BELT MERCANTILE AND ART GALLERY

I finally made it down to our new local mercantile and gallery.  The owner (Anne) of the gallery has worked for three years to turn an old transmission shop into a gallery and although my photography skills don't do it justice I wanted to share a few things.  Most of these pictures are things I have contributed to the mercantile room and with the gallery only have been open 7 days I am happy to report that some of my merchandise has already found a new home.  That is great news for me, but also adds a little pressure as our little town has two major rodeo events in June which brings in a lot of out of town people besides the normal spring/summer tourists and I have several out of state art shows and auctions I will be attending during this time so my sewing machine has been working overtime.

 

THE MERCANTILE ROOM

                                                     FOR THE COWGIRL IN ALL OF US

                                                            FOR THE COWGIRL HOME

                                    AS ANNE WOULD SAY "THIS IS MY HAPPY PLACE"

And of course, I didn't take any pictures of the outside of the gallery, but I will save that for another day and will do my best to remember to take pictures before items go to the gallery.

GOT FABRIC SCRAPS ????

I can't bring myself to rid my sewing room of all my fabric scraps so I am constantly seeking ways to use them up and after some searching through my many stockpiles I came up with some purse handles I had acquired several years ago

 

Then I cut up some fabric scraps

 

 

sewed them all together and added some iron-on batting and set about "quilting" the pieces

 

 

After assembling all my pieces I came up with the perfect little fabric scrap handbag

 

 

CAN'T BELIEVE APRIL IS OVER !!!!!!

It's been longer than I like since I last posted, but my days have been fun filled.  Lots of guests, road trips and of course preparing for a new gallery opening.  I was asked to prepare a "mercantile" room for the new art gallery and to help fill it with "cowgirl" items.  This was such a fun challenge for me and I had every intention of taking pictures once the room was completed, but haven't done that yet, fortunately I did take a few pictures of a few of the items I did do.

First there were some pillows 

 

Some hand stamped burlap placemats

 

 

And something for the walls

 

 

Of course, I finished the table settings with napkins, napkin rings and wine charms.  Couldn't do a mercantile room without some jewelry and signs, but you will have to wait until I get to the gallery to take some pictures to share.

JUST WHEN I THOUGHT........................

Just when I thought I was being taken for granted a little girl and her grandma knocked on my door with flowers to thank me for her dress.

Just when I thought I need to find a job a neighbor knocked on my door and asked to hire me to do some work for her.  Actually make things she could sell in her store. 

I make a lot of things for people and never expect any acknowledgements or praises, but boy when it happens it can really make ones day !!!!

For the last three years I have stayed put to allow the hubby to focus on his art and his hard work is beginning to pay off, but my involvement is limited and I have had to find other things to take up my time, but I must admit after having worked for basically all of my adult life, I'm getting bored, and although, I know I cannot or want a long term job as I won't drive in the snow, I have been discussing with the hubby about me getting a little job for the summer.  The ideal job for me would be at the fabric/craft store, but would they work around my social and travel schedule, doubtful.  So, when a knock on my door came, I jumped at the chance to actually be able to do something for others and to get paid for it.

Our first project involves t-shirts.  After my t-shirt quilt a year ago I didn't think I ever wanted to work with t-shirts again, but time heals all wounds (lol).

I once again cut up the shirts and ironed on some interfacing

 
 

 

 Took the shirts from this

 

To this

 

 

How cute are these pillows

 

These pillows are made from well worn t-shirts, but in the pillows you don't see the ragged collars and sweaty underarms.  So instead of tossing that favorite t-shirt.........

 

We have several other projects coming up as well !!!!

"ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE"

Apparently, I need another piece of artwork, but who can resist.......

I am now the proud owner of a Russell Skull Society member John Gawne original painting titled "Another Day in Paradise". 

This painting takes me to the days we have spent at the Mountain Man Rendevous in Pinedale, WY and it looks so good in it's new home.

MARCH MADNESS !!!!!!!!!!!

To sum my month up in two words "EXHILARATING AND EXHAUSTING" but soooo much fun !!!

Western Art Week in Great Falls is one of the largest art shows in the country and this year even the weather gods were on our side.  I now have a bad case of spring fever, but I'm told it's too early to plant flowers even though my trees are budding and lilac bushes are leafing.  Now that this week is over and my 10 day weather forecast is sporting some 70's I am so ready to start a few of my painting projects, but first I need to spend a few days bonding with my couch and organizing all the contacts, art auctions and shows that need to be done in the coming year.

