The Altered Muse

PURCHASE

2012-02-12T17:37:00.000-06:00

Can't wait to start adding items for you to purchase.

WORKSHOPS

2012-01-18T20:51:00.018-06:00

SOLDERING WORKSHOPS - Here are the pictures of the Basic Soldering Workshop. This was the first time for most to hold a soldering iron. They learned safety, components, technique, application and completion. I laid out a tray of wildflowers, beads, ephemera, vials, prayer cards, feathers, dyed moss, and dresden for them to choose from for their creation.

WET FELTING - Wet felting is the process of using wool locks, carded or uncarded, sometimes dyed, to make a solid piece textile. It can be dyed in beautiful colors. When wool is worked by agitation and soapy hot water it tends to grab onto the tiny barbs that make up its texture and gradually become a tightly knitted solid piece of fabric. Once it is felted, it is strong and can be made into anything you want. It is a wonderful experience to pick and choose your strands of wool to put your creation together.

2012 HERE WE COME

2012-01-01T13:33:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!!!!

Christmas Past and New Year on the Horizon

2011-12-28T10:18:00.004-06:00

Hi. I hope everyone had a great Christmas filled with family and fun. Mine was great. Had a house full of family and friends. I served Mexican food for Christmas dinner. We are a Tex-Mex eating family.

I am looking forward to the new year. I am doing great in my new space at Dolly Python Vintage http://www.dollypythonvintage.com For you local followers, owner Gretchen Bell was in the latest "D" magazine in Dallas. Her picture and info about the store was pictured under John Paul Gaultier's visit to Dallas for his new installation "From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. He visited the store and raved about it in D magazine.

I have a full class for soldering on Jan. 7. My creative juices are flowing. I am blessed! Great way to start the new year.

Thinking of all of you and hoping you have a great, healthy, happy, and prosperous new year.

Christmas With The Altered Muse

2011-12-11T22:10:00.005-06:00

THE MANTLE GREETING "NOEL".

HERE IS ANOTHER SWEET COLLECTIBLE I RECENTLY ACQUIRED FROM MY AUNT. IT IS A 30 PIECE SET OF A SNOWMAN BAND, THE NORTH POLE AND ITS ELVES, AND SANTA AND MRS. CLAUSE AND ALL OF THE REINDEER. THE PIECES ARE ABOUT 2" TALL AND ARE MADE IN GERMANY. NOW YOUR TALKIN' RARE.

BABY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS (MINE) FROM MY GRANDPARENTS AND I WON'T TELL YOU HOW OLD IT IS!

GOTTA HAVE MY ANTIQUE SANTAS!

FOR YEARS I HAVE COLLECTED OLD BRUSH TREES AND FROSTED HOUSES.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED A PEEK INTO MY CHRISTMAS AND A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

DOLLY PYTHON BOOTH

2011-11-29T17:20:00.005-06:00

Gretchen and Rob

Me and beautiful Allyson

Rob and Allyson

Beautiful Gretchen and me

I have now moved into a bigger booth at Dolly Python Vintage and will have new pictures posted soon. I love it there.

Here are a few older pictures of my space at Dolly Python in Dallas, Texas. I am so excited about being there. I have vintage clothes, hand crafted jewelry I make, old books, men's fashion book, chandeliers, and of course, my hand painted suitcase with my business card painted on it. Come visit.

The Altered Muse at Dolly Python in Dallas, Texas

2011-11-29T16:22:00.008-06:00

I took a few pictures of the store, Dolly Python, in Dallas, Texas. I am so happy to be a part of such an eclectic mix. Did I mention that John Paul Gaultier made a visit last month? Owner, Gretchen Bell, has a background in fashion and the store has a big reputation for vintage clothing. Dolly Python is not a really large store. There is plenty of room for vintage clothes and then an area for individual shops/booths. Very personal, clean, organized, and pleasant place to shop. Here is there award list.

2011Dallas Observer Best of Dallas “Best Vintage Clothes”
2011 D Magazine’s Reader’s Choice “Best Vintage Clothing Store.”
2010 D Magazine’s Reader’s Choice “Best Vintage Clothing Store.”
2010 Top 5 Best Vintage/Resale WFA-A LIST
2008 Dallas Observer. “Best Vintage Clothing Store.”
2007 Dallas Observer. “Best Source for Pack Rats!”
2006 D Magazine ‘Best Reason to Buy Old Stuff”
2006 Dallas Observer. “Best Treasure Trove.”

Hey...they do not serve cold beer. It is just signage!

Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience

2011-11-22T09:41:00.005-06:00

Here are a few pictures of my booth at the Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience. Lots of destash and promotion of workshops.

Dolly Python

2011-11-18T19:29:00.004-06:00

Hello and hope you are having a good weekend. Just spent the day moving into my new shop in the Dolly Python store. It was very tiring, but exciting. Setting up my props, lighting up the cases, displaying, and meeting new people shopping. Yes, I am excited. It is so exciting to be selling in such a fun shop and with such great people. Gretchen Bell is the owner. She is great. My friend Rob was there to give me some display designs. He is very good. He has a shop there also. John Paul Gaultier recently paid Dolly Python a visit while he was in Dallas getting his installation ready at the Museum of Fine Art. It is called from the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. Very high fashion. Loved it!

Just came off of the Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience weekend. Had a great time and sold lots of destash. Saw some old friends. Showed my art and more.

Got an email today from Ariel. She saw my name The Altered Muse on the side of my van while we were in line at Chick Filet and decided to look it up while she was in line. Turns out, she is also an artist in the lofts in downtown Ft. Worth. She loves estate sales as do I! What a nice little note from her. Just shows you never know who is paying attention and watching. Hi Ariel!

Have a good weekend.

2011-11-11T21:10:00.007-06:00

Quick Look At Workshop Schedule for Jan. - March. 2012
Check for more info under the heading "Workshops" in the right column. Any questions please email me at
www.mapdeens@sbcglobal.net.

