......having Pam Garrison show pictures of something you made on her blog. I know that everyone who visits this blog is a fan of Pam Garrison. Well, besides William. Pam's amazing style and obvious sweet spirit has been inspiring me for a couple of years now. I have NEVER seen anything she's made that I didn't completely love. I think that's pretty unusual. When I got an etsy order from her, I went around with my jaw dropped to the floor for a few days. Of course my family didn't get it. Actually, Luke made his best effort to act very excited about it and I love him for that. He's a sweetie. Anyway, I knew I couldn't just send her what she ordered and be done with it. It really didn't take me long to figure what I should make for her. I knew I wanted to send her some special goodies. Things I thought she would use, but also things that weren't run-of-the-mill. So, I sent her some of my Swarovski stash, some millinery flowers of the type I know she likes and a box of teeny, tiny Dennison oval labels that are pretty hard to come by. She probably has some, but can one ever have enough??? I think not. From there it was easy to decide that making a box to put the treasures in was the best thing to do. I have long loved the Art to Borrow she made for Somerset last year, but I can't really use someone else's art for the things I make. Seems like stealing, although, I know she meant for people to use it for their own personal creations. Anyway, it seemed like the PERFECT thing to use, along with wallpaper of course, to cover a box for her.
Interestingly, something happens to me when I'm inspired by love or passion. It happens every time I make something that gives tribute to my family, close friends, my childhood, my mother, father, brother, children. I'm normally very fastidious and bent on perfection, however, when I'm creating from my heart I don't care a fig about perfection. In fact, I don't really want things to be perfect. Making Pam's box transported me into that zone. It's like a chemical is released in the brain and you feel euphoric. I know most of you know exactly what I'm talking about. Pam's box brought me more joy in creating than I've had in a long time and reminded me that I need to be making things from the heart like I did several years ago. Admiration and respect seem to open my heart over and above all emotion. Pam, as most of you realize, manifests a sincere and honest humility even in the very midst of her overwhelming talent. It's rare, refreshing and obviously genuine.
I'll show the sides of the box and the vintage easter grass I used as a cushion. I have a thing for vintage Easter grass, but this is my most favorite. I rarely see this kind. Isn't it lovely??
The new typepad business is getting easier. NOTICE I managed to add the Flickr thingy and the Today's Creative blog blinkie ALL BY MYSELF. Heather did not do it. I'm so proud. A new blog banner is about 4th down on my list. I'm really feeling the need to change the furniture around and repaint:)
I should tell you the Oprah story. The short version. Remember how moved I was by Oprah's hoarding show?? Well, shortly after this post I was contacted by the Oprah show. I called the number the girl left in her email and it was Harpo, Inc.! I left a message and, sure enough, before to long, Harpo, Inc. came up on my caller ID. Well, She asked me lots of questions and I babbled (foolishly) for about 45 minutes. She asked me to send a whole slew of photos. I sent a few photos later that day, but not all she asked for. I got totally freaked out about getting so in touch with what a psycho I truly am so I just tried to forget the whole thing! All my friends were telling me to "send the photos", follow-up. I just couldn't do it. Better to brush those things under the rug if you ask me:)
Thanks to all of you who have visited me through Pam's blog. Thank you Pam for your gracious spirit and for doing something you most certainly did not have to do. I never in a million years expected anything even remotely like it. I will be getting most, if not all, the orders out today. I'm also not sure how many flocked mini-packs I have left. Later today, I will list what remains then I will start working on a new assortment. I went ahead and cut more of the regular mini-packs so I will do a new assortment of those when they sell out. Thank you again for your orders. I'm blown away by it and I hope you enjoy my vintage goodies. I love seeing my papers all over the place in people's work. It really makes me smile. You all are so talented!
I will actually be starting my MAJOR REDECORATING project within the week. The wood for the floors is here and we will pick up the paint today or tomorrow. It's been so long since I've been excited about decorating my house! I love decorating, but my carpet has been so trashed for the past year that I just gave up. Kids, dogs, country and ten years. Bad combo. I actually hate the floors we are installing. It's that laminate wood, but I have to be realistic about what we can afford. My decorating will take the focus from the floor and it will be sturdy and easy to clean. I plan to blog the whole thing so please stay tuned. It promises to be very eclectic; very funky and very much a mixed palette of color. Always, in my decorating, I strive to make sure EVERY color will fit into my living spaces. Bedrooms and bathrooms can have a color scheme, but I like for the other rooms to be able to handle any color. It can be done.....so stay tuned:)