Triviality

I am participating in Sares Blog Party today!When I was trying to choose a name for my business and my blog I wanted something that would convey a lighthearted feeling, a bit of nonsense and silliness. The name also needed to encompass the many options that I wanted to offer, art, crafts, junk, brocante, basically anything that may be a passing whim of mine at a given time.
My blog is a part of all of this, a place to come for some fun, some decorating, a bit of how to, or just general conversation about the light side of life. I do post about serious topics occasionally but I really just want to have a good time visiting with my blog buddies. That is why I chose Frippery as the name of my blog as well as any future business I may create. The original definition, which is cast off clothes, is no longer in use. (Although I do buy my share of those to turn into something new.) The common definition is something nonessential or trivial. Showy finery, nonsense, trifles, gewgaws, bagatelle, take your pick. They all pretty much cover what I love to make and collect.
Frippery is exactly the name I was looking for to encompass any and all of the toys I play with. I find that most of the fun in life comes from the non essential things. Once we have food, shelter and income covered we are free to partake in the joy of doing what makes us happy. Creating, crafting and decorating do that for me. Picking up pretty, sparkling bits and fluff and making something lovely is my joy. Rescuing a treasure from the past and preserving it for the future makes me smile. Frippery. That's my delight.
So Frippery it is. The perfect name for what I do. Trivial, nonsense, blather blather, yep, that's me. But I sure am having a good time!

Please visit Sares blog Loveleigh Treasures and read all the different takes on this fascinating blog party topic. Better yet, join in the party.

I know it's nonessential but it is fun.

Have a frivolous day, P.

The True Bella Experience

In the interest of sharing the true Bella experience I would like to defer to one of my BFF Bellas, Jodie Lejeune of Everything Vintage. Not only is she an accomplished paper and jewelry artist, she is one talented photographer.My picture taking skills just do not convey what goes on at Silver Bella. Most of the shots of the lovely Bellas are blurred from laughing or trying to capture too much too quickly.
So instead of making you think you need a stronger eyeglass prescription I will be sending you to Jodie's blog for a better idea of just what Silver Bella is all about. (Really I am not just being lazy.) I believe in giving credit where it is due, and in Jodie's case it is truly deserved.
I will stick to crafting and creating and decorating. I will be showing you the gorgeous bits of art and ephemera I brought home with me as soon as I get this disaster area I call home back into shape. (I thought since I was down to one child still at home I would not return to a mess, haha) Anyhoo, go visit Ms. LeJeune for a real taste of the Silver Bella life.

P.S. In case you have ever wondered, Jodie pronounces her name in her own little Cajun, Louisiana version, instead of the French pronunciation, less like "La June and more like Le Jan."

Have a day filled with warmth, P.

Blessed

Home again. I returned from Omaha and Silver Bella late last night. Just wanted to say hello. I have so much to unpack and sort through. Treasures and gifts and purchases and swaps. I feel so blessed to have been able to attend Silver Bella again. The inspiration and creativity of the beautiful women gathered together for this event is amazing!

Generous women who share techniques and ideas and even tools and supplies during classes.
Women artists who have hearts as big as their talent.
Women who adore beautiful pieces of the past and preserve these bits in their art.
Women who make art , and swap art, and always strive to please the recipient of their gift with thoughtful packaging to contain the over the top pieces they are sharing.
Women who truly appreciate the work, love and effort that goes into making art. Who understand the need to create and the desire to please others with the art they create.
I want to tell you all about these fabulous women and the gorgeous work they do.

But first, I need a nap!
Have a creative day, P.

P.S. Check around the blogs to see all the fabulous pictures the Bellas are posting. You will be inspired.

Omaha Bound!!!

By the time you read this the mural will be complete, (Money for Silver Bella Vendor Fair, yippee), I will have my first solo Lia Sophia show under my belt, (Money for next year? Tee Hee.) and I will be madly packing and list making and fretting about what I am forgetting!I will pack and unpack my craft totes, wonder what I can safely carry on the plane, carefully pack my remaining swaps and gifts and panic about the possibility of lost luggage. Not because of clothing mind you, but because I need that glue and glitter!
I have stitched and glued and embellished myself into a frenzy. The excitement has grown to a crescendo. By the time I board my flight my hubs will be glad to see me off for few days. Wednesday morning I will be winging my way to Omaha!
Seeing my girls Sandy and Jodie again, meeting some bloggers I think of as friends although we haven't actually met, and making the acquaintance of some friends yet to be, as well as creating and learning and general joy all rolled into one fabulous weekend. How lucky can a girl get?
I do feel privileged to be able to attend this great event once again. Thanks Teresa and all who work so hard to make this weekend perfect for us artsy gals. You are peaches!

I will be back next week, a little worse for wear, glitter in my hair and memories for a lifetime!

See you soon, P.

Work in Progress

This room has been through many changes in the 15 years we have lived here. It was our living room, then my hubs office, but on the original house plan it was the dining room. It has been painted four different colors and seen many different pieces of furniture arranged in various ways. It has never been a dining room....until now.My obsession with bead board wallpaper continues. I love it so much I ought to marry it. Speaking of marriage, my talented and handsome hubby made the window.
Ceilings are meant to be seen, not ignored.
We still have molding to add and a perfect chandelier for above the table, and pictures to be hung.
I am loving this fresh, country French feeling.
I am glad this room has returned to it's original purpose. Now, where is my cup of tea and that great book?
Have a cozy day, P.

