Patchwork Bag

I just had to share with you my Patchwork Bag that my friend Debra Cooper of Little Black kitty made for me. I love it....it is so big and roomy....and the shoulder strap is wide and will stay on your shoulder even when you have it filled to overflowing!! I had asked Debra to make me one of her Patchwork Bags and she surprised me and had it ready before Christmas.

What a great gift to give yourself!! It arrived the day before we were to leave for Arkansas and I wanted to take a peek even though she had sent me this photo (hope you don't mind my using the great photo you took Debra). I had told her I was going to wrap it and open Christmas morning. Well I didn't get to peek....she had wrapped it absolutely beautiful in gold tissue and ribbons. It was worth the wait to open. Don't you agree?

I told her to surprise me using pinks and browns, my favorite colors. The patchwork of fabrics is gorgeous and it has a page from the nursery rhyme, I Had a Little Husband.

I had a little husband, no bigger than my thumb;

I put him in a pint-pot, and there I bid him drum.

I gave him some garters, to garter up his hose,

And a little pocket handkerchief to wipe his pretty nose.

Debra, thank you so much for my bag....I use it everyday and love it.

Until next time.....if you are looking for a Great Bag, you really should visit Debra and tell her I sent you.

Debbie

Wooden Shoes

Don't these just make you want to do a Happy Dance?

I spotted these precious little children's wooden shoes, also known as clogs in an Antique shop my first week in Georgia. Each time I would visit the shop I would look to see if they were still there. Yes, they were, usually moved to a different spot. I don't know why I didn't just purchase them. Probably because when I mentioned them to anyone they would just laugh and say what would anyone want with them.

When my parents were here during the Thanksgiving holiday Mom and I went out shopping. When we arrived at Mary's Antiques all I could think about were those wooden shoes. As we browsed and talked I kept my eyes open. There they were sitting on an antique table at the back of the shop. I showed them to Mom. Honestly deep down I was hoping she would get them for me, but all she said was, tell Steve and the kids to get them for you for Christmas!! All I could think about was them laughing once again when I mentioned them.

A few weeks later while Steve and I were waiting on a prescription to be filled I said, lets run over to Mary's, maybe I will see something you and the kids can get me for Christmas. Reluctantly and I might add VERY reluctant he said okay. As we walked around he would ask, Do you see anything you would like? The answer was no each time. I knew what I was looking for and when I found them he would too.

After walking the store at least 3 times I finally asked about the wooden shoes and was told someone had bought them. I left mad at myself for all the times I had been in and left without them and even madder at the person that had bought them. For the next week every chance I got I would say something along the lines of, who would want those shoes, why would anybody actually buy wooden shoes, I can't believe someone actually bought those shoes, etc.

So you are ready along and thinking did she get the shoes, where are the shoes and possibly why would she even want those wooden shoes!! Am I right?

Four weeks later we loaded our vehicle and drove 15 - 16 hours to spend Christmas in Arkansas. A part of me was hoping my Mom mentioned the shoes to Steve and he had gotten them.

Christmas morning Steve, kids and I had our family Christmas. All the presents had been opened and still no shoes. My last hope had just passed.

Fast forward to Christmas afternoon. Lunch is over and all the grandkids are ready to open presents. Not even thinking about the wooden shoes anymore I started opening my presents from my sister and her family and my Mom and Dad. I was thrilled with a new watch, tons of clothes and various other gifts. THEN I opened this package that had been beautifully wrapped from Santa and to my surprise were the little wooden shoes I had shown my Mom.

Later I found out the day I showed them to her she asked Steve and Seth to go get them and hide them in their car. I know the reason Steve was so reluctant to go to Mary's - he was afraid the owner would recognise him as they had talked quiet abit when he and Seth were there.

I was as proud of my Wooden Shoes as I was the year my Daddy had Santa bring me my Red Cowboy Boots!

And Yes everyone laughed at my shoes again!!

Since coming home I have been doing a little research - Wooden shoes or clogs are called Klompen in Dutch are donned for dancing, street scrubbing and a children's race at the Holland Festival. The roomy wooden shoes were originally worn by the Dutch to work in the fields where they protected them from the cold and the moisture.

My little treasure most likely was once worn by a small child in Holland. They are solid wood with a pointed toe, hand carvings and have a Dutch boy and girl painted on them. Can't you just see a sweet dimpled smile running around in them?