JANUARY 2012

Basic Soldering - Saturday - Jan.7 - 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

Friday - Jan. 27 - 6:00 pm

Cost: $55 all included

_________________________________________

Encaustic Overlay - Friday - Jan. 13 - 10:00 am and 6:00 pm

Cost $55 all included

__________________________________________

Nuno Felting - Jan. 18 and Jan. 20 - 6:00 pm

Cost $65

__________________________________________

FEBRUARY 2012

Basic Soldering - Friday - Feb. 3 - 6:00 pm

Sunday - Feb. 26 - 1:00 pm

__________________________________________

Nuno Felting - Sat. - Feb. 11 - 10:00 am and 2:00 pm __________________________________________

Encaustic - Feb. 18 -Sat. 10:00 am
________________________________________

MARCH 2012

Soldering - Friday - March 2 - 6:00 pm

Sunday - March 4 - 1:00

_________________________________________

Nuno Felting - Sat. March 10 - 10 am.

All workshops include healthy snacks and adult beverages. WELCOME!!

_________________________________________

2011-11-09T21:27:00.003-06:00

Imagine having this growing in your backyard! It is called Angel's Trumpet. Every part of it is poisonous. This is the third one it has put on and I count 2 more. It is not perrenial, so I am saving seed pods.

Good Things Are Coming My Way

2011-10-21T22:35:00.003-05:00

Hello and Welcome Fall!! I am very excited to tell you about what's coming up in the near future for The Altered Muse. First of all, I am getting ready for the Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience. It is November 12 and 13 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, Poultry Barn, 3409 Burnett-Tandy Dr., Ft. Worth, Texas. Now just because it is called a holiday shopping experience, don't think that it will be limited to the seasonal gift. I am bringing loads of bags of destash items that no longer go with my artistic interests, but someone else is going to be delighted with what I am getting rid of, such as old children's books, old french books and images. game cards and game pieces, charms, beads, assemblage, metals, tin, old photos and the list goes on. I am pricing it to go to another studio that will appreciate it. I will have examples of workshops such as Beginners Soldering, Encaustic Wax Overlay, Reliquary, Felting, Found Objects Jewelry, and a few new things that I have been experimenting with. So all you artists, designers, creators of unique and crazy art, COME ON OUT FOR TWO DAYS OF SHOPPING. SPREAD YOUR WINGS WITH OTHER LIKE BIRDS OF A FEATHER. THERE ARE NOT THAT MANY EVENTS THAT WE CAN ALL GET TOGETHER AND SHARE. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS TWO DAY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. Hope you look for The Altered Muse. I don't think you will be disappointed!!!!

Now for the next big thing coming up.... I will be moving into a small shop space at DOLLY PYTHON, A VERY ECLECTIC store in Dallas. Dolly Python specializes in vintage clothing, found objects, antiques, and the rare and eclectic. Gretchen Bell is the owner/proprietor and has done a fabulous job in making Dolly Python a very popular place to shop. I am so excited that she is giving me a place to "show my stuff". Dolly Python is located in Dallas at 1916 Haskell Ave. zip 75204. I should be moving in about the middle of November. Can't wait!!!

Now for the next big thing.....bedi-bye...nite nite...yawning...lights out!

Can We Talk?

2011-10-06T10:50:00.003-05:00

I have been so busy readying for Warrenton/Round Top, doing estate sales, selling, and the list goes on, that I have not posted as often as I would like. BUT, today I would say I have caught up! There are new posts on Boots, Friends, Prom, Warrenton/Round Top Show, Garden, and the Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience. I will have lots more pictures and info on Creative Workshops and things in the works with The Altered Muse. Please take a look! Just keep on scrolling down. Leave comments! You could receive a nice surprise!

The Fall has always been my season. I get new goals, ideas, motivation, and plans. In the past Falls, my income has increased. New opportunities come to me. Does anyone else have a season that they can call their "Season"? I would love to hear some comments on this. Is anyone out there?

Is anyone else not able to see their followers on their blog? Mine have not been there for months. Any clues?

It's Fall. Cooler weather. Fall shows. Workshops. New Beginnings. Let's join our hearts and minds on making this season the most productive in every way. Keep families and friends close. Fill needs. Serve one another. Be vigilent. Realize as women, we have strength and power special to us. Determination and nurturing is built in.

Praise God and pray for our troops and world peace and the elimination of hunger all over the world. Amen.

Texas Gals and their Boots

2011-10-06T10:12:00.003-05:00

I could have taken 500 more pictures of boots, but I got started too late. There are SO many boots and hats at Warrenton, if you put the ladies wearing them up in Dallas, you would think there had been an explosion at a Ft. Worth Rodeo. During the show, cowgirls and their hats and boots come from all over Texas, Oklahoma, and further points west. Boots and hats are definitely a big issue at Warrenton/Round Top.

Friends and Prom

2011-10-06T09:17:00.009-05:00

Well as you will see, I whimped out on my usual pictures of the prom. EVERYTHING WAS JUST CRAZY!!! I did get pictures of my friends. Hope you aren't too disappointed. You can see past proms if you look at the archives.

Rebecca, Jayme, and me in my French Prom black beret. My cowboy hat stayed home that night.

James Stephens and Jayme Daniel of BONEDUST COWGIRL. Friends on the Oklahoma, Texas, and Santa Fe circuit. Jayme designs and James designs and carves very desirable and beautiful adornments from vintage antlers and bone. His unique works are in high demand for wearers of beautiful, bonedust jewelry. If you look closely you can see some art on their necks.

WELCOME TO TEXAS. I love this picture of my friends Rebecca and Ron. She is a well known and well studied textile artist and he is a musician. They reside in Oklahoma also. She has a beautiful studio and workshop and he owns a vintage record store. Just love em!!!

My Booth At Warrenton, Texas

2011-10-05T23:19:00.012-05:00

This booth may look small, but it took several days to assemble. It is 800 sq. feet, with a garden area (no pictures) of 800 sq. feet. Hope you can get a feel for what sells for me and what I think people will buy from me. It really is a challenge, but one I relish!

I always bring lots of Christmas to the Fall Show at Warrenton. I sold lots of Christmas.

