smilin' moon

new project...

  

Inspired by Mystele and others creating little scrapbooks and journals, I've been using vintage and recycled materials to create these darling mini art journals/creative booklets to use for all sorts of things.

I'm thinking of selling them at a local outdoor market...or maybe on etsy?

Still thinking on pricing and packaging, but I found so much joy creating these.  Little surprise pockets and goodies, vintage buttons and new and vintage embellishments...grungy and playful!

Loving these weekend window of creativity!

xo

jody

catching up...

It's been a while...

finally I'm back and ready to be a more regular blogger.

Glimpses from last week.

a gala, etsy work, kids and more snow.

xxoo

jody

Back...

Warning---if you're squeamish---slightly graphic photo below!

Our little guy, Charlie, had surgery on Monday...He needed to have a cyst removed that was near his thyroid.  It was quite complicated, but he's been recovering superbly!  What a trooper...even with this drain coming out of his neck...and a tube of blood/fluid taped to his chest.

Tomorrow the tube comes out...and hopefully things can get back to normal around here.

I've been away for a bit with computer issues and surgery prep...

Last week Charlie decided it was his teddy, Oatmeal's birthday.  We had a party and he wrapped up toys to give Oatmeal.  We made teddy bear and heart shaped cookies with frosting, put a candle in one and counted it as Oatmeal's birthday cake.

Charlie is a smart little guy...This whole surgery adventure has somehow resulted in loads of new Power Ranger toys.  He's got us wrapped around his little finger right now---it's been hard to see him so vulnerable.

We are so very grateful that his surgery wasn't for something more serious. 

Last week it seemed like so many people close to me were hurting.

A friend was suddenly diagnosed with lymphoma---and is still waiting for more information.  She's my age--39---and healthy.  She, like me, runs and trains all the time and does marathons and triathlons.  She has 3 young kids and the most positive attitude ever.  I am learning so much from her...and she hasn't been afraid to tell it like it is.  To be vulnerable and honest.  And she also has the best sense of humor.  It'll be a long road ahead for her, but she will beat it.  She has all the tools and friends and support.  I am amazed how everyone is rallying to her side. 

Lately, it feels like a pause.  A time to reflect.  To be vulnerable. 

A time to rally...for those who we love and are hurting...and for those who we don't know, but care for.  For people in Haiti...just thinking about it makes my stomach sink.

Suffering, though, does sometimes bring out the best in humanity.  The way people help one another and come together for good.  Suffering is something that all humans share...no one is immune.

Love conquers all.

 

xxooo

jody

'tis the season!

for sugar & all things sweet!

  including sweet baby Edie!

My new Etsy Shop is open...Lots more to get in the shop, but it's a start.  I'd love to hear what you think of it.

Have a great day!  I can't believe it's the 2nd of December!!! 

xxoo

jody

opening soon...

I've loved vintage for years.  Long before it was "in".  I love to re-purpose old, found things.  And I love the hunt of finding vintage objects...the hope that stirs inside as I walk inside a little antique shop or garage sale.  The excitement I feel, the giddiness before going to a big sale or flea market...Do you know it?  Anyone else relate to this?

So I've decided to open another etsy shop.  Smilin' Moon Vintage is my new little shop.  Soon to be stocked with sweet, found things from the past. 

Some pieces will be sold as they were found...others will be livened up with chippy paint or reinvented as something sweet and purposeful.

 If all goes as planned, my new little shop will open on Monday!

And in other news...I have several soon to be finished pieces going to my smilin' moon art shop!

Like this vintage tray that I painted...it still needs some work, but it'll be done soon, too!

And now I'm off to finish gingerbread houses with the kids!

xxoo

jody

the weekend review

This weekend was gorgeous.  70 degree weather and no big plans...we took it nice and slow.  Sleeping in, playing outside, getting some home projects done at our own pace.

Baby Edie crawled in the leaves

 

and watched the dogs from her little swing.

 

My sweet, dear husband helped me painted our old pine cupboard...and left repeatedly to get more paint.  We didn't really plan this project, I just sprang it on him over a glass of wine on Saturday night. 

Lucy and I stopped by my favorite vintage shop and found some great, old Christmas ornaments.

And lastly, here's something else, a vintage-y garland soon to be in my etsy shop.

 
 xxoo

jody

playing

just playing with picassa...

 

oh, and i'm starting to add to my etsy shop.

check it out if you please.

xxoo

jody

thanks, mr. postman

I treated myself to a few etsy pieces and they just arrived in the mail.

These are so special because they will be a part of my creative workspace---meant to inspire and make me happy.

I love this pillow made with a vintage hankie! 

This is from Pam's shop iloveplum!  She does amazing work (and has a great blog)...I think I just may need one more of these pillows.

I love houses...especially funky, bright ones like this.  It's make of wood and then distressed a bit to look "shabby".  It's adorable and really sweet...from the ever-talented Micki.

I love this vintage enamel bowl that holds some of my paints.  Notice the clay mug next to it made by my husband (when he took art class in college)...he's actually a great artist.  He started college pre-med, then an art major...then changed again to communications.  Anyway, he's a real creative talent and maybe soon I'll share some more of his art...

Finally some peeks at works in progress.  I have so many pieces that just need a bit more "umph" and then I'll do a shop update.

xxoo

jody