I would love to learn more of the history of wooden shoes. If any of you can enlighten me I would love to hear from you.

Until next time.....I'm off to dust my little wooden shoes.

Debbie

Treasure Trove

Upon returning home from the Christmas holidays I found a most delightful email that had been delivered to my inbox on Christmas Eve. Inside there was a lovely note from Ellen who had been visiting my website/blog and was also from Georgia.

After sharing a little about herself, her family and that she has learned that it is all too true...life is too short not to enjoy what you are doing!

She asked if I would be willing to offer any advice or counsel to someone just starting out. Those of you that know me know that I am more than happy to share with anyone without anything in return. I was honored that she thought enough of my art to ask and was excited to reply.

She went on to share with me that while living in England with her husband almost 20 years ago they purchased an Antique Lap/Writing Desk. Years later they found the desk had a hidden drawer inside with lots of old pictures, letters, journals, etc all dated before 1900. As I read the email, I had to re-read one line over and over...." Maybe you would like to have this to use? Maybe we could help one another."

I was so excited that when I replied to her email I didn't even tell her I would love the treasures. But in her reply back she once again gave me a chance....she would really like to send me the old mementos as she would never use them. Of course I said yes.

Today I received a package in the mail from Ellen. OMG!!! There were letters, notes, photos, 5 little journals and more all dating before 1900. Here is a photo of just some of the things.

As I told Ellen, I look forward to sharing some of it in upcoming artwork and others will be an inspiration and reminder of what I hope to be the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

Until next time. . . . Remember Life is too short not to enjoy it.

Debbie

Server Down

If you have been trying to visit Debbie Overton Designs or MMCA today you have found the sites can't be found. After several attempts to check my email and the activities on both of my sites I have discovered my server is down. I have been with this web host for four years and this is the first time they have ever been down that I can remember.

Hopefully they will have us back up soon. Please check back here for updates.

Thanks,

Debbie

1:50 EST Update: The network is down due to a circuit related issue in Boston. An estimated time of resolution is unknown at this time.

Debbie

5:00 EST Update: DOD and MMCA are finally back on line. Thanks for your patience.

Debbie

New Year Beginnings

Have the past few days found you reflecting on the past year? I certainly did....there have been some wonderful changes for me as well as our family. We have had some fun surprises along with a few trying times.

One year ago we made the decision to move from Arkansas to Georgia....a major move for us. We had been in the same small town, the same home our two youngest children had ever known, both of our families were a two hour drive away, our oldest son lived a little less than 3 hours from us, our middle son would be starting his first year of collage an hour and a half away, and our daughter would begin our senior year of High School in the fall. After many late night talks and lots of prayers we knew this was what we were to do. Steve left for Georgia in January leaving the kids and I to finish out the school year. It was one of the longest and shortest six months....we bought a home in Georgia, sold our home in Arkansas, had one to graduate High School, said goodbyes to family and friends and after a 16 hour drive met the movers at our new home. There have been many adjustments, some went smooth, some took a little getting use too, but as I type this posting I can honestly say we are beginning to feel at home here.

As for my Art, things were put on hold for most of the year as we prepared for a move and then as we settled in, but since September there have been some wonderful things happening. My art group, MMCA went through some changes and came out better for it. I have been creating for several shops and galleries, and Internet sales have been great. I will be published in some upcoming publications over the next year, will share more later on this.

AND I was hired as an Artist Coordinator and Research Assistant for TweetyJill Publications. I am now paid to surf the Internet and look at art! I even got new PJ's and slippers to wear! Can you think of anything better?

Those of you that receive my Art and More Snippets from Debbie Overton Designs already know I will be sharing new artwork soon. I brought back a few things that actually got my art business started over 10 years ago....Collagescapes and Collage Characters. I will be sharing both with you in the coming weeks.

Until next time....create the future you want to have.

Debbie

Happy Holidays

I hope this find each of you enjoying this holiday season. We have been busy around here. Those last minute orders have all been shipped, the house is decorated, and the shopping is complete!!! Here it is 12:45 AM....and we are leaving at 4:30 for Arkansas!!!! Everything is ready to go....all we have to do is load the vehicle and hit the highway. I am so excited....I will see both of my boys and spend the next week with ALL of my family. I hope each of you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I'll be back next year with lots of new things to share.