I am so proud of not only the hubby and his art work, but all the other artists that shared our gallery room for the week.

 

 Art work was sold,  auctions and parties were attended, magazine and television interviews were given and some even got an unexpected lesson.

 

 

Our talented little artist granddaughter and perhaps her new mentor.  A good time was had by all.

 

Of course, you cannot be with all this beautiful art without wanting to bring some home and of course, we added to our collection.  As soon as the piece is delivered and installed I will share with all of you.

 

Looking forward to the planning and doing it all again next year !!!!

 

EVEN MY NEIGHBORHOOD IS READY FOR SUMMER...

I finished some little summer dresses for my neighborhood and delivered them a few days ago, and other than using my sewing machines for the upcoming art show I will not be doing anymore sewing for a few weeks.  But I can tell you that my little neighbor girls were quite thrilled with their gifts.

LACK OF PLANNING ....................

LACK OF PLANNING ON YOUR PART DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMERGENCY ON MINE !!!!

I kept a sign in my office bearing these words for years.  It was there to remind several of my clients that a magic wand I did not have.  Although, I was never certain they understood it was for them.

I have learned over the years that when it comes to politicians and artists this saying is sooooo appropriate, therefore I always give myself the week before any show to be 100% accessible for all the "I forgot" moments.

I don't have the ability to paint or carve and I can't go legislate in the capital (although I might do a better job..ha), but I can make certain all the little details get accomplished.  It always amazes me when one has months to prepare for an upcoming event that there is always the last minute push to get everything finished and no matter how many times I remind everyone of the days left, I know we will work until the very last second. 

I will spend the next couple of days making table coverings, coordinating everyone's schedules and reservations and have just finished up room signs

and will make certain I have on hand anything one might need for the next week.

SHOUT IT OUT !!!!

We have all seen this product and have probably used it to remove stains from clothing.  I don't believe I have ever used this particular stain remover, but I was watching a show on television a few weeks ago when they did a segment about using household products for other uses.  This particular product was used to remove gummy labels from items.  They stated there was a particular ingredient in it and any product with that ingredient would do the job.  Unfortunately I didn't pay much attention to the dialogue but I stayed rather intrigued with the idea of an easier way to remove the glue from jars once the label was removed.  I have my standard items I use for those things, but am always looking for new ideas. 

I have a vehicle that the windows have that dark film on and on one window it was coming off, which leaves quite a mess, making it difficult to see out of.  The idea of using Shout to remove glue from glass kept nagging at me, so after a few weeks I bought Shout.  Anxious to try it I dug into my horde of jars and found a jar that I had run through the dishwasher without removing the label first.  Doing that bakes on the label making it even more difficult to remove, but it was going to be my test piece.  I sprayed the label with Shout, allowed it to sit for awhile and came back and removed the label with hardly no effort at all.

Now I was excited thinking about that vehicle window, anxious to test my theory I set to work, it took a little while, but after a few hours I had not only all that film removed, but every bit of the glue residue as well and now have a new window for only the cost of a bottle of Shout. 

SHOUT is my new favorite thing !!!!!

LEATHER, LACE AND LITTLE GIRLS...

I have spent my winter thinking of spring and summer and all the little girls in my life.  I have pulled out all my laces, leather and trims and have been sewing dresses for not only my little granddaughters, but some of the neighboring little girls as well. 

I shared the fabric and trims I pulled together for a very special birthday girl and I am happy to announce that Princess Minnie will be making her party in style.

 

I just love designing things for 3 to 6 year old little girls and although some of the girls in my life are getting too old for a lot of the frills and lace I still have a few that enjoy wearing a dress. 

 

 

In the last few months I have made close to 2 dozen little dresses but I will be giving my machines a rest in another week so that I may get ready for the big art show coming our way, then spring and summer will be upon us and along with enjoying some warm weather I have many painting projects I am committed to and must complete.

 

GUESS WHAT'S COMING NEXT ?????

Have had a request for a special birthday dress for a soon to be 4 year old.  I drew out my plans and dug through my many stashes then hit up my local JoAnn's fabrics and now have all my supplies gathered.

 

I'll post a picture of the completed project in a few days. 

 

Can you guess what I'm making ????

I'VE NOW HAD TO ADOPT THE NEIGHBORHOOD !!!!!!!