From Warrenton, Texas to Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience

2011-10-05T00:15:00.004-05:00

It's a Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience and The Altered Muse can't wait. Even though I just returned from a long show in Warrenton, Round Top, Texas, I am recovering enough to get my stuff together for the Holiday Shopping Experience. The cooler the weather gets, the more I am motivated. I bought several wonderful things for creation workshops there. Can't wait to put the assemblages together. I will have examples of soldering, encaustic wax, felting, found objects jewelry, and mixed media collage. Found some great things for mixed media collage. I will be displaying examples for future creation workshops. I will also be offering many things for assemblage, including, found objects, relics, encasements, ephemera, watch parts, vintage seam binding and textiles, and the list goes on. If you click on Workshops on this blog, you can see creative workshops for felting, soldering, and found objects jewelry. Hope you will look for me, The Altered Muse, at this event. I want to give a "shout out" to Joe and Jessica for doing such an organized and well planned event. They have really gone the extra mile to promote the "experience". If you live in the Ft. Worth area and would like to pass out some postcards advertising this event experience, please contact me and we can meet. I have plenty. My email is mapdeens@sbcglobal.net. Thanks. Pam...The Altered Muse.

Back From Warrenton/Round Top With Pictures and Goodies for Workshops

2011-10-04T21:52:00.003-05:00

Hi. Just returned from Warrenton, Texas. The Show was fun and tiring. I saw friends that I only see twice a year and it was good to catch up. I went to the Marburger Farm Show to check out the unique, stylish, European, and decorator antiquities and buy from Robin with Magnolia Pearl. I bought 5 pieces, including one for my good friend Angela. She looked in on my house while I was away. Lily and Bailey were very glad to be home and back in their backyard. So was I. This show, the foot traffic was off. I think that was due to the 100 plus degree weather. Everything was dry and brittle. Normally, it is green and lush. There was a very high, extreme fire ban. Signs posted everywhere. No smoking unless you had a bottle of water with you and no char coaling. I don't smoke and it was kind of scary and you were definitely on the watch for those who did. Tickets and fines were given out. Warrenton is not that far from Bastrop or Smithville where so much burned a few weeks back. Anyway, it is all behind me now and I am home! Stay tuned for pictures of my shop down there.

Gearing Up For Warrenton/Round Top Show

2011-08-31T21:24:00.003-05:00

Not only has the weather been heating up for so many days, it is heating up work wise for the BIG SHOW in Warrenton, Texas. I have so many things to spruce up, tag up, and pack up. I try to work on a theme for my booth. This means layout, color, display and furniture. I am always thinking about if I purchased the right things for resale. If people are going to like what I have picked for them. How long will it take me to display and set up a 20' x 40' tent. That's 800 square feet! What will the weather be like? So many things factor into a big show like this one. I really love the challenge, but it can be very tiring. I pull out all of my creativity in displaying my booth. After everything is said and done, I LOVE IT!

2011-08-06T12:37:00.012-05:00

Well here it is Saturday and I wanted to say Hi and tell you about a few things I purchased at estate sales this week: Madam Alexander doll, tons of 1940's baby clothes, hundreds of skeleton keys, 4 Dresden mugs from the 1930's with beautiful horses on them, sterling baby teething ring, a 1920's child's tea set, large cotten easter chick, 6 tin toy teacups with kittens, old purse, old stuffed elephant and lots of other stuff, but the best of all was an hand-cut silouette of a family in their living room at their home, 209 East Broadway, New York. The background was done in sepia color and it is signed and dated 1840, Augusta Edouard. You can't see it, but the details down to the little fingers on every subject and shadows in sepia. One of the best things I have found in quite awhile. I have made a few pictures to show you some highlights and while I was making them, surprise...a little squirrel showed up on my ledge. Take a look.

Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum and Livestock Barns

2011-07-18T00:29:00.009-05:00

I want to show you around the part of the Will Rogers Coliseum Complex called the livestock barns. Why you say? Because there are some real good findings and good buys in Cattle Barn I. There is a flea market there. It has been there for at least 30 years and is such a hodge podge of miscellaneous, you never know what you are going to run across. I sell there. The rent is cheap and I get rid of the leftovers of estate sales there. It goes on rain or shine on the weekends except when the Stock Show is running. It is located on Harley, just west of University Drive.

These livestock buildings were built in 1936 and are used during the famous Ft. Worth Stockshow and Rodeo. They are used year round for events.

Upcoming Events

2011-07-05T22:03:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July. I sure did. Spent it with friends in pools,on the lake and on a nice big party barge.

I cannot believe this hot flash that Mother Nature is having. It seems there is no end in sight. My backyard serenity garden is thirsty and parched.

Several events coming up before you know it. Warrenton/Round Top starts the last week in September and goes thru the first week in October, FUNKY FINDS A Holiday Shopping Experience on November 12-13, and the Homestead Fall Show in Hico, Tx on October 28-29. All of these events are spectacular and I can't wait. Of course I will be at Warrenton, can't miss it, and I will also be at the Funky Finds event. Well, I haven't received my acceptance yet, but hopefully I will be chosen. The Hico show may be too soon after Warrenton for me to do. I am exhausted after Warrenton. If you all want more info, just leave me a comment. As you all know, I love comments.

Have a great week. Stay cool.

WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT

2011-06-30T16:51:00.012-05:00

Bailey Bob. My adoption from the last Funky Finds Experience. He was 9 weeks old when I adopted him. He is quite an entertaining fellow. Lily and him are like oil and water. Watch out!

Here comes the Pussycat Parade!

You all should know Lily by now. She is my blog mascot. I have had this sweet little girl for 7 years.

GET READY...

GET SET...

DRINK!!!!!

WHO SAYS BIRDBATHS ARE JUST FOR THE BIRDS?

AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY

INTO THE GARDEN

2011-06-15T20:28:00.017-05:00

February 9, 2012

Take a look at what has hung on during the "so-called" winter. Here in Texas we haven't had one yet!

Peppermint Holds On

My beautiful Angel Trumpet Vine. This is my second bloom with one more on the way. Didn't even know what it was when I planted it. I purchased the seeds from an individual down in South Texas when I was doing the show at Round Top. So glad I did! What an eye catching blessing.

I counted over 14 cocoons at one time. That is why I plant this butterfly milkweed.

Can you spot the cocoons?

Native Texas Rock Rose growing on an old cemetary flower wire. See the Pearly Gates?

o have a little peppermint spreading here and there.

More flowering weeds to attrack butterflies.

The white plant in the foreground is a wooley butterfly bush. Not that easy to find. I found mine at Weston Gardens. A very special estate that was built in the 1930's. Worth the trip to South Ft. Worth. They specialize native Texas plants and antique plants that were found planted around this 1930's estate.