Until then....Happy Holidays!!!
Debbie

Art for Charity

This holiday season would you like to give a gift that could help make a difference in someone's life? I have two Altered Journals and two Vintage Inspired Collages listed on my website as Art for Charity. During the month of December 100% of the net proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Here's one of the Journals.....

To see the other offerings available and additional information, please visit Debbie Overton Designs.

Until next time. . . .Happy Holidays

Debbie

More Christmas Shopping

If you are like me you are still looking for a few great gifts and I have just the places.

Teri Martin...Our Designer can be found online or at 626 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066 for those of your lucky enough to live in California. Our Designer - Dreaming of weddings and beyond...Distinctive gifts and home accessories that celebrate your lifestyle.

I love the Vintage Santa - Old fashioned Christmas mixed with a pinch of vintage flair best describes this adorable glittered Santa tin filled with Peppermint Bark. Oh how I would love to add this Vintage Santa to my Santa collection.

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Aileen Casillas of Country Bunny Bath & Body - Our bath & body products are for the whole family, made right here in the U.S.A and not tested on animals-AT ALL!!! Our products have the best natural oils and butters derived from vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts. They do not contain harsh chemicals or oils. We have a variety of scents including a Naturally Unscented line for those sensitive to dyes/perfumes. There is a fabulous assortment of gift sets for any budget!! With Country Bunny Bath & Body, a little goes a long way!!!

While there be sure to click on "Adopt-A-Bunny" and meet Elisabeth Grace. With every Adopt-A-Bunny purchase, Country Bunny will donate the net proceeds to the American Diabetes Association.

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If you happen to be visiting Savannah don't leave without dropping by Savannah Candy or visit them online.

I love their White Chocolate Gophers - A bed of Fancy Pecan pieces, a dollop of their own delectable caramel, and topped with a thick cap of rich chocolate. Gophers come with your choice of chocolate toppings... classic Milk Chocolate, sophisticated Dark Chocolate and delicate White Chocolate. I would go for the White Chocolate!!!

Everyone, especially the kids will love the Chocolate Reindeer Drops - Melt in your mouth chocolate covered Georgia peanuts. The label on the gift tin reads Reindeer Drops, presumably because they look like... well, you get the idea.

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Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Farm-fresh milk and cream with giant chunks of real fruit, nuts, cookies and candies to make absolutely delicious ice cream. We love to go by Bruster's in Brunswick and then head out to Jekyll Island for the afternoon. If you have not visited a Bruster's you must find one today.

My favorites are the Turtle Sundae - Vanilla ice cream smothered with hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream and whole pecans, and their Strawberry Shake - Thick, creamy and real fruit chunks!

Until next time.....Drive through Bruster's for your favorite Ice Cream treat and then log on to the internet and do a little shopping at Our Designer, Country Bunny or Savannah Candy.

Debbie

Christmas ~ This and That

Only a few more days to get those Christmas gifts ordered to insure delivery. And to help you, here are three more Great Places to Christmas Shop.

"Vintage China for the Shabby Dog & Snappy-Happy Delights for their People, too."

The best smelling little shop in South Georgia! Francie's handcrafted candles will make you think you just walked into your local bakery, plus she has oodles of other wonderful treasures.

Artful jewelry & accessories for all of the special moments in life.

If things are anything like they are at my house then you are one busy elf. I am working on orders, planning a Christmas Party for 30-35 teenagers on the 20th, still have some shopping to do, trying to do a few final touches to the Christmas decorating....we didn't pull everything from the attic, actually we have not found all of our Christmas boxes from the move. I decided not to even think about unboxing the 152 Dickens Village Houses and their accesories. Our 8 ft tree has only half the twinkle lights and ornaments that I normal cover it with....some of those boxes are still missing in action. Kaycee decorated most of the tree this year....just like the kids did when they were little....everything is at eye level and pretty much in one spot....I did move a few things around last night as there were no ornaments above 6 ft!!! And I am okay with all of this....as I am enjoying things just as they are.

We will be celebrating Christmas with our Families back in Arkansas and I will get to spend time with my boys!!!! It has been 24 years since I woke up in my parents home on Christmas morning. Steve, Colby, Seth, Kaycee and I will have our own little Christmas there....so things will be different for us this year but the most important thing is that we will all be together for a few days.

Until next time.....Remember the reason for the season!!!

Debbie

Lessons On Life

I have received "Lessons on Life" from several internet friends over the past several weeks. I know many of you have received it too, but for those that have not been lucky enough I hope you enjoy it. The following pictures are of the same place but taken under different seasons!! (be sure to scroll on past the last)

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment. The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

Moral: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.

Until next time. . . .Enjoy!!!!

Debbie

Etsy ~ Etsy ~ Etsy

Everywhere you visit you see that tiny little word ~ Etsy, pronouced like Betsy without the B!! Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. When you buy from an Etsy Shop, you are supporting individual creators of unique one of a kind items. If you are still seeking out some Great Places to Christmas Shop, here are a few Etsy Shops run by some very talented Art Friends.

Tracy Webster ~ Artwerx ~ I enjoy creating mixed-media art because it fits with my personality... a little of this and a little of that. My art changes with my mood - it can be soft & quiet or loud & vibrant. No matter what it is, each piece has a little piece of my heart in it.

Crystal Neubauer ~ Other Peoples Flowers ~ Offering mixed media jewelry & assemblage art along with quality found objects and unique treasures for the artist.

Fran Saperstein ~ Artsy Fran ~ Welcome to ArtsyFran Designs, the studio of Fran Saperstein. I love to use texture to tell a story, so you will see deeply textured artwork that expresses feelings.

Elaine Smith ~ Painted Cottage ~ Each piece is an original, one of a kind art work by Elaine Brady Smith. Many of the pieces contain original vintage papers or vintage images, handmade papers, vintage lace and fabrics, buttons, hand tinted photos and more!!!

Beth Robinson ~ Pumpkin 12 PM ~ A fabulous Fabric Artist whose works are rich with color, texture and details.

Carrie Jones ~ Just Jones In Jewelry ~ A very talented artist creating beautiful one of a kind jewelry.

Pilar Pollock ~ Pilar Pollock ~ A wonderful Mixed Media Artist. You will find Pilar’s creations and writing in many art magazines.

Shari Beaubien ~ Artist Unleashed ~ A wonderful Mixed Media Artist, working in all media... especially paint, collage, assemblage, fabric and fiber.

Amy Huff ~ Pop Ink ~ A Mixed Media Artist, that loves to make jewelry, assemblage and altered art especially pieces with a vintage and romantic feel.

Debra Cooper ~ Little Black Kitty Art ~ A stay at home artist mom and crafter focusing on mixed media artwork and also handmade crafts.

Until next time....I have to run, I have more shopping to do.

Debbie

Lost Comments & More

I have received several emails over the past week to let me know some of you were leaving comments but they are not showing up. Well looks like I may have had my first Beta switch over problem....up until now the switch over has been a breeze.....almost 2 months. All the settings have been checked and I have republished....still they are not there.

Thank you Deborah, Lizzie, Lisa, Sally, Deb, and others that may have left a comment and it is somewhere in cyberspace. I hope some of you will be so inclined to leave me another comment as I do enjoy them.

It has been a busy weekend....Seth is now back in Louisiana, Colby's in Arkansas, Steve's at work, and Kaycee's back to school....and I am just enjoying the quiteness while catching up with emails.

As usual everyone helped to bring the Christmas boxes down from the attic.....and that is it....I have boxes everywhere.....Santas, Snowmen, wreaths, lights and etc scattered all over. I guess they think if they bring it down they have done their part in decorating. Plans for today are to put on some Christmas music and try to bring some order to this mess.

We are having an Arkansas Razorbacks party Saturday.....Arkansas and Florida play in the SEC Championship Saturday at Atlanta's Georgia Dome and we have invited some of our new Georgia friends over for some football, food and fun. Should be fun since many of them will be rooting for Florida....although Kaycee has converted a few at school. In one of her classes the coach calls her Arkansas and the kids like to call the Hogs when she answers a question in class.

Until next time.....It's time to get this house decorated and start thinking about a football party.

Debbie

Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you to all that have emailed or called thanking me for the time and energy I devote to MMCA in order to make it a great place for Mixed Media Collage Artists to share and learn from each other. Because of you the group has grown and is stronger than ever as we begin our 2nd Year.

We celebrated Thanksgiving this past weekend with my parents. My Dad, Mom and Seth drove over to be with us last Thursday. We had 3 wonderful days and enjoyed a delicious meal Saturday night with Turkey, Dressing and all the trimmings. My parents are back in Arkansas. Seth and I are enjoy some time together for a few days. We will meet my parents Saturday half way....Seth will spend a day with them and then it's back to Louisiana Tech until Christmas break. He is counting the days....as our deal was he could not take his car to LA Tech until after the first quarter or we saw grades. So we are looking for grades any day now or at least I am!!!

