The Bad, The Good, and The Anything But Ugly!!

I believe in getting the "bad" news first since getting the "good" news always works as a salve for whatever pain, hurt, anxiety, the "bad" inflicted.

Our beloved paper store/studio/workshop is closing.  Bad news for our little Tucson community as  MMU was a rarity ~ our gem in the desert.  We really are just a little "big city."  After much prayer and deliberation, Katie and Hoss Hughes made the decision to close.

This wasn't a scene from "You've Got Mail" (although you could liken The Shop Around The Corner to MMU on many levels).  There wasn't some big box scrapbook store breathing down their back....more beautifully and gently, the reason being, after 10 years of marriage they will welcome their first baby, Levi, in September.  So, while MMU devotees are saddened by the "bad" news, we are equally thrilled by the "good" news that Katie will spend her days with Levi, rather than with company reps!

It has also prompted many of us to figure out how to keep things going, and that's a good thing.  For me, I've been spoiled rotten having such a convenience to peddle my wares.  If you live in Tucson and are one of my customers, please feel free to email me with whatever you might need - seam binding, tulle, cards, card kits, pendants, muslin yardage, muslin bags, etc.

I will be happy to fill your order and deliver it.  For everyone else, I'm hoping to have a "store" page added to my blog by early October.  I still have my etsy shop and you can order there as well.  If you don't see something you like/need, email me!

Now for the "Anything But Ugly" portion of the program...I've been blessed with so many good friends I often wonder what I've done to deserve them...You've all taught me much, especially the importance of "pay it forward."

Recently, my sweet friend Sandra B sent over these amazing treasures so I could use them in my work, or just pass them on in my swaps, etc.  I love her to death just for thinking of me!!

unbelievable!

needlepoint coasters, vintage post cards, ribbons and more

oodles of vintage hankies

a mountain of doilies

I'm afraid my local GW and others will suffer a tad as I have more than enough (and then some) to keep me busy for a long time!

This unexpected, beautiful surprise was waiting for me when we picked up our mail after vacation.  As you can see it comes from sweet Tee at http://creationsbytee.blogspot.com  She makes and sells this fabulous coffee soap ~ so perfect for any kitchen.  She also sent me one of her fabulous Halloween ATC's.  Be sure to stop by her blog so you can see what she's been up to lately.  She's sponsoring a number of swaps that I'm involved with, so I'll be posting pix in the coming weeks.  Thank you so much Ms. Tee, for your kindness!

Most recently, I participated in Tee's "Lady in a Hat" ATC swap.  My lovely partner was Donna at
www.redapplejunction.blogspot.com  Here's what Donna created just for me...

so darling, and in my signature color!

I created this one for Donna...

As I fell behind with postings while on vacay, here are two more fabulous swaps I received while gone.
The first is from the lovely Christine in Canada  We swapped mini matchboxes....the theme was Favorite Things....

you may remember the box I created for Christine

This is what Christine created for me ~ beautiful wrapping

the top of the double decker!

inside the boxes

all the treasures!

The last swap was something I had never done before....it was a charm swap at Roni Johnson's blog
http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/  We had to create a minimum of 5 charms, send them to Roni and she swapped them out with 5 from other artists, along with a pin.

here are the ones I made

and the beauties I received in return!

What a fun summer this has been for me!  I've been busy as all get out working in my studio, heading off for vacation, and there's another trip around the corner....Berlin, Germany!!  Yes, Mandy and I will join Melissa in Berlin, following her week with MAC (see July 26th posting if you missed why).

I'm SO excited!!  Well, now I am since the plane res is made and the hotel is booked ~ I was an absolute MESS 3 days ago!!

Have a beautiful week dear hearts ~ and dear friends who are trying to dry out from the flooding and repair damages from the winds of Irene ~ God Bless YOU and godspeed!!
See you next Monday!
xoxo
Karen