Chinese Umbrella Tree

Two new decorative pieces added to the backyard garden.

Welcome. I am so happy to participate in the Bloggerette Sorority's Garden Party. Enter my backyard Serenity Garden and gather what you may visually. My garden in these pictures is actually in between the winter pansies and summer color, but I still have lots of garden to rest your eyes on. Thank you so much for strolling. Meet Bailey.

Pictures of My Booth at the Homestead Antique Fair in Hico, Texas

2011-05-28T22:33:00.012-05:00

Getting the booth set up, my friend Mike took this picture of me. Hey, not exactly my best shot.

Second day of set-up. I would say I had almost finished my booth.

It is always nice to have a little help from handsome men like Mike. Ain't he purdy? Third generation Burleson, Texas cowboy.

It is always nice to have friendly shoppers that are interested in my wares. Some are repeat customers, some are new, and then others I knew from my store on Vickery Blvd. in Ft. Worth.

Okay now, pictures of the booth. I love red, white, and blue bunting. This bunting is about 100 years old and was used to decorate the old town halls and meeting places on special occasions.

Homestead Antique Fair a Great Success

2011-05-15T22:38:00.005-05:00

I went over to the Friday night, Vendor Welcome Spread, early, to get some pictures. It was luscious. You can read all about it at the bottom of this post. I got pictures of Mike of Homestead Antiques (host) overseeing the preparation of the food and it looks like he took a minute to sit down and have a relaxing beverage. Brenda, Mike's other half, decorated the tables so beautiful with small birdbaths, statues, and one of my favorite textiles, linen fishnet. The chef was busily preparing her gourmet foods. Because I was early, the only food I got pictures of were the stuffed tomatoes. Ummm. There was soooo much more!

The Homestead Antique Fair was a great success and in many ways. First, I met alot of friendly, fellow vendors. Everyone pulled together during the loading and unloading for the show. The booths were phenominal. Lots of architecture, unique furniture, western decor, chic, and of course antique. It was a very quaint and personal show. Sales were good! I just can't say enough good things about Mike and Brenda of Homestead Antiques. They hosted and presented the show. Always present to accommodate everyone and make the show very successful. Friday night after the show closed, we were treated to a great spread of gourmet food catered by a wonderful, professional chef. Gourmet cheeses, turkey, ham, roast beef, salmon cakes, meatballs, and stuffed cherry tomatoes were just a part of the treats offered. They topped it off great cookies and cheesecake and I can't leave out the great beverages that were offered. I was just so impressed with the host and hostess. We enjoyed this spread in the old, stone, shell of a building across the street from the Fair. The ambiance of the location was wonderful. I just can't seem to say enough about this great fair.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2011-05-08T22:08:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all. I was blessed to have a strong, wise, and courageous mother. Her name was Johnnie Marie. She went to heaven two years ago. You know I miss her. She set a strong example of what a mother should be. Working tirelessly to provide for her family, while always making time to nurture and love. The Bible talks about the virtuous woman in proverbs. It says her children rise up and call her blessed. She sells her wares to provide for her family. She rises early to care for her family and on the scripture goes. I am blessed to have many women in my family that are strong, courageous, and nurturing. Praise God for the day and wonderful mothers and memories.

Soldering Workshops Have Been Great

2011-05-08T21:57:00.002-05:00

The recent soldering workshops were so much fun. Martha R., Trulin, and Karin (Waltzing Gypsy) were very good students. We had a great time creating and visiting, and learning to solder. They chose to solder glass encased images into a pendant. I would have had pictures posted, but I left my camera out in the heavy rain. Good excuse to get a new one, I guess. I want to encourage anyone who would like to learn to solder, to sign up for a workshop. Everything is included for $48. My email is mapdeens@sbcglobal.net.

Have a good week and I will have pictures of the Homestead Antique Fair in Hico, Texas for you in a week. It is this week and I am so looking forward to it. Busy, busy, and more busy. Wait until you see my display tree. Talk about Anthropology, I don't think they have anything on me. I can get way out there too.

Let's All Go to Hico (Hico, Texas) plus other news

2011-05-01T23:23:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let you all know about a great antique show in Hico, Texas. Hico is located south and west of Ft. Worth (maybe 60 miles). It is being held on May 13 and 14. It is called Homestead's Antique Fair. http://homesteadhico.com I will be vending there along with other hand picked vendors. This will be my first time to be at this show and I am looking forward to the challenge of designing a booth and selling in a big circus tent. This show follows on the heels of the Warrenton Show and I hope that the great people that shopped the Warrenton show will find their way a little further north to this unique gathering of merchandise. I know that I am gathering lots of goodies, small and large, to present for sale. Hope I see you there!

We have really been getting some badly needed rain today. The storms have blown my power out twice in 1 week. The rain has my new seedlings doing great. I planted Hummingbird vine, Hyacinth bean vine, and various other new seeds that a friend shared with me. I am so in love with my back yard and the serenity it brings. I also have a new tree that I hear is rare in my parts. I don't know the formal name, but it is called a Chinese Parasol. It transplanted very well from an estate sale that I shopped at. The owners were supplying shovels if you wanted a dig.

I hear on the news tonight that part of the evil in the world has been taken out. I am not going to even mention the name, but I think you know who I am talking about. That evil's demise is way over due. May all victims rest in peace. God bless America.

Until next time Lambs, peace.

Spring Show at Warrenton, Texas

2011-04-08T17:11:00.007-05:00

Welcome to the Spring Show at Warrenton, Texas. The Spring show is my favorite and I really enjoyed setting up the booth. Here are pictures of Spring and Easter highlights. There was so much more, but I chose these Spring-iest pictures for you to view.

"In your Easter bonnett, with all the frills upon it...."

Old millinary hat flowers. One of my favorite purchases.

Junk Gypsy Prom Night

2011-04-02T08:26:00.005-05:00

Had a ball at Prom. Saw lots of funky people and even took a few pictures. I ran into Carrie Gunning and her cousin Paulette. They came down to shop the show. She teaches art in Justin, Texas and also does Mixed Media Collage at my workshops. Good to see them. Back to the Prom. I have never seen so many men dressed like women! I don't know what to think about that. All I know is, I didn't take any of their pictures. Please enjoy the ones I did take. Chow from Warrenton, Texas.

