I'm A Little Teapot

It has been a long time since I rescued a stitchery from thrift. This one highlighting teapots is simply exquisite, priced at $5. Framed and matted by a studio in Idaho. I just LOVE the gray framing. It joined the most favored collection in my room. Kudos to the quality cross-stitch work of this artist.💗 State of Grace floribunda rose photobombs in the background. 

As predicted, I found the drapery rod (still in the box!) with its hardware at hospice thrift. The lined-drapes cost more to clean ($60) that the total cost of purchase $15.98 for 2 drapery panels and $12.00 for the rod, less than $30. I have a large picture window to cover, we will see if I have the same success in finding drapes and curtain rods. I have been shopping in the upscale areas of El Dorado County and Folsom, California. 

I always check the art area of the secondhand shops. I will make room for original art. I have moved more to collector rather than creator. 

My thrift shop hunt now includes baby books and toys. Mila, the baby, was intrigued with the Tigger piano. Added to my Grandma Tami musical repetoire are: baby castanet, maraca, and tambourine. 

Baby toy wish list includes a wooden bench like Big Merla utilizes. 

Baby Projects Bump All Else

Birth samplers were created by me for both of my children. This one I completed for my daughter at her birth. 

I ordered two needlekits for my daughter to choose for her baby girl. The first one I purchased on eBay was Birth Record-Celestial Moon Counted Cross Stitch by Bucilla. I haven't worked on a counted cross stitch for over 30 years. 

The second also an eBay purchase was the Design Works kit I think she favors. 

I would consider myself proficient in the needle arts with the exception of knitting and crocheting. 

The countdown to Christmas begins on December 1. I've got some Christmas craphts queued up. Now binding the poinsettia Christmas tree rug skirt that will make its appearance next month. 

Lefton Christmas Kitty

College update - spring 2026 classes posted and the one I am seeking Design Fundamentals is offered online with my favorite professors Adam Vermiere. Here is a link to one of his works that was offered through the Crocker Art Museum link 

Praying I will get into this class. Because I didn't attend last semester, that will move me down in the registration priority.👿

Anyhoo, got my updated blog image from the wedding posted. Check it out!👀

Keep On Truckin'

My post title was a popular phrase in the 1970s. It is hard not to get discouraged as a seller during the summer months. I try to keep my eye on the prize. My sales prior to summer averaged $500 a month.  

Trying to clear up the backlog of items to list for sale. My latest listing session was needlekits. I cannot remember where I picked up this nearly-finished cross-stitch kit. I don't even remember buying it. So sad. I know I "zone out" when I am at estate sales. Especially if there is a large amount of items in my categories. Like a kid in a candy store. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186020799732

I don't pass up the partially completed kits. Santa also needs a home. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186020786578

Sneaking in some images from the Amador County Fair. This is one of my favorites - the court in the craft exhibition wearing their tiaras, sashes, and cowboy boots. 

We arrived early and left early to avoid the crowd. We gobbled down some hamburgers, fries, cotton candy, and a waffle ice cream maple syrup carmel concoction that was indescribably delicious.  

The fair theme was Zinfandel and Zinnias.  

The rooster who was such a show-off. 

On to other things: Sally Stand-In models this apron I found while rummaging through my fabric. 

The Mr. mentioned he would like a "fish" quilt. I have been saving remnants of fish print fabric so now is the time to make it into some useful. I will detail the process in an upcoming post.  

Pattern Listing Day and eBay store categories

Had our pooch not hurt herself (meaning an emergency trip to the vet), I would not have stumbled onto a thrift shop half off sale after I dropped her off. Sewing patterns, needlework kits and a Tink Disney mug, my 2nd Disney find of the week. Day3 of the Von Zalez Staycation means afternoons devoted to sewing pattern listing. I am very much an outdoors person but not in 100+ degree heat. 

Here is this darling of a unfinished counted cross stitch that was listed. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184410568923

This 1965 bathrobe pattern is a keeper. All of those from the 1960s and earlier I keep. Call it nostalgia, maybe even foresight, but I am not letting those go right now. There is a 60s hairstyle, a bun on top of a bouffant on the blonde in front.

I continue to refine my eBay selling techniques. Here is a recent YouTube tutorial on organizing your product into categories. This also shows you how to bulk search your listings, something I couldn't figure out previously.

The new Dell XPS 15 laptop arrived and it. is. beautiful. 15" sleek. It couldn't have arrived at a better time, college starts up in a few days. Financed through Dell, hoping a stimulus check and a pay raise will have it paid off within the year if not sooner. 

Here is a Disney toy recently listed. Will my 49 cent investment in this toy pay off?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184410416238

I spent the morning at the California State Fair

And you know where you could find me - at the Craft and Fine Art exhibitions. With my media pass, I signed in and entered the fair via the media center. I was able to photograph these superior creations without having to battle the crowds.

So well organized!

This one I believe took a First Place.
Applique puppy in batik

Ethnic and dramatic

Americana

Jaw-dropping precision needlework on this piece

I knew there was a Steampunk category
so I was particularly interested in this exhibit

This piece you have to see in person
Done in counted cross-stitch

Whimsical and Wonderful
You can see why it took First Place - Applique Quilts

My piece is hanging in the display case to my right

The Sacramento summer heat is oppressive so I am wearing as little as possible. I know a gal isn't supposed to wear a hat inside but I am matching my creation's hat she is wearing. Thought I would look the "artist" part. *grins*

Award of Merit for this oil painting

Lots to see and do and there is something for everyone at the fair. What I didn't find was jalapeno jelly - so if anyone finds that type of vendor, let me know! I will be back at the Fair next week.