Please come back soon as I will be posting more Great Places to Christmas Shop within the next couple days.

Until then. . . .I wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and leave you with this adorable photo.

Debbie

More Great Places to Christmas Shop

Everywhere you go "It's beginning to look alot like Christmas"....

I love that song! Here's a few more wonderful women owned businesses sure to help you complete your Christmas list.

Elizabeth's Flowers ~ Flowers are a gift of nature representing beauty, brightness, celebration…the fingerprint of our Creator.

Elizabeth’s Flowers offers pressed flower cards, framed botanical art, journals, and other creations using real pressed flowers on handmade paper.

Small Meadow Press ~ Beautiful and Useful Papers for Everyday Life. Lesley's life-long affection for books, paper and ink combines words and pictures to bring you cards, letter paper, notebooks, garlands and more.

More Great Places to Christmas Shop coming soon.

Until then....hope you will take a few minutes to browse these wonderful online shops and come back in a few days for more.

Debbie

Ribbons, Ribbons & More Ribbons

Oh how I love pretty vintage ribbons....sometimes I want them all neat and grouped by color.....sometimes inspiration comes from having them all jumbled up in a pretty crystal bowl. Either way I am happy....Old ribbons can be hard to find at flea markets and antique shops however you can always find them online. Here are a few of my recent ribbon purchases, some very vintage, some vintage inspired.

Light Pink/Chocolate Reversible Matte Satin from The Ribbon Jar. You will find quality ribbons and trims in fabulous colors. Everything from classic to fun and funky in velvet. That is 25 yds of pure heaven!

French style silk embroidered ribbon ~ soft organza in Light Peach ~ Silk embroidered with lovely spider roses in light ivory, antique white and light peach from Threaditions.

Silk embroidered French Victorian ~ twin daisies in Azalea pink and light pink on Azalea pink ribbon ~ Hand-embellished with Aurora Borealis seed beads from Treaditions.

Silk Bias cut ribbon in Pink Marble Splatter and Herb Garden ~ Rayon in Beach Glass, Meadow, Fruit Punch and Tie Dye ~ Cotton Twill in Spring Blush and Old Rose from Carma. A wonderful selection of fabrics and trims all hand dyed.

A wonderful surprise package of beautiful ribbons and trims Carolyn from Carma included with my recent order.

Can you say Vintage? My friend Debra recently shared a wonderful online source for ribbons, Les' Bon Ribbon. I couldn't resist the Vintage Lime Green/Natural Scalloped, Lemonade Swiss Dots, Cream White/Pale Pink Reversible Woven Dots, Vintage Natural/Pink and the Brown/Pink/Lt Pink/Tan/White Woven Jacquard.

I have been busy creating and you will see many of these ribbons in upcoming projects.

Until then....if you know of a fantastic ribbon source I would love to check them out.

Debbie

Great Places to Shop for Christmas

The Holidays are a time for friends and sharing....so I share with you some of the Best Places to shop for Christmas. Each of these online shops is owned and run by women with a real passion for what they are doing. Sure you can go to a big chain store and find something for everyone....but I think my friends and family deserve things that are as special as they are.

Roxi Designs ~ Vintage Inspired Jewelry & Stationery Designs
Whether you are hanging out poolside or having a night out on the town, Roxi's designs will be sure to compliment you and your own unique style.

Woodruff Designs and Shabby Signs ~ Hand Painted Wood Signs by Heide. The wood has been cut, routered and sanded with care, and all the milling and hand lettering is done by Heidi.

Genuine Bloom Co. ~ Surround yourself with that which inspires and reminds you to follow your dreams. Let everyday objects serve as visual affirmations (much better and prettier than a sticky note stuck to your bathroom mirror). Let the scent of a candle remind you that you are accepting more Love or Bliss into your life. Wear a special handcrafted necklace that speaks to you of the Courage of being True to who you really are. Or as you sleep wear a sleep mask that reminds you that sweet dreams do come true. Whatever you seek find your expression of it at the Genuine Bloom Co.

I'll be back in a few days with more Best Places to Christmas Shop.

Until then....browse these special online shops for someone special or yourself.