Great Saturday!!

2011-03-12T23:54:00.002-06:00

okay...today was great yall! I vended at Will Rogers Cattle Barn I. The Funky Finds Spring Fling was next door at the Small Exhibits Bldg. It was so colorful, creative, inspiring, and interesting to look at all of the artist's creations. There was the pet adoption also. I almost adopted another little bobtail kitten just like Lily. Couldn't quite make up my mind so I called in friends for their advice. They all loved the kitten. I still haven't ruled him out. I was surely in a quandry.

Well both events were swarming with people (the flea market and the Spring Fling.) There was also a gun show and antique show. It was great seeing people I hadn't seen since I had the store. Many anxious to start workshops again. ME SO HAPPY!!!

Will report back on the kitten...have a great rest of the weekend. xoxo

Check out he post below to see the pictures of the last workshop.

GREAT Creative Saturday

2011-03-06T21:23:00.013-06:00

Saturday was a blast! This was the day to introduce my studio and workshop to ladies that had done workshops with me at my store. It began about 10am with Fruit Smoothies, Bloody Mary's, Brown Sugar Cinnamon bagels, chocolate cupcakes with Bavarian creme icing, and pretty little Rum Rosettes. Delish! We got reacquainted and shared our latest creative ideas and interests and then went into the workshop to get started. We captured the essence of the expression "Women are like buttons, they hold things together." I put up an inspriration board with laces, trims, buttons, images and more to get us started. Then we pulled out the stamps, paints and glues. The images were from an old book I have from the 1880's called Godey's Lady's Book, stereotyped by The Enquirer P & P Co., Lancaster, PA. It depicts fashion, handcrafts, novelties, stories, lessons, and information in general that would interest the ladies of the 1880's. The scissors and paper were flying! Such divine little confections they created.

After the "Women Like Buttons" workshop was finished, we took a break to enjoy some homemade turkey chili with cheese cubes, a whole wheat pasta salad, and organic blue corn chips. Yumm! Of course another little sumpin to drink and another trip to the dessert table.

We then went in for Anglea Burks workshop teaching us the basics of adding charms to a bracelet. She brought beautiful beads for us to work with. We learned tool usage and design. That was great!

So need I say that it was a very busy, stimulating, and glorious day.

I will be posting the dates for future workshops in the next week. They include Basic Soldering, Reliquaries, Felting, Encaustic Wax, and Cigar Box Collage. If you are local to the Dallas/Ft.Worth metroplex I hope you will come join the fun.

P.S. Mary drove all the way from Plano, Tx for the day. She has several shops on Etsy, one of them being Mary's Madness. She sells gobs of everything from frozen charlotte dolls to old watch parts. She will be at the Funky Finds Spring Fling coming to Ft. Worth March 12. You can't miss that. It is at the Will Rogers Center in the Poultry Building. For more info just go to Funky Finds website or click on the little dog widget on my blog to get you there. If you are an artist or elite crafter, you shouldn't miss it. See you there.

If you have enjoyed this post, please drop me a comment. I love your comments!

Day Trip to Canton First Monday

2011-03-02T21:15:00.002-06:00

Pretty day! Went to Canton First Monday Trade Days today. Found some pretty cool stuff, including 3 vintage 30's ladies cotton and crochet gowns, old black jet glass buttons, old wedding photos from the 1920's, 1915 water color of ash trees and pink sunset, and some really sweet little Easter cards from the 40's. All in all it was a pretty good shopping trip. Would have loved to found more garden stuff, but the market is tough right now for garden stuff (Spring coming on).

In just 3 weeks I will be selling at Round Top/Warrenton. Got some really great things to take and sell. Should be good. The Spring show is always good!

Take care and enjoy the day. xoxo

Busy Busy Busy

2011-02-23T08:37:00.003-06:00

Good day to you. I am very busy this week getting ready for a double workshop on March 5. I am introducing my studio and workshop to probably 10-12 ladies that have taken my workshops before when I had my store. There will be food, beverage, fun, little gifts, and creativity. I cannot reveal what the workshops are because they are a surprise. My friend Angela, who also does workshops, is co-hosting with me. In my studio I am tweaking this and that and re-arranging the workshop a little. I cannot wait. I love my workshop and studio and can't wait to show it off. I posted alot of pictures in the Where Bloggers Create blog event last year. If you type in "Where Bloggers Create" in my search bar, you can go to that post to view the pictures.

Now it is time to present in person, so I am off to start my day.

TEXAS SNOW !

2011-02-05T10:12:00.009-06:00

The snow was a great experience for me. I sprinkled extra bird seed out for my birds and they showed up in great numbers. I love it! I also went out and took some pictures of the Serenity Garden. Hope you enjoy.

March 5, I am having a free workshop for all of the ladies that have taken at least two of my workshops. It is going to be a surprise workshop, but I am sure they will enjoy. I will have bellinis and food for brunch. It is also an introduction to my new workshop and studio. I posted alot of pictures of both for the Where Bloggers Create event last year. Can't wait to post what we create and pictures of workshops to follow.

Talk to you soon. I love comments and I love my followers. Thank you. xoxoxo

LIVING LIFE WELL

2011-01-22T17:24:00.004-06:00

This is a new year and most of us use this "new" period to set some goals for the new year. It is encouraging to start anew with some new goals. Today I went to a Woman's Wellness at the Baylor Hosp. here in Ft.Worth. I went with my friend Patty. Not only was it some great "girl time", but it was very educational healthwise. I want to encourage you to think about your health and it might be helpful to find a friend for encouragement. I need to lose 35 lbs. and Patty needs to quit smoking. So there you have it. This Woman's Forum was free at Baylor Health. I urge you all to make one of the free events in your area. They make you feel empowered to do something about the new you in the new year. I am so glad I made myself get up on a Saturday at 5:30 a.m. to attend this event at 7:00 a.m. It was so worth it! So that is what I did today.

Cheers to the New Year!

2011-01-12T18:23:00.009-06:00

Happy New Year to you all. It is almost 2 weeks into the new year and I am pondering what I will make of it. Another year to work on being the best I can be. I need to focus on health especially. I am keeping a food journal (started today). I have been at this health thing so long I really don't need a journal to keep up with what I eat. I pretty much eat healthy all of the time. My weakness is a "venti cinnamon dolce latte iced with whip cream) every Sat. and Sun. OOOh so bad but soo good. Gonna work on that.

Second I am focusing on my workshops. Haven't had a workshop since late last year. I have a great workshop area and a great studio. I have got to get some workshops on the table. Soldering will probably be the first and then nuno felting. Both workshops were a great success. This spring I am incorporating a garden luncheon into the workshop day. I have been occupying my time this past year with putting in a serenity garden and beautiful, relaxing backyard with deck. That is how I have spent my time so I wouldn't think so much about the loss of three loved ones last year, including my son. I am going to give you a peek into the garden so you can see what I consider serenity.

2010-12-28T21:06:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I know I did. I had a party for my friends and then a party for my family. We had a great time at both parties. Besides the big tree I dressed in the living room, I put a small tree up in my studio with a lot of my antique Christmas ornaments, houses, brush trees and Santas. Take a look.

Here comes a New Year! Be blessed, be wise, be prosperous and kind; live big, laugh loud, love hard, and nurture the ties that bind.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Ummm! Pumpkin Pie

2010-11-24T23:13:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I am sitting here tonight smelling the two pies I have in the oven. They should come out in about 10 minutes. I don't know how anyone cannot feel blessed in some way this Thanksgiving. Are you having a nice meal? How about friends and family, shelter, so many kinds of freedom, and upmost a God who loves unconditionally.

I hope you will take the time to count your blessings. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Ferns, Camelias, Japanese Maples, OH MY!

2010-11-19T08:24:00.004-06:00

Isn't Fall wonderful? Perfect days, turning leaves, expectations of the holidays, and of course parties and great food. These days I am thinking about something else wonderful to me. My backyard. It was nothing but a pecan tree, dead tree stump, and weeds, but is getting a major overhaul. I have added (with the help of a friend/landscaper/gardner), lots of ferns, decor grasses, camelias, beauiful evergreens, columbine, and lots of other perrenials. Today I am going for more including a Japanese Maple and a Dogwood. The landscaper and I have designed flagstone walkways, mossy rock steps, and little venues for birdbaths and statuary. I have planted bushes, trees, and flowering plants to invite butterflies and birds. It is a wonderful sanctuary that rivals any small English garden. I think we all need a special little place that delights, inspires, and relaxes us. It is even better when it can include part of God's outdoor creation and little creatures He has given us to enjoy. It can just be a small area, but a place where we can sit and read, meditate, or have coffee with a friend. I can't wait to invite you in by way of pictures. Of course if you are a local friend reading this, you are always welcome to come by.

I hope you all enjoy your day and fall festivities. Let me hear from you and watch for pictures if you like. Blessings.

Buchanan Antiques Show at Market Hall - Dallas

2010-11-09T20:39:00.003-06:00

I will be selling at this show in Dallas this weekend, Nov. 13 and 14, from 9-5 on Sat. and 11-5 on Sunday. Market Hall is located in Dallas, off Stemmons Frwy., Motor St. exit.

This show is normally for antiques, decorator items, and collectibles in general, but this weekend it is labeled "Garage Sale". This is when dealers and others clean out, weed out, sort out, and sell out items at garage sale prices. The items are not necessarily garage sale items though. It is a very interesting weekend and I always find lots of stuff to buy. I will be there selling my weeded out items plus lots of interesting stuff. I hope I will see you there. Leave me a comment if you have any questions.

Be sure and check out the post below this one for the Funky Finds Experience and some of its artists.

Funky Finds Experience

2010-11-09T08:16:00.018-06:00

THE FUNKY FINDS "EXPERIENCE" WAS A BLAST! I could not wait to get to the Amon Carter, Jr. Center in Ft. Worth, Texas (my most fab city to live in), to see if my favorite artists were going to show again. Yes, they were there! The Experience venue was laid out beautifully. Each artist had a very special display space. All could be seen very well. The music was fun and funky. I loved it! Made shopping even more fun. The benefits were going strong. The mood was funky and fun. Joe and Jessica Dougherty really know how to throw an extravaganza. Thanks Joe and Jessica for a fun shopping Experience.

I am featuring just a very few of the artists displaying there. Some are repeat artist friends and some are new to me. There were so many artists and this is just a very small portion. I hope you enjoy these and visit their websites and blogs for better detail of their works.

Marla Cook is the artist of Uncommon Vessels, celebrating the synchronicity of life through art. She creates through gourds and other objects found in nature. I took two pictures of her art so that you could get a real closeup. Visit her at uncommon-vessels.com.

Sandra Feasel is the artist/designer at 7th St. Studio. Her creations are devine. I am sorry my camera did not portray her works at their best. Visit her at 7thststudio.blogspot.com.

Sarah Zamora is a mixed media artist. Her works are very original and expressive. (Sorry for the camera reflections). She was painting as I was talking to her. This is only a small sample of her technique. I hope you will go to her site at: originalyouth.com and get inspired by her individuality.

Sher Chappell "ESSA" is the artisit I want to introduce to you here. I am so glad she decided to show at the Extravaganza. She is an amazing person and artist, creating fascinating and inspirational icons. I have included three pictures so you could get a good look. The pictures don't do her icons justice, but they are made of many medias including old metals, paper images, rosaries and vintage prayer cards. I bought my first piece, from her about 3 years ago at the Warrenton, Texas Antique Show. I have it displayed proudly in my studio. I also have several small pieces she made. How surprised I was to see her in Ft. Worth. Please read more about her and her unique studio at: http://www.iconessa.com/.

Here is a picture of me and Mary of Mary's Madness. She is so talented she has to have 3 etsy shops and 5 blogs to show it all. Check out her "What's in Your Drawers" (asking artists to show what interesting items they have in their supply drawers.) I have bought many items from her including watch and clock parts, vintage images, and German frozen charlotte dolls. She is alot of fun and really is wacky mad about art.

Luna Azul Studio is home to the artist Karen Rester. She works with acrylics, collage, mixed media and weaving. She was showing some of her handwoven Gypsy Scarves. She uses many colorful yarns to weave and create her scarves. She has really, really, long scarves that will just wrap and wrap. Very unique style. Visit her at lunaazulstudio.com

Katy Toohil

Katie Toohil of Two Hills Designs is a fiber artist demonstrating her spinning and also displaying her hand dyed clothing and handspun yarn. She also dyes and decorates dreadlocks. Her dreadlocks can't be seen, but they were outstanding. Katie@twohillsdesigns.com.

