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.

Floranova at Macy's

Technically, Spring may have sprung but the only flowers around here are the ones found indoors.

I really enjoyed these sculptures - created by Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre. Every year I look forward to the May Day parade that they sponsor. I've been to one on their performances, too, and the puppeteers are amazing. You can find out more info about May Day at their website: http://www.hobt.org/

Easter in review

Boston Cream Pie made easy - yellow cake from a mix, instant pudding and a chocolate ganache made from semisweet chocolate chips and cream.

These eggs were decorated by adults, believe it or not. Who says kids are the only ones allowed to go crazy with the glitter-ification?

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie treats - shaped like bunnies, of course!

New Boots

Here's a picture of my new rain boots! What do you think? Target.com has an awesome selection of funky boots on their website. Unfortunately, they aren't available in stores. Normally, I wear an 8.5 or 9 but I got an 8 because these run large. If you are planning to wear them over your shoes then the sizing is probably just about right, though. I will have some real posts soon, I promise. I haven't had too much time/inspiration to bake or do anything crafty lately.

Thrift Store Finds

A cool new trivet and...............

..... some retro napkins and dish towels......

......and these four mugs are just a few thrift store treasures from last weekend. I don't understand the pricing at thrift stores sometimes. They were charging two bucks for an ugly I Heart My Beagle mug, but only three bucks for all four of these beautiful mugs!

I also got a mess of vintage buttons. I have to admit I like the packaging on some of them better than the buttons themselves :)

Moo Monday

I'm very excited about these awesome Marimekko tea towels that I got last week. Here is what the website says about them, "The large square cloths are rigid when dry but soften slightly when wet to allow you to scrub any surface from tile floors to dirty pots and pans." Eeek! There is no way these beautiful cows are going to be scrubbing disgusting pots and pans. These little guys are getting framed and put up on the wall! Maybe in the kitchen? Or they could liven up my office at work.....

They're designed by Miina Äkkijyrkkä and I got them at FinnStyle in downtown Minneapolis (http://www.finnstyle.com/kevatjuhla-tea-towels.html). The store clerk told me that this designer lives in the city of Helsinki is getting evicted because she lets her cows run loose. I don't know if it's true but it's a funny story.

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.