P.S. Who am I kidding, there is no time for a cup of tea and a book. I am in the middle of painting a mural for a client with Jen of Faux Magic this week, I am feverishly finishing Silver Bella swaps, hostess gifts, roomie treats and other goodies, I am prepping for a Monday evening Lia Sophia jewelry show (my first solo), I have to get hostess packets out to my hostesses for parties, we have the Bengals on Sunday (Who Dey!!!) , I have to get my supplies for SB together , pack and find an apron for the theme night, squeeze in a day with my mom, ummm, I am sure I am forgetting something. Oh yes, try to find time to visit you all and see what's up in your lives. Plus I just remembered an estate sale that sounds like a must do tomorrow morning. Well, regardless of what I have finished I am on that plane to Omaha at 8 am Wednesday morning. Woo hoo, I cannot wait!!!

Short and Sweet

Autumn.Stunning.
Warm.
Glorious.
Short and exceedingly sweet.
Bask in the beauty that surrounds you each day and be thankful.

I am having an attack of blogger guilt. No time to post or comment very much. I don't want to lose track of all of my wonderful blogging friends but for the next few weeks I see very little free time to visit. Know that I am sneaking a peak into your blogs when I have a moment.

I hope to be back on track by Thanksgiving.

Until then it's hit or miss here at Frippery.

Take care.

Have a lovely leafy day, P.

Happy All Saints Day!

I hope your treats were many and your tricks were few last night. We had a lovely time at our neighbor's party. Art girl had a party to attend as well. She went dressed as a punky school girl.No, that isn't a bug on the side of her nose, girlfriend got her nose pierced on Thursday. At first I said no but now I think it's kinda cute. At least she still asks our permission. Love you Sweet Peach!
Hubs and I were all about creating costumes from what we had on hand. Can you guess what we are supposed to be?
Come on... I thought this was brilliant. No? MmmmKay, maybe not brilliant, but slightly clever and VERY cheap. (and comfy, I just wore some PJ's) Still no guess?
We went as POSTER CHILDREN. Total cost, $1.00 for the pink barrettes and $2.49 for poster board and fat markers. Pictures via Photo Booth on the IMac and we had costumes!
My friend C. came dressed as Cruella DeVille and would you believe there was another Cruella there as well? I only had a few photos that were post worthy. Each time I try to get decent party photos they are all blurred. Could be that it is hard to take a good shot when you are laughing. I think she looks divine!
Hubs with our friend T. She came as a wine box that actually dispensed wine! It was also personalized with names and dates that had meaning to her. Now this is a brilliant costume! I guess having a Graphic Designer for a daughter comes in very handy. Hey T. can you top me off?
Cruella's hubs was dressed as a dalmatian. Hilarious!
One of the funniest parts of his costume were the ears. Since we all live on the same road but the houses are quite far apart, we rode with them on the back of their farm cart. Can you see how his ears flapped in the wind? Just like a real dog. Bwaaahaaahaa, heeheehee, too funny!!!
Hope your Halloween hijinks were laughable as well.

Have a restful All Saints Day, P.

Spookified

Lately I feel that I am focused on making less go a long way.

Just a bit of Halloween here and there.Low key this year. Just touches of nature and a little creepiness for good measure.
I do bask in the month of October and all that surrounds it.
However this year instead of the usual boxes of Halloween decor I am cutting back. I think I will stick with the less is more decorating philosophy right through Christmas.
Less stress, more joy. Hmmm...sounds like a wonderful idea!
Have a decidedly spooky day, P.

Ghost Busting

Just checking in. Still swamped. Had a little time to go ghost hunting though. We took a tour of Queen City haunted places with Teri Casper (love the name) and Dan Smith of Haunted Cincinnati Tours. Check out their website, they have a new book out and I bought a copy and had it signed. It was great fun. I want to do it again!Joe and I and our friends Sue and Tom took the tour, along with 6 other brave souls. We looked for ghosts at several locations. I have included several links to click if you are interested in learning more about any of our destinations. One of which was the Taft Museum. I was disappointed that no apparition waved to me from the window.
We did find some cold spots. We were provided with those ghost hunting EVPs and thermometers. I took a million pictures. Luckily I am not posting them all!
We started in the daylight but darkness fell quickly.
This gazebo in Eden Park is the site where George Remus, notorious bootlegger, murdered his cheating wife. He was acquitted of the crime and set free. She is said to be seen wearing the clothing she was murdered in, walking the park in the early morning hours.
I tried to take as many pics as I could without a flash, thinking perhaps I could sneak up on a spirit or two. Music Hall is creepy at night!!!

OK Tell me if you think I caught something. See the orb at the lower left corner of the photo? Whooooooooooo! (Ghostly moan) I am sending this on to Teri and Dan to see what they think.
We ended the evening at Bobby Mackey's in Wilder Kentucky. We explored the basement of the "Most haunted nightclub in the U.S.A." I have to say we definitely had the creeps after that. We were returned, safe and sound (mostly) to Fountain Square. We retired to Rock Bottom Brewery to calm our nerves and discuss our ghostly encounters.

Have a spooky Halloween week, P.

Too Busy for Blogging!!!

I have too much going on to be posting (or reading for that matter, but I must keep up with you all, even if I don't comment). Silver Bella is fast approaching. I am getting my Lia Sophia jewelry business off the ground. (Party here next Thursday and I have unfinished projects and a mess of a house!) Other business opportunities in the works. A mural to paint for a client (2 story foyer, on a ledge, yuck!!!). Son moving to his own apartment near school. (again) Gifts to finish for friends. Yada yada yada!So, I need some time to get my act together. No lounging about for me right now. Gotta get those slipcovers changed, finish the dining room, decorate for Fall-o-ween, memorize my jewelry catalog, finish the rest of my Silver Bella swaps.....
No time for reflection.
Naps are not on the schedule.
See you in a week or two.

Have an unhurried week, P.

P.S. Pet shots were all taken by my daughter, I don't have time for cameras either!