Maryland Retreat ~

Partner in crime Melissa and I headed 5+ hours to Maryland this past weekend for a hooking retreat with Caroline Twigg of Eagles Nest Woolens.  It was worth the drive.  We both had a fun time with lots of laughs, eating and even some hooking.

Here are some of the rugs being worked on.  I swear my phone "ate" some of the pictures and they can't be found and looking at the pictures I have, wish I had taken lots more.

Angie finished her rug, Carnival, based on a painting by David Galchutt.

Melissa finished her antique adaptation started in a class with Caroline in October.

Tanya was working on this antique adaptation started with Kris Miller at camp in Ocean City, MD.

Caroline started the same pattern but opted for a black sheep.

I want to be like Joanne when I grow up :)  This delightful octogenarian was working on an antique adaptation by Jan Cole of the Wool'n Gardener . . .

. . . and this rug started in a class with Kris Miller.

Lynn continued working on this pattern by Caroline.  Lynn hooks high using mostly 9 - 10 cuts.  It feels so good underfoot.

Nada brought her finished Sparhawk.  The picture does not do it justice.

I will share what little hooking I got done in my next post.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren

16.3# of Sweetness ~

Meet Amalia, aka Molly, my new foster through Ohio Pug Rescue.  An owner surrender, rescue has her listed at 9 years of age, though she may be younger.  Vet says she can be as young as seven.  (The owner did not remember how old she was.)  Poor girl has been through a lot in a few short days.  Left the only home she knew Sunday and spent the night at the vet office.  Spay and a dental (5 teeth removed) on Monday.  Spent the night with a volunteer in Columbus, taken the next morning to another volunteer's house and then picked up by yet another volunteer and brought north to me.  Whew!  She seems to be the sweetest girl ever.  The only sound I've heard from her was last night when I put her in a crate.  She was not a happy camper.  I brought the crate to my bedroom, spoke to her gently and she happily slept until almost 8am today.  Our only issue is that she has not yet pooped and I am guessing that is the effect of the anesthesia.  She is content sitting on my lap or sleeping in her bed.

Early Friday I am off once again, this time to a hooking retreat in Maryland with Caroline Twigg.  My timing is awful since I just got Molly, but dear DSO (I know I am being redundant) will take good care of her.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Breathing a Sigh of Relief ~

From Our Hands is now but a memory.  I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to vend so often this year.  For any of you who vend or have vended, you know it is a lot of work and stressful, especially when you make all your goods.  Vending is what allows me to buy wool, go to hook ins, retreats and camps, and to buy my antiques.  There is no vending scheduled for many months so now I can create for me.

Here are some pictures from the show.

Melissa's side of the booth.

And mine :)

Kathy Bonnes (a fellow hooker) ~ Good & Early Antiques

Lori Ann Corelis ~ The Spotted Hare

Rebekah L. Smith

Dean Hicks Antiques

Craig Yenke ~ C. Yenke Co.

Dan & Marlene Coble

Hooked rugs of Marilyn Willmore

Sorry ~ not sure of the names of these vendors

Of course, I could not come home empty handed.  My favorite purchases are my two vintage Santas.  The one on the left is marked Made in Japan.  The other is unmarked.

Please remember to honor our military tomorrow.  Thank a veteran.  Freedom isn't free.  God Bless America.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren

Last Minute ~

As usual, I am trying desperately to get last minute stuff done.  First thing tomorrow morning I head to Peninsula, OH, to set up at From Our Hands, the most wonderful show put on by Rebekah L. Smith and Lori Ann Corelis.  This is a show that is not to be missed.

Here are a few of the things I will be offering.  {{Of course, friend Melissa will be offering unique, one of a kind bracelets, necklaces, and more made from vintage lace, buttons, bits of jewelry, etc.}}

Pouches made from antique homespun and coverlets.

Little cross stitch necklaces.

Necklaces from chandelier crystals.

Coverlet (and also paisley) on vintage silverplate.

I just love these necklaces.  I think they are my favorite :)  The heart is from an antique welcome mat.

Just Gail wanted to know if the branches on this tree were strong.  Since she in a no reply blogger, I'll just say that I consider the top three rows pretty strong and the bottom two not as much.  But it will easily accommodate little glass ornaments and such.

There's been no hooking, stitching or applique going on.  Hopefully once the show is over, I will have time just for me.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren

So Very Bad ~

Yesterday I went and played for the day with good friend Lyn who also happens to be my brother's DSO.  Our friendship predates their relationship by many years (and they have been together going on 30 years!).  When I go to antique shops/shows, I am usually very conservative in my purchases.  I thought this wall box was a real deal for only $25. 

Square nail construction and a wonderful patina.

Or this little treen container to add to my collection for only $4.  A very common piece, it is the barrel shaped piece the second from the right.

The second show was another story.  A very upscale show with amazing antiques.  True antiques with prices to match.  We are talking high end.  WAY out of my league.  In one of the first booths, I came across some oil paintings.  I do not own an oil painting . . . or I should say did not own an oil painting.  An oil painting of mischievous pugs.  Circa 1870-1880 according to the dealer.  Well, I shopped the rest of the show, thought long and hard, and then asked the dealer his absolute best price.  His figure was what I had in mind, so . . . how could it not come home with me?  Now I just need to find the perfect spot for it.  (The painting is darker than it appears in the picture.)

If you notice, the pugs have snouts.  When you see Victorian pictures of pugs, they had pronounced snouts.  Over the years it has been bred out of them giving them the flat face that is now desired.  Sadly, along with the flat face (though cute as heck) comes many breathing issues.

Trick or treat eve, after opening the bag with 250 pieces of candy, I discovered it had been cancelled due to extremely high winds.  Now I really must get that candy out of my house.  I have no will power.  It was suggested I freeze it.  HA!  That won't stop me.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren