the skeletons are out . . .

It's the most wonderful time

of the year!

just for fun . . .

. . . because button rings are fun!

I may wear that purple monster one myself.

just because . . .

Yesterday was simply a fun day.
Flowers, polka dots, doodles . . . little stuff that inspired me.
 Inspiration is everywhere if you just take the time to notice.

Then there was Charlotte. . . who seemed to think painting her face at preschool was a good idea.
  She was as wound up and silly as she could get last night.  Grandpa had gotten her some strawberry ice cream for dessert . . . maybe that was why.
She told him that the ice cream must have made her crazy. 

birthday card journal . . .

 Every year I take my birthday cards and make a simple little journal out of them.  

It is a fun way to keep the cards and enjoy them again . . . 

and a fun way to use washi tape.

 I used Charlotte's handwriting for the cover . . . 

 A sentimental card from my aunt and uncle.  

Love you Hess and Al . . . I miss you very much!

 . . . and funny cards from friends . . . 

. . . and a birthday warning????

October Happy Mail . . .

Last week I was expecting a package from the zombie doll swap that I had joined.  I was so excited when it arrived with  Woodstock Wendy and all her goodies . . . but yesterday I was not expecting anything and what a surprise when our mailbox had not one, but two packages waiting for me.

 I recognized that familiar blue flying pig tape.  That box was from Lorraine - Paper Vernissage  

 Filled with fun little paper pockets . . . which may just be cut and folded into paper cranes.  

 Lorraine makes the most beautiful cards.  This skeleton is cut out of paper and the coloring underneath is wonderful.  She said she was experimenting with some powdered watercolors.  The experiment was a success!

I love it . . . 

. . . and everything else! 

Stickers . . . ribbons . . . a lovely lavender sachet . . . . munchies . . . a book mark . . . 

I will probably wear that day of the dead bracelet throughout the whole year!

Thank you Lorraine! 

 . . . and then another box.  This one was from my zombie doll partner Val - Yarnigras.  I could not have been more surprised.  She said she had forgotten the Halloween goodies in my first package.  Oh how I love Halloween goodies.  This little Frankenstein pin cushion will find a spot on my sewing desk (too cute just for Halloween)

  . . . a cute owl timer

. . . a beautiful handmade scarf.  The colors are perfect for this time of year!

. . . and look at this Day of the Dead apron! 

 I was just looking at all the wonderful Day of the Dead fabrics in the store this week.  I have always been interested and liked the tradition of Day of the Dead . . .

 but I also think for me . . . it is all the colors. My three year old granddaughter looked and it and told me, "That's really cool." . . . and it is!

Thank you so much ladies!!!! 

You not only surprised me . . . your thoughtfulness touched my heart!

Day of the Dead coffee mugs . . .

I have to show off my new coffee mugs that our friends Dennis and Linda gave me this weekend.

They are made by Crafty Chica with products from iLoveToCreate.

I am so excited . . . Not my first skull coffee mug . . . but one cannot have too many skull coffee mugs this time of year.  

LOVE * LOVE * LOVE them!

Countdown . . .

"Don't count the days.  

Make the days count."

It is actually 76 days until Halloween, but the way the blocks are numbered it doesn't give me a combination to make 76 . . .  I guess I won't be able to do 67 either. 

 Maybe I am counting just way to far ahead . . . no, never to early to look forward to Halloween.

These are just plastic blocks with stickers on them.  I think I will have Richard cut me out some wood blocks and I will paint my own numbers on them.  I rearranged by desk at work a little bit yesterday . . . I think this little skeleton calendar will find a place there. 

Halloween . . . 76 days

Thanksgiving . . . 102 days

Christmas . . . 131 days

First day of School . . . 8 days

The Walking Dead, Season 6 . . . 56 days

rainbow cranes . . .

I love everything about these origami cranes . . . each step, the colors, just having them sit on my desk.  I am afraid I am hopelessly addicted to folding them.  

See my 1000 paper crane project here.  It is taking me much longer than I had anticipated . . . but I will finish.  Then I will probably start another 1000 paper crane project.  I already have an idea in mind for that one.  

fun stuff this week . . .

 Paper Cranes and buttons . . . 

 her little hand that makes a peace sign 

when she tells me "Peace Amma". . . 

 notes for Papa . . .

little paper cranes and cupcakes for room 12 . . . 

all ready for a field trip to the zoo . . . 

hydrangeas appearing on my desk . . . 

 getting hair put on a new doll . . . 

sunflowers . . . 

little smiles . . . 

Some weeks are just full of good stuff . . .

HAPPY FRIDAY!