Several days ago I decided to work on some little summer dresses for a couple of granddaughters and found that most of fabric stash pieces was more than I needed for the little dresses and I am really trying to scale back my stash.  Now I have plenty of ways I can downsize my stash, I could donate or throw out my scraps, but that is so unlike me.  So, I knocked on the neighbors door and asked if I could also include her daughter in my sewing ventures and did she know any younger girls.  She was a little shocked, probably not an offer she has ever had before and she did know a little one.  Yesterday she came and picked up what I had finished and today I continued sewing.

It feels good to be putting all this fabric to good use and apparently I'm not done sewing yet !!!!

WHAT TO DO ?????

I have been wanting to make some items requiring appliques, not just any random applique, but licensed appliques.  Upon searching for what I wanted I found the items were quite expensive, way more than I wanted to pay.  Now you all know that I save a lot of random items and pick up things when I can get them on clearance.  I love a good clearance sale.  Most of my clearance and saved items I never have an immediate plan for they just go into my stash and wait to be used.

That is exactly what some of my items accomplished for me today when I came up with an "inexpensive" way to accomplish what I wanted.

I dug through my many stashes and came up with

 

a hat and some stickers, took them to my printer and made some copies of what I wanted.  I then pulled out some iron-on fabrics that were in yet another stash.

 

 

I used two different kinds for my test subjects only because I am not computer savvy and could not figure out how to reverse my images, but after a few attempts I finally figured out how to make my own iron-on appliques.

 

 

These are merely my test subjects, but I now have the knowledge I need to complete my new projects and for pennies, instead of dollars and that always makes me happy.

 

  For disclosure purposes I will not be attempting to use any licensed items on anything for sale, but only for my personal use.  One thing to remember if you make anything for sale is not to use licensed items without permission.

 

 

I'M SEEING ORANGE........

Why am I seeing orange, well if you remember I made all those hoodies for grandkids at Christmas and it seems one of those guys has grown more than I anticipated.  Although, his hoodie fit he wouldn't be wearing it long and I wanted to give him one that he could wear for a few years.  I made a trip to my local fabric store and they didn't enough of his orange fabric on the bolt to make another hoodie, so I came home went on line and ordered what I needed.  Now I always round up on the yardage I need and I did the same with this, knowing I would have yet another scrap of fabric, but I would rather err on the side of caution.  Well my package set for a week or so until I opened the bag and found a note that said they included the end of bolt.  That means if they have less than a yard of fabric on a bolt after filling an order, they will include the extra.  After I measured my fabric I realized the end of bolt was just 3 inches short of another yard, at $14.99 a yard this a real bonus.  I fretted because I knew I  would end up with way too much fabric to toss.  Now, my dilemma was what to do, remember I am trying to reduce my stash and I had made my new grandson a hoodie at Christmas with my extra, so I went on a search and found a couple of brothers who will look real cute in their new hoodies.

 

For the last couple of days I have been making orange camo hoodies and for the cost of two zippers and some scrounging through my fabric scraps I was able to get three boys hoodies for the price of one.  Thank you Joanns.com.

WINTER STORMS...................

It is winter in my part of the country and we have had a lot of snow, that combination keeps me indoors most of the time, but I don't want to talk about the weather, I want to show you what I have been up to the last few days.  I have been attempting to clear out some of my fabric stash, apparently I have way more than even I realized, but I have made good use of a few pieces.

 

As you may remember I made quite a few hoodies for Christmas this year and it seems I have become obsessed with them.  I like to take what I have learned and create my own design.

  Before I go out and purchase new fabric I wanted to perfect my work with fabric in my stash.

 

I have had many requests for hoodies and flannel shirts over the last few months, as well as some furniture re-do's.  Actually have several pieces in my garage that I will have to work on as soon as we get some warmer days, even though now I'm not sure I want to, but I have already committed, so I will fulfill my promise.

 

I make things simply because I really enjoy what I do, I don't do it to make money, it would then become a job and perhaps not quite so much fun.  I love making items for my children and grandchildren as well as for myself and of course, the hubby would feel left out if he didn't get something too.