Natalia Veronica is the artist/owner of NV ArteWear. Her very unique style of painting translates wonderfully to wearable art. You should visit her website for a wonderful browse of her pieces. My pictures don't do it justice. natalia@nvartewear.com.

Joyce Hazlerig is the artist of Gypsyharte, Fantasy Fiber Creations. Featured here is her nuno felting. She is not just a nuno felter, she felts wonderful cuffs, necklaces, little woodland animals and many things of a whimsy and fantasy nature. I was very glad to see her return to the Funky Finds event for the fall. Visit her blog. gypsyharte.blogspot.com.

If you click on my "Workshop" , you can see examples of the nuno felting workshop that I held earlier this year. It was very fun and I plan to have more soon.

Joe Art is the master of metal creations. I was very glad to see him again at the Experience! I have four of his pieces in my studio and he is going to create several large pieces for my personal serenity garden. I can't wait. I would say above all, that Joe is my favorite artists to shop with. I love his tri-colored hair and his free spirit is very catching. Please check out his work at: joeartgallery.com

My Business Design on an old Suitcase

2010-11-01T22:08:00.004-05:00

Thought you might like to see the old suitcase a friend of mine painted for me. She painted it to resemble my business card. Pretty cool huh?

My Orchid and My Cross

2010-11-01T21:51:00.003-05:00

Thought you might enjoy seeing the only orchid I own. She sits in my little garden window along with a shell cross that was given to me when my mom died last year. My friend Joy sells her beautiful creations at the Marburger Farm show at Warrenton. She gave me a cross in honor of my mom and also one for my son who passed in March of this year. I just had to take a picture of the orchid reaching for the cross. My mother was a beautiful woman who taught me to believe and look for the best in everyone, to have faith in God that He would answer prayer, kindness, generosity, and most of all love. I am the person I am because of her. Please enjoy the orchid and the cross.

New Arrivals

2010-11-01T19:00:00.010-05:00

July 7, 2011

I think I found some fabulous things this week. No...really! Let's start with this wonderful French book with 30 pages of children in many poses. The images are in sepia color. The book is a large 18"x24". I couldn't believe it when I found this at an estate sale here in Ft. Worth. Finding this kind of book for me is over the top. You just don't find that many French books with children's illustrations. I love French books. I have many including story books, music books, and readers. I can't wait to show you more of what I found. Even more than what I have posted here!

Let me know if there is anything here you would like to purchase (except this book). I love comments. Let me know what is one of your favorite things to find that puts you over the top.

April 8, 2011. Some of the fun things I purchased at the Warrenton Show this Spring and around town here in Ft. Worth. I love vintage threads and textiles (grain bags especially). Old ledgers and songbooks are used for background in Mixed Media Collage. I found the old candy boxes here in Ft. Worth. Ft. Worth had two major candy companies up until the 80's. King Candy and Pangburns. Take a look and see what altered art you could use these fun things for.

My Favorite Finds (disregard the photo dates) Little Yellow Birds Victorian Traveling Jewelry Keeper- Beautiful Stitches Vintage 20's Silver Tinsel Trim Old Millinery Leaf Bundles - Made in Occupied Germany Old Christmas Tinsel Lots of Old Millinery Flowers Early Photos of Ladies in their best head dress. Lots of old Postcards Here are some of the fun and great things I found this week. These items were found currently. I don't know how to change the date on my Title Post. The Post Date is old. These are my findings from July 2010. This picture of Frida Kahlo is only about 2 inches tall and is wrapped or framed in some old black lace, probably, 1930's. It is porcelain under glass. I think it is great. This picture shows the picture from the side and also a little purse I bought that will probably wind up in a collage piece. I have turned the picture of Frida on its side so you could see the lace better. Old Pipe Cases What I Found this week. This is a post from July 4, 2010. It is a post that I continually add to, but it always shows the old date of the original post. I just want you to know that it is current. Please take a look at the wonderful goodies I found this week at Canton First Monday in Canton, Texas. I was very pleased with my findings and just wanted to show them to you. Old lace, old dolls and bodies, beautiful calling cards, vintage 50's children's shoes, high top canvas shoes from the 20's, shell art souvenir from Pike's Peak, and several other really sweet things. I love taking pictures outside in my flower/rock garden. I hope you enjoy looking at these finds as much as I did finding them. If you are ever interested in any of the findings, please let me know, they could just be for sale, as is lots of stuff on this blog. It just doesn't look that way. Let me know. Old hinges for metal art. Bone cat and mermaid buttons just waiting to be shown Two wonderful collar boxes. These will be made into a reliquary workshop. Very old photo album with a celluloid cluster of roses, a a horseshoe and metal trim. The pages are beautiful as is the clasp. This is a very large china head that was broken off of a bigger body, I guess, very unusual. I had to have these never been used bottle caps. These vintage children's shoes will go into a monochromatic display somewhere. These boots were made for walkin and the soles are worn thin. I picture a very hard working young lady going about her busy day. These were probably her summer shoes. Vintage children's books have always had a special place in my studio. The beautiful and unique illustrations facinate me. I have many more that are not shown here, but I will add more soon. My most favorite of all is a 1949 French Children's book called Le Buffon Des Enfants. It is a book filled with colorfully illustrated insects. I took some pictures to add, but they didn't come out the way I wanted so I didn't post them. The Mother Goose nursery rhymes, some I know by heart from the many times my mother read them to me. These illustrations actually make me feel creative even though I don't know how to illustrate myself. Pussycat Pussycat Where Have You Been Georgie Porgie

JUNK GYPSY'S JUNK O RAMA PROM...WOO HOO AND YEE HAW

2010-11-01T16:18:00.000-05:00

WAS IT PROM OR WHAT? THERE WAS A GREAT BAND AND A BAND OF PIRATES WHICH I UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT GET PICTURES OF...BUT HERE ARE SOME FUN PROM GOERS TO GAZE UPON...

