Sunny California

We took an extended weekend trip for Valentine's/President's Day to southern California. We had an exhausting good time.

We went to Disneyland, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, and the Long Beach Flea Market. This is one of my favorite flea markets, and I of course came home with some treasures.

Here are a couple of pics from the flea market. Unfortunately, I didn't think to even take pictures until I was half-way through. I loved this retro van, advertising their vintage wares.

This booth had wonderful display appeal.

And, here are the treasures that came home with me. This was my first find - an old school photo.

I found a huge stash of beautiful trims, so I brought home a dozen different styles. I also found a guy selling the frozen Charlotte heads, that he had dug up with friends outside of an old factory in Germany.

I found a TON of ephemera. It was so cheap, it was like buying in bulk. I found old trading cards, advertising cards, religious cards, postcards...

A large pile of old correspondence. These letters/bills/cards were all from one family in Los Angeles from the 1920s through 1950s. I also bought a sweet child's hanger (planning to make an Easter hanging with it), and assorted cupcake pics. I think the pilgrims will become spun cotton dolls.

And even more beautiful ephemera.

We had a fantastic time, and can't wait to go back again!
 
 

11 Projects in '11

What a year 2011 has been! I did accomplish one of my goals - to have some of my work published. This year, I had several projects published in Cards and Create magazines, and I have a few things lined up for next year.

As the year winds to a close, I thought I'd share 11 of my favorite projects from this year.

1. This card was published in the September Cards magazine.

2. Because I couldn't pick just one layout of my niece, I'll let them all count as one together :)

3. An altered book that took me almost all year to complete.

 

4. A soldered charm I made for a friend.

 

5. This tag must use every supply I have!

 

6. I made this fabric banner out of vintage sheets. I have it hanging in the window of my craft room.

 

7. I made this quilted Valentine using an old photo of my grandparents.

 

8. One of the pages in the two travel journals I completed this year. My goal is to complete at least three next year!

 

9. A Christmas tag for a swap. I wasn't liking how it was turning out, but once I added the greenery, I loved it.

 

10. My Halloween cards this year had a much simpler style.

 

11. Pages in a friend's art journal.