Felting with my cat

Our Felted Ornaments workshop is coming up soon – this Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. Remember these cute samples? Well nothing like a deadline to get me going to shrink a bunch of wool sweaters I had been amassing. The Goodwill Outlet is the easiest source ever - $1.39 per pound for bulk clothing. It’s getting easier for me to spot the pure wool items in the heaps of clothing in their bins. And I usually find something new for my wardrobe while I’m at it!

Anyway, here’s my heap. I try to keep similar colors together, and into the washer they go with soap and hot water. Sometimes I’ll have them agitate for an extra while. Here’s my kitty Harry’s favorite part – the drying. We did lots of drying Friday afternoon. He got so hot, he actually pulled half of himself off the dryer.

Then this morning, I found him “guarding” the new wool felt. What a good helper.

There’s still some spaces in this workshop. Give Lisa a buzz if you’d like to join in the fun! -- Beth

ecohaus

Saturday was tile shopping day. Raoul and I headed to Seattle to check out three tile places. Between stores two and three, as we were driving north on First Avenue South, I spotted ecohaus. I had been meaning to check it out, so into their parking lot we went. What an amazing resource store for sustainable home projects!

Right away we checked out their dreamy green kitchen.

A wall of stylish cork flooring samples. I had no idea there was such a wide variety available.

Another wall of true linoleum and Marmoleum samples.

A vanity sink top using Paperstone, a durable countertop material incorporating recycled paper. After watching this product be used on one do-it-yourself show after another, I was pleased to see it looked so good in person.

Is this a genius idea or what?! A small sink atop the toilet, with the waste water from the sink then filling the toilet tank.

And out in the parking lot, two spots for electric cars to charge their batteries.

Then it was back to tile shopping for us. We did find a finalist. Lunch was at this swanky taco truck on First Avenue South, just south of Rejuvenation Lighting. And oh my goodness, the food was tasty!

Our Fabric Stash ::: Purge Party Fabric Consignment Sale

A friend of ours shared this link, and if you have ever had a problem with acquiring too much fabric, you'll agree that this is a very clever idea!

When my sons were little, I had a cloth doll business, and sold my creations at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. I had a bad fabric obsession at that time. So I understand the concept of too many textiles. It's under control now (only to be replaced for my fondness for good junk)!

We wish this group great success, and if you attend, please let us know how much fun you had. We are triple-booked this weekend, or I'd be checking it out in person. -- Beth

My new torch

Here’s my favorite new tool – a propane torch! I’m going to use it to darken metal finishes. I have promised my retired firefighter husband that I promise to be extra, extra careful while using it outside. I set up a place in our backyard, with a hose nearby. Our nice neighbors on one side will be able to see what I am up to, but they are used to my crafting shenanigans. My husband had the brilliant idea to use our retired charcoal barbeque kettle as my work platform. Stay tuned for a picture of the junk lamp candelabras that will be making their debut at the Sand Point Antique Market on October 11.

Hoarders ala A&E TV

I have started watching this television show recently, after Laurie at Crazy Aunt Purl mentioned she was watching it. Since I do tend to save things that "I might need or use someday", I can relate to these people. The first time I watched it, I did the fast forward at triple speed through a lot of it - way too much crying and turn-your-head-away filth. But then I watched another episode, and could recognize traits I have - such as so many of my possessions tell a story. Lisa and I have been invited into enough homes to salvage items, that we have seen firsthand sometimes folks can part with their unwanted things if it is going to be used by someone else. I guess I am captivated by the whole process of saving - which requires organizational skills to not be smothered by your stuff, and purging - which can become an emotional process. And who hasn't experienced the feeling of being overwhelmed, and not knowing where to start?

Art Party Day

The Salvage Studio Art Party was a big heap of fun!

There were goodie bags and charm bracelet kits waiting,

banners and tissue paper flowers,

a table brimming with door prizes for everyone,

frou frou pin kits,

junque journal kits,

food and beverages,

people waiting at the door to come in,

and then focused on the workshops.

Our day together with these fun-loving and talented women was very, very special! Thanks to all who helped, and to our attendees for all the love they shared with us.

Art Party Today!

Today is the day...watch for more photos and highlights of our Salvage Studio Art Party.

And if you live in our area -- Vendor Night from 5:30pm to 7pm tonight is FREE admission to the public at ArtWorks in Edmonds.