Library Books

I've always been a big reader but haven't always had a great selection to choose from. In high school, our town had a tiny library that was only open during the day on weekdays. I read anything - school assignments, my grandmother's Louis L'amour collection, the shampoo bottle. In college, I didn't have much time for recreational reading and the non-academic book selection in the library was abysmal, anyway.

The Minneapolis libraries are like an all-you-can-eat buffet to me (better, actually, because there isn't any mystery meat and big vats of mayonnaise-drenched vegetables, blegh. So, maybe more like a make your own sundae bar!) I'm not sure what I'm going to feel like reading any given week so I try a little bit of everything. My eyes are bigger than my stomach (er, my books are bigger than my book bag?)

The other great thing about the library is that it helps me curb any online shopping urges. Instead, I got over to the library website and reserve a bunch of books and dvds. I get the same feeling of anticipation waiting for it to come in to my local branch and also can pay my rent each month (always a bonus).

This and That

Some felt flowers I've been making this week. I haven't figured out exactly what I'm going to use them for yet. I'm thinking of embellishing some bags with them or maybe making a wall hanging.

Here is the tin I keep my buttons in. I received it from a woman I met years ago at a stress-reduction workshop. I only recently noticed the somewhat innappropriate wording on the tin - which just makes me laugh and treasure it more.

Last weekend I nabbed some great bargains at a yard sale. An artist was cleaning out her studio and I got all of the art books and the vintage cookbooks below - all for $5! I also scored a huge box of acrylic paints and a really cool portfolio.

Here is my favorite souvenir from Cape Cod. I find it increasingly difficult to find souvenirs that are cool and will serve as a little momento of a trip. I wonder if thrift stores wouldn't be the best place to find cool souvenirs? You get something somewhat unique, you aren't adding to the mounds of plastic crap in the universe, and you aren't spending a fortune. This thrift store was especially cool because the profits go to a no-kill Animal Shelter.

Finally, here is a shot of the birthday cake I made for Melanie's birthday. I love starfruit! Even if they tasted gross, I would probably love them for their aesthetic value alone. Luckily, they are tasty, too :)

My Book Bag

I've seen some of these bags made from books on various websites and etsy shops. I've wanted to make one for a while and have been on the look out for the perfect book.The Friends bookstore at the Central Library had a 50% off sale last week, and I scored some great finds - a whole big stack of books for only $7.50! Amongst the treasures was this gardening book from 1968 - and it was only a dollar. It was in a binder format so was the perfect size for a purse.

I bought some handles (about five bucks) and ribbon (two bucks) at Michael's. I also bought some Modge Podge to varnish the outside and protect it a little from scuffs and water.

For the interior, I used the retro flowered fabric from my recent thrift store splurge. A little hot glue, sewing, embroidery thread and more ribbon, and now I have my very own book bag. I'm looking forward to making a few more and am keeping my eye out for some cool, vintagey books.

Wednesday but No Watercolor

No new watercolor today but here's a sneak peak of my pop-up book that I'm working on. The theme of the book is "things that sound better in French".

Parapluie sounds so much better than umbrella, I think!

And here's a shot of a cake I made for the work folks......

...and here is the beautiful scarf that my friend Laura made for me! I will say that I have been waiting for it to be done for quite a while, but it was well worth the wait. I love the colors and it is very warm and soft. I'm looking forward to wearing it tomorrow during my walk to the train.