turned 50! I have four wonderful kids (three grown)! I have a guy in my life who is pretty special. Sometimes I feel like I'm just beginning. I actually feel pretty positive about it! What do I do? Where do I go? Lots to think about. I just visited Laura at 52 Flea - one of my top 10 favorite and inspiring blogs. I signed up for an absolutely fantastic giveaway - a dream giveaway, and guess what? I won! Wow. I so needed this! Maybe it's the beginning of good things to come? Anyway, back to the 200 posts! I think it's time for me to have a giveaway as well. I'm thinking that I will need some time to collect a few things, so leave a comment on this post until May 5 (Cinco de Mayo), then I'll choose a winner at midnight! Thanks for stopping by! Jamie

Late Night Creativity

I finally have a 'free' evening. I am working on pages for another journal in the swap I'm participating in! The theme for this one is vintage look/gardens... some of my favorite things! I am going to use this 'lace paper' and fabric pieces from Cotton Scraps which I found at a new store in town Simply Fresh Arts!

Too Busy?

Wow - several weeks breeze by and and I haven't written at all! Work has been busy, so I really haven't been focusing on anything creative, even in the off-hours - though I have read a few good books and I've even hosted a workshop! Spending a lot of time updating my resume. My job is ending June 30th - kind of scary! Our grant will not be funded in the same capacity so I get to look for a new job! I'd love to be able to make a living doing something at home, but not sure what that would be~ but I am excited about change! That's never really bothered me! I have been reading a few Needlecraft Mysteries by Monica Ferris! They are pretty short reads - about all I can handle - I love mysteries! She is going to actually be traveling by train from Minnesota to Seattle this summer, with a few stops in Montana. I think I'll try to go see her! The other book I just had to have is Treasured Notions by Kaari Meng. This is fantastic!