The Life of Mrs. Miles

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I've created this South Africa Mini - a version of my newest product called Paper Bag Art to feature at the Sophia Sarducci store on Monday. The reason I'm giving away a South African version is in honor to KimB. If you know Kim, then you know she's the Howard Hughes of Designing - meaning that she always giving (billions upon billions) away. There's ALWAYS something new on her bloggie, for us out here. She's Mother Hubbard in reverse, her cupboards spilleth over and she can't hand it out fast enough. She's got 'stuffies' coming out of her ears and she wants YOU to share. I'm sure they would sing about her on Seasame Street (SHAR-ING, SHAR-ING!) And when she's not giving things away, she's keeping us in stitches with her antics. If she ever has a 'normal' day it will be pretty scary! At any rate, I'm working hard to give back to YOU, lady.

Now, never fear, there's something SWEET coming for you-all in the USA/CANADA in the way of a freebie on MONDAY, so be checking back here. Ahem, I just KNOW you're going to ask too, JanMary, for something Irish... I'll get working on that. I won't leave you out.

Monday, this will be the day I launch the following kit! Its called Paper Bag Art, and its a labor of neighborly love between my country and my next door-ers. The reason it's called Paper Bag Art is because it started when I began experimenting with a paper bag texture (and some of KIMB's Commercial GrabBag Goodies - better go scoop it for yourself, if you haven't already!) and it simply grew from there. I feel very satisfied with the rich textures and colors in this kit. Be sure to line up at the store on Monday, a.m. by clicking HERE. Did I mention that Monday is always MONDAY MADNESS? You'll save additional monies off any purchases. Not a bad way to start the week!

Olivia Dorazio's PAPER BAG ART KIT
PERFECT for scrapping your favorite July1/4th PATRIOTIC memories!

The Elements!

12 Rich Papers!

I've also created a coordinating set of RUFFLY alphas, for purchase separately. These look like they were hand sewn by a fine seamstress, and boy, her fingers must be sore making all the little gathers! Available in natural bag, rich blue and deep red.

I've got to share another treasure, recently acquired at a yard sale. It was at the LAST sale during our visit with the in-laws that I scooped these creepy/cute ornaments.

my cute/ugly ornament

I have to admit, it was our SECOND visit to this particular yard sale - Miles had brought me here the previous week, and I'd admired these the first time, but when it came time to decide, I couldn't. I WANTED them, but just wasn't SURE. I've been of the policy that sometimes its ok to resist, and if you come again and things are waiting, then its ok to go for it. This visit, with Mom the Master Bargainer along, it was time to let go of any inhibitions.

They are not all perfect. A few have some chips, one has a pretty good crack. But they have APPEAL. They are DIFFERENT. Right, I am SURE I won't be seeing a set of these in YOUR house - LOL. When you watch my 'silly little slideshow' you will notice some writing on one, underside... it reads something like FLAME, JAPAN... its not 'made in japan' - that would have been a deciding factor in leaving them there. No, its something unique and the pieces have a fine patina and crackle that suggest great AGE.

Like, isn't this guy just QUIRKY? Is he supposed to be 'baseball'? Are the others supposed to resemble witches? Its truly hard to say. I'm hoping someone might just recognize these pieces!

Ok, so there's that, and my dream. I'm on tv. I'm on Antique Roadshow. The announcer has me sitting at a table, separate from the crowds with my strange little ornaments displayed. She says (with a crisp English accent) "So Barbara, you say you picked these up for 50 cents at a garage sale. What do you think they are worth?"

And I reply "Why, I have NO idea, I merely was entranced by their strangeness, it appealed to me. I thought if we had guests over and conversation was lagging I could haul them out to create conversation."

Then, the announcer says, "Well, these pieces are actually QUITE RARE... they were made in the 18__'s by a FAMOUS person, who made them for SOME SORT OF ROYALTY and there were only _ SETS EVER MADE IN THE WORLD and so these, if you were to sell them on the market today would easily fetch $___,___"

Thats when I GASP and slump over in a faint.



My Strange Little Japanese Ornaments