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Working here at the shop, we are always seeing the latest and greatest in packaging material. Car parts come packaged in a grand array of interesting things. I actually use packaging material for making my patterns. Bumpers, headlamps and some mirrors come wrapped in a thin cloth-like material that is perfect for working patterns out with. I figure its better than thrashing it. I gather bubble wrap like crazy to re-use in my own shipping. We even see mirrors packaged in felt bags. But this one (above) is new to us. And pretty darn cool. They're called Expandos and they are little triangles of recyclable cardboard. How neat.

Yes, maybe I have hit a creativity roadblock. Or maybe I just wanted to show you these cool packing peanut replacements. Whatever. Rock on, baby dolls. Rock on.

More questions.

Still coming up with questions for you.

* Can someone explain to me how on earth to make a photo collage for my blog? Everyone else seems to be capable of putting pics together side by side and such. I am so computer illiterate.

* Do any of you want to admit to coloring your hair? I'm kinda freakin out. I'm only 28 and my head is rapidly spurting out grey hairs. My hair has never been colored (or permed, even though I grew up in the 80s). Do you color yours? What's your take on this?

come forth with words.

I haven't seen many comments here lately. So, in an effort to get some conversation, I'm gonna ask a few questions. Come on. Play along.

#1. Got any advice on loading a dishwasher? I'm not kidding. The house we moved into has one and it is the first time EVER that I have used one. Every time I load the thing I think "I know I'm doing something wrong, here."


#2. What do you insist on taking with you to the beach? I'm headed that way in two weeks. Can't wait. Trying to get my stuff together already.


#3. I am determined to clean up my Etsy shop within the next two months. All new pics. Several new posts. A new banner and avatar. A whole shop makeover. But I'm wondering if maybe I should open another shop and list my fashion and my art stuff separate. Do you think its better to have two Etsy shops when selling such a random mix of items? Do you think it will help to separate them out into home and fashion?


I'm counting on you to give me some feedback. Let's hear it.

Weekly Ring Envy.

I have been staring at all the new buds and tender leaves on the trees outside. They flitter in the breeze, filtering the sunlight. Against the sky, they look like delicate lace. Interestingly enough, this is making me feel quite feminine. There is just something about the delicate nature of spring that makes me feel all girly and sweet.

These rings reflect that feeling perfectly. I wish the top picture were larger so you could see the pretty green color. How darling are these? They look so fresh. So unapologetically feminine. And better still, they are on sale right now! Check out bcm999 on Etsy.

Breathe In.....Breathe Out

I was flipping through my new Pottery Barn catalog the other day, when I came across this picture. I found myself lost in it, just staring, unable to turn the page. I wanted to walk outside and be there. Right there, on that swing, breathing in the warm summer air. I'm tellin' ya. Those Pottery Barn folks sure know how to use lighting to their favor. I wanted to share this feeling with you, so I went online to find the picture. While there, I ran across this photo. What gorgeous evening light. Perfect place to sit with a magazine and a glass of tea.

I am a porch and patio kind of girl. I love to sit outside to relax. These beautiful clean colors and stripes ( I love stripes!) are right up my alley. What is your idea of a "relaxing place"? Do you like porches, too? Maybe gardens or open breezy living rooms?

From the heart.

These adorable heart shaped cups are the cutest gift idea. They would be perfect for Mother's Day. Or for a friend on any day. You can find them here.

Friday at last.

Its so nice outside right now. I can't wait to leave work so I can soak up some of this weather. I hope you all have a great weekend. I hope its restful and beautiful. This photo evokes the very feeling that I am yearning for. Laid back. Peaceful. Lovely. I have no idea where I got this pic. I love it and have held on to it for some time. Let me know if you know where it came from so I can give someone props.

Love Jo