Debbie

Plumbago

Photo Credit: Kaycee Dillion

Right after we moved to South Georgia I spotted this pretty like shrub covered in clusters of clear blue flowers. We recently hired a landscaper to work with me in getting my new yard covered in blooming flowers and evergreens. As we began talking about designs I mentioned I wanted something planted around my 911 sign. The pretty white post with the little blue signage sporting our house number needed some color and I knew what I wanted. I described the clear blue flowers....they were in clusters covering the shrub.....before I could finish he told me I was talking about a PLUMBAGO. And he had some small ones left over from a job that he would bring down and plant for me. One of them was a tiny little thing.....but we decided to plant it for the time being. Saturday morning as I was pulling out of my driveway.....I spotted a handful of tiny blue flowers....starting to bloom on the little Plumbago. I can not wait until next spring to see what they have in store for me.
Until next time.....Enjoy the Blooms!
Debbie

I'm On A Journey

Finally....I have found time to create again....I have been on a Journey with my art and am now Traveling in a direction that makes me happy....I have reevaluated my life and my priorities.....I am making time for the people and things that make me happy and it shows in all of my accomplishments. And there is more to come.....in Time.

My latest collages are on 6" x 6" gallery wrap canvas with collage/painted 1.5" depth...ready to hang - no frame needed.

Each mixed media collage goes through 6 to 10 steps from beginning to end. Layer upon layers of acrylics, colored pencils, oil pastels, inks, and embellished with original antique and or vintage papers, photos, snippets of reprinted ephemera, and other elements accumulate to give each piece depth, texture and detail. Each piece is signed and gets a coat of beeswax which adds a soft translucent mellowness.

Journey

Traveling

I have 6 more completed, however I am unable to share them at the moment....they are for a Gallery or publication.

Until next time.....Enjoy the moment, whatever it may be.

Debbie

Thinking of Christmas

I am working on my Best Places to Shop for Christmas Gifts.....I will be listing these places on my blog over the next few weeks.

Are you an Artisan creating unique handcrafted items and sell them from your Website, Blog and/or Etsy Shop?

Do you own a Speciality Shop (Brick & Mortar)?

If your answer is yes and you would like a little free holiday advertising.....

Send me an email (debbieoverton @ debbieoverton.com) with Christmas Shopping in the subject line if you would like for me to consider you as one of the best places to shop for Christmas gifts.

Make sure you include the following information:

• Your Name (First & Last)
• Name of Shop, Website, Blog and/or Etsy Shop
• B & M Shop physical address (I must be able to verify) or
• Link to Website, Blog and/or Etsy Shop (Must be a working link)
• Blurb about your business

Please Note: I may or may not be able to use all of the request for consideration, however all that are verified will be used if at all possible. I will also include a few photos along and will contact you if I need one from you. If you would like to send me your business card, I will be happy to add it with your highlight.

I look forward to hearing from you. Check back often to see if you are one of the featured Best Places to Shop for Christmas.

Don't forget to share my blog link with your friends if they too create unique handcrafted items or own a Speciality Shop.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Debbie

Flea Market Finds

On our drive to Georgia, I spotted so many flea markets and antique shops and was lucky enough to have one of them about 20 minutes from our new home. Needless to say I have made many stops at that shop since our move. On one of my recent stops I found I few things that had my name on them.

This newspaper is The Boston Daily Globe from Wednesday, July 28, 1897. The pages are so brittle on the outside, but inside it is really not too bad.

Here is a 1893, 100 Ft Metallic Tape Measure from The Lufkin Rule Co in great shape and it works.....Yes! It still works....The little winding mechanism works perfectly.

This wonderful stack of antique sheet music is full of the late 1800 and early 1900's, including The Etude, a music magazine dated September 1913. Many of the sheets are extremely worn and torn, but I am already finding they are perfect for my artwork. Lost among the sheets were even some scores of music that had been done by hand.

This little cigar box was found at another Antique Shop that I just happened upon a few weeks ago. It was sitting in the floor under a bookcase and was filled with old bottles. It is very worn, but once I emptied it and picked it up....The rest was history.

I have sad news.....The shop that is so close to me....The one I stop at everytime I go by if they are open....Is going out of business. I was so sadden to hear this....I think of it as loosing a very special friend. I will miss my little stops and it will be hard to drive by, but I will be on the look out for another one just as special as this one.

Until next time....I'm back to my art! Yes, I am creating again and will share with you very soon.

Debbie