The Little Bag that Could

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We're traveling again! This time we made a stop in SC for and extended stay:

(My favorite bag: I made this tote in black and white cotton over a canvas bag.
I added lace and a bead trim around the top.)

Leaving San Diego for a "3 Hour Tour"!...actually a 3 week vacation to Charleston to see my grandchildren and the new house my daughter and son-in-law bought at Folly Beach. It's an old beach cottage, built in 1946, across the street from the Atlantic Ocean!

My ticket was extended for a "3 Month Tour"!!! My daughter asked if I could stay and help with the restoration. Lots of work to be done. We've gutted the house and are in the process of restoring the old bead board interior.

You can find me daily behind this mask and goggles, wielding a hammer and crowbar!

The house was just a cottage and not meant for year round living so heating and air had to be installed along with insulating the entire house. Insulation is tomorrow and on thursday the drywallers will be here to do the walls and ceilings in the bedrooms and in the carriage house (the children's playroom above the garage).

Then Deb and I will let the games begin!!! Lots of painting! Every day Girlie asks if the house is pretty yet? And we reply, "Not yet!" "But soon!!!"

And then of course, comes the move!!! Like we don't already have enough on our plate!!!

I'll post some pictures when I get a minute....we've barely had time to eat and sleep so I'm behind on my blogging and pictures.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

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My Demented Toy "Sun Goddess"

Remember, my friend, Jackie, and I have been trying to take a road trip ever since the beginning of June! We finally hit the road last Friday heading to La Maison's Barn Sale. It's about an hour and 15 minutes, 62 miles to the Barn in Temecula, CA.

Sometimes just going for the ride, browsing the great antiques and crafts, and visiting with the talented artists who run the sale is a days outing. You don't always get that treasure you're looking for and hoping to find. But today, was a GREAT DAY! I found just what I was looking for...doll heads for my demented toy project!

Some great doll heads!

This one in particular caught my eye!

Well, doll heads are like donuts...you can't buy just one! I had to have all three and came away with my bag of goodies, one happy camper! FB friends have been taking Michael DeMeng's "Demented Toys" class and the pictures taken by Kathy Engen Malkasian are great. I have been so inspired!

I found this body (minus the head!) in a trash can at the swap meet!!! (dumpster diving anyone?! LOL) I have been looking for a doll head for weeks! I added the gold cording and sunburst medallion around the neck with E 6000 found at Michael's Craft Store.

I added the head and an ivory cameo on her forehead to complete my art piece, she's my " Demented Sun Goddess". I just love her!

We're heading out to find some more thrift shops and flea markets very SOON...just think of the goodies we're missing! I'll be working on my other art project, my "Demented Dolly Machine" from the other parts I picked up on our road trip. And Jackie has plans for that wheel chair she found!!! LOL

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STAY TUNED for more Demented Toys!

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8/11/09
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(Screen capture from Robert's iPhone!)
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8/13/09
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8/14/09
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9/1/09
10/10/09

Roadtrip...Demented Toy Parts!!!

On the road again...singing that song!

We've been trying for two months to take a road trip and on Friday we finally made it! My friend, Jackie, loves thrift shops and flea markets and the Barn....so do I! So on August 7 we hit the road for Temecula, CA. We started at La Maison Rustique Barn Sale. I found doll heads. I'm so excited! Just what I've been trying to find. Jack found a tin tile to use for a journal cover. Great treasures.

After spending about an hour and a half shopping and visiting, and with our tresures in hand, we were off to Escondido. Our next stop was lunch and a quick burger.

Then we headed for the AmVet's Thrift Store. It was huge!!! If this is heaven....then we've arrived! Jack spotted a vintage crinoline, I found a childs doll stuffing toy, we looked at books, gadgets, and toys. Jack found a wheel chair (no not that kind!), a childs toy! I found another doll and some porcelain knobs (great for feet on box projects). We scored!!!

My stuffing machine!

Next stop was another smaller, thrift store and then a little antique junque shop. Winding down the day, we decided it was time to head for home. We had a great time and we'll try again another day for some more treasures. They're out there....just waiting for us!!!

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NOTE: Stay tuned to see what we make with our parts!
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Happy, Happy, Birthday to You!

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Today is July 14, Bastile Day,
and my beautiful, daughter's birthday!

You are special in so many ways:
Thoughtful, Giving, Caring, Loving, I think I could go on and on.
Need I say more? YES!

"Happy Birthday,
My Sweet Daughter, Deborah"
This poem is my gift to you:

You arrived on the scene
In a whirlwind of commotion
And from the very start
You were always in motion!

No holding you back
On stage at every chance
You entertained all of us
With singing and dance.

Born on July 14, 1962
A day of joy; in a wink
You entered our lives
a gift, beautiful and pink!

You are talented and funny
Always the life of the party,
merriment and joy in your heart
and a laugh, oh so hearty!

Those who call you a friend
Feel very special indeed
To know you is to love you
In all things you succeed.

My daughter, my friend
I couldn't ask for more
I'm so proud of you
It's you I adore!

Hugs and Kisses,
Have the Best Birthday Ever!
Mom

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