It has something to do with my Catholic background - I simply cannot pass up a good saint.
I adore them.
I build obscure little shrines around the house, in my car and in the shops.
Imagine my delight when I found these matchboxes!
Now I can have my beautiful crazy altars, candles and pretty matches to light up my good intentions!

these just make me happy!

In keeping with my resolution to simplify and de-clutter my life, I have been trying to start and actually COMPLETE tasks.
Seems simple enough, but for someone of my temperament - it's near impossible.
It's not that I can't complete tasks - I do.
I just have ALLOT of tasks going on. All at the same time.
Knitting projects, sewing projects, painting projects, refinishing, crafting, designing, writing, blah, blah, blah...and the list goes on.

What I am attempting to change is my approach - I will focus on one task at a time and finish it. Completely finish it.
As in, make so many that I won't have to make more for a very long time.
Normally I make a few of something, price and put into the shops. Now, I will make more than we need, exhaust myself and the supplies, and then move on to the next project.
Brilliant, no?

I envision myself emptying my studio, in a beautifully methodical way, of all the half finished projects.

I am giddy with optimism.

It was in this spirit that I began to tackle the boxes and boxes of vintage teacups and silver teapots that have been waiting for their moment in the shops.
I actually like washing dishes and polishing silver - it's one of those lovely satisfying tasks that is so Zen in it's simplicity.
However, one or two is Zen - dozens and dozens - not so much.
As a result, this job just keeps getting moved to the bottom of the list.

Until last night.

A couple of boxes done and a load of gleaming gorgeous teapots just waiting to be shown off in the shop windows.
I even managed to lighten my personal stash of beautiful old teapots - one of which sold today.

I won't lie to you, it hurt to see it go out the door, but it also felt strangely... good.

This is one of those times where "little barefoot baby" and "barefoot contessa living" will have a wee crossover - I have to show you these little boots. Embroidered satin. I can barely stand it. Love them so much!
I keep saying that I will be bringing them into the shop....but...uhm...so far....still deciding which pair I want to keep for the offspring.

I have been working on these collage candles of late....till late. My only opportunity to craft has been in the wee hours, when Amalia is asleep.
It's been so great to get back into my studio and putter about.
I am doing a 'line' of these - collage and mixed media - candles, matchboxes, journals, notepads and cards.
My use of glitter is bordering on abuse, but I sure like the results!
So far I've finished the candles and cards - the journals are taking a bit longer as I just keep adding to them. I want to have bits and pieces of found items tucked inside - little surprises to discover.
Years ago I bought a journal from famed Found Cat artist Anna Corba, it was amazing - bits of old ephemera tucked inside and odd little stamps here and there. You couldn't help leafing thru just to see what inspiration was already hidden inside this 'blank' book. It was so much fun to write in - such a treasure. I am hoping my humble journals contain a similar magic to them.