 

I turn down most requests to make things for people simply because they don't want to pay for it.  My grandfather had always told me to charge twice what your materials cost for your time, well in the case of a flannel shirt, the cheapest I can get materials is around $25, but normally runs $40-$50.  At that cost when I quote someone $50 for a shirt, they cringe and if I can't find the supplies on sale, I have just made it for nothing.  In the case of a piece of furniture, paint may only cost $10 and even if I take into account the amount of wax and other supplies I use, it could be as cheap as $15.  Well I can spend 20 or more hours over the course of 4 or 5 days on a piece of furniture.  If I calculated cost of materials and time on these projects, even at minimum wage most people don't want to pay for something you just "made", but if they purchase it in a store they don't normally question the cost.

 

Not sure why I've been ranting on about this, but I guess my message is the next time you see something "handmade" remember the person who made it has spent countless hours on it and has paid for all the materials they used and you are often buying a one of a kind piece of furniture or a designer piece of clothing.  I like to think everyone who makes things are all artists and deserves the respect of buyers.

 

 

HAVE I SAID "I LOVE ORGANIZATION" ??

Being the first of a new year always finds me cleaning out cupboards, closets, etc.  One has to wonder how all the stuff just seems to breed in your home.  As I was doing some kitchen cupboard cleaning I found I had an entire cupboard dedicated to plastic grocery bags.  Now, I enjoy recycling everything I can, but even I had to admit there was no way I was ever going to use all those bags and they were taking up some much needed real estate in my kitchen.  I had to make a change !!!

It didn't take me long to remember a little project I had done a number of years ago and knew it would solve my "plastic bag" storage problem.

I gathered a few plastic liter soda bottles (always have plenty of those, I love Pepsi).  Washed them out so they wouldn't be sticky.

Gathered my supplies, some glue, the bottles and a fabric scrap I had on hand.  I chose this particular fabric not because of the color or design, but the fact that it is water resistance and easy to clean.  I plan to put this on the inside of a cupboard door, so what it looked like wasn't as important to me as it's function.

 

Once I cut down and assembled my two bottles, I glued the fabric to it and let it dry for a few hours

 

 

Hubby sees this drying and wonders if I'm making a "rocket ship" (ha).  Once everything was good and secure I took a couple of thumb tacks and installed it in a cupboard door.

 

 

Now I can no longer horde hundreds of these bags and I'm a little more organized !!!!!

 

The best part of this project was it was made costing absolutely nothing using recyclable parts for recyclable items !!!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!!

I can start 2015 the same way I started 2014 disappointed that my lottery numbers weren't drawn, but hey, if you don't play you can't win so I will keep playing and look forward to my day.

2014 is coming to a close and I know I haven't posted much on this blog the last few months, but I have been quite busy.  As you know I enjoy making most of my Christmas gifts and 99% of those gifts have to go out in the mail.  This year I started early and finished early which left me with lots of time to enjoy the holidays.  I did have to make myself some party outfits and I seldom do that for myself so it was quite a treat and now that my party season has come to an end I have started my New Year's tradition of taking a box to each room to fill for the donation center.  I am quite pleased with myself this year as I don't have much to donate which means I didn't bring much in this past year, which was one of my 2014 resolutions and one I will carry forward.

For 2015 I have been thinking about what my resolution was going to be and of course the first things that come to mind are the eating better, losing weight, etc, etc, etc, but those are everybody's resolutions and I wanted something different, so my 2015 resolution will be "to live better on less". 

I love making lemon drop martini's and have perfected the perfect "lemon drop" and although I only make a few a month and you are wondering what this has to do with my new years resolution, well it's the difference between "Smirnoff" or "Grey Goose".  See, using Smirnoff  makes a decent "lemon drop", but using Grey Goose makes the perfect "lemon drop".  Grey Goose Vodka costs almost 3 times what Smirnoff does, but I have learned over the years that if I don't waste my resources on having too much I can afford to have the "perfect".

My wish for the New Year is that everyone has all they need and only want for what they need !!!!!

I NEED HOSTESS GIFTS ?????

My thoughts this morning was on the month ahead and the planning of all the visiting and parties that will be taking place during the holiday season.  With all the planning came the idea that I needed some hostess gifts.  Whether I'm planning an overnight visit or attending a holiday party I like to take something to the hostess.  An easy idea is a bottle of wine, but then that is a normal idea and I like to think out of the box, so instead of hitting up the store for some bottles of wine, I hit up my stash of saved wine corks.

Added some beading supplies and spent the afternoon crafting the perfect hostess gifts.

Some fun little "wine cork" tree ornaments.  I will be wrapping the boxes with some pretty red ribbon and will be ready for all my holiday partying.