PICTURES OF MY BOOTH BEFORE AND AFTER SET-UP

2010-10-10T17:43:00.013-05:00

It is the beginning of Fall, but it sure didn't seem like it down in Warrenton, Texas. The perspiration just dripped off of you because of the high humidity. You didn't need to even do anything strenuous. Of course, I did! I cooked for hot, hungry men, planned a booth, set up a booth the same size as a 20 x 40 spot in a store or mall, 800 sq. ft. to be exact, bathed in a 3 minute shower, and last but not lease, nurtured and kept my cat Lily entertained. Five snakes were spotted, of which I was the spotter of two of them. Babies, but snakes all the same. I really had to keep my eyes open. I had a good show even though the foot traffic was off somewhat. A reunion with friends always makes things nicer and the days go better. I went to Marburger Farm. It was inspiring as usual. I visited with Robin and John of Magnolia Pearl and of course rewarded myself with a couple of pieces of clothing. My friend Mike bought me a great pair of cowboy boots made by Johnny Ringo. He also paid for an old suitcase to be painted with my business card image front and back. I will take a picture of it and show it to you. I was thrilled. The Fall show was fun and I always look forward to both Fall and Spring, but am glad to be back in Ft. Worth (near my Starbucks, Central Market, and in my quaint little 50's bungalow home.) Hope you enjoy the pictures of the booth and the pictures of th e prom that follow this post. I love comments! Let me know what you think.

Just thought I would throw in some fun shoppers.

THE SHOW IS OVER!

Warrenton/Round Top Time Again

2010-09-16T11:58:00.004-05:00

Oh my gosh. Here Lily and I go again. I am down at Warrenton, Texas for the humongous antique/decorator show. I am here eight days early, because if you remember, I cook for a crew of roughnecks (not really) that put up canopies in the field I set up in. They have to get here ten days early so that when everyone arrives, their tent will be up and ready to set up shop. I will be blogging from here every few days. I will hopefully be showing you pictures of people, places, pets, fantastic items and last but not least, a look into my booth I set up for the Show.

I have a 20 x 40 ft. tent I set my shop up in. I like to create small and large venues depending on just what I have chosen to bring to sell. This time I have old Christmas items, lots of gauze, canvas, and linens. I have three old cabinets, lots of white ironstone china, garden tables and chairs, old toys, old Easter chicks, and much more. Just you wait and see.

I will try to keep in interesting and entertaining for you. Please feel free to leave comments. I LOVE comments.

My Day at Canton First Monday Trade Days

2010-09-01T20:04:00.004-05:00

Hidy yall. I went to Canton First Monday today and found some great things. I bought 2 very old teddy bears, 3 very old Santas, 2 old brush trees, Victorian calling cards, fun yellow clusters for hats including some yellow pom poms, a really cool Victorian, iron baby cradle on a stand, 2 old wicker baby buggies, and some Christmas misc. What fun I had. All of this except the teddy bears will be going to Warrenton/Round Top with me which is not that far away. Watch for pictures. See ya.

The Latest News from The Altered Muse

2010-08-28T22:09:00.002-05:00

Well hello there! I wanted to say hello and let you know what I have been doing and where I have been, just in case someone was wondering.... If you watched the blog, you will know that I have been busy the last few weeks liquidating two estates. Both were successful and I met some great new people. I love to liquidate estates, so they are not a chore, but they are hard work.

Now to the next preparation (and I don't mean H). Warrenton/Round Top is coming up in a matter of weeks and I am now shopping heavily for items to take and sell. I love it! I buy things I don't understand, but somehow an idea is in my head and I buy subconsciously. Consequently, when I get down there, I have a whole theme come together and it is like a big surprise and it all comes to me. I love the design, set up, arranging, and everything about it. This show, I am doing alot of gauze, garden elements with great patina, white ironstone, primitive French, old shabby cupboards, bountiful amounts of flashy trims, and tons of vintage jewelry.

Take care now and I will blog again soon and maybe I will take some pictures of what I have gathered this week and post them. Let me hear from you for conversation or comment.

ANOTHER GREAT WEEK!!

2010-07-21T13:43:00.004-05:00

This week is already a good week. I went shopping and found some really great things. If you check New Arrivals, you can see what I mean. Also, my good friend Katherine came up from the great city of Austin (Keep Austin Weird), and artsy. We set up our booths at the Buchanan Antique Show at the Fair Park grounds in Dallas. We had a great time and made some money to boot! I found some things to buy there also. Then yesterday my good friend Angela and I went to Dallas to shop at Curiosities. It was great fun and stuff you can't believe. Had a blast. Check out the Fair Park Show.... don't forget to check our New Arrivals! Some of them are for sale, just send me an email at mapdeens@sbcglobal.net.

This Has Been A Great Week!!!

2010-07-11T17:14:00.010-05:00

Well as the title says, it has been a great week for me. I started out with a little shopping at my local flea market. If you click on New Arrivals , you will see what I mean! I purchased some great things. I will drop one picture here.

I then started planning some new perennial beds around the outside of my house. I bought brick trim and had someone put that down. That took a couple of days. A landscaper friend and I shopped some wholesale places and found great buys and wonderful perennial foliage.
That took a couple of days. Take a look at my fruits of labor (truth be known, I just stood there and pointed).

Vintage Butterfly Decor

My trees have eyes

Can you see my Serenity Garden here? So far this little fallen angel is all there is. His wing was broken and I created a wing out of copper wire. He will be in the garden. Stay tuned.

Then I started prepping for my Felting Workshop. I will drop one picture here and then you can view the rest of the pictures and lovely ladies if you click on Workshops.

Sunday has been my day of rest. I will sit back and enjoy my new foliage, the sense of accomplishment on the workshop, and think back on my Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte with whipcream from Starbucks. Aaah. God is Good. My life is good. Be blessed my friends.

2010-06-29T11:04:00.004-05:00

The gym I attend is Fitness for Her. Twice a month they have a customer appreciation day and they invite us to showcase our business or sell things such as jewelry. I took the opportunity to promote some of my workshops. This is what it looked like. It was the smallest display I have ever done, but I feel like it was a good representation. I got lots of interesting comments and interest in the workshops, especially felting. It was a good day. Please check out the post under this one for the Where Bloggers Create presentation.

Where Bloggers Create

2010-06-19T00:22:00.016-05:00

I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW PROUD I AM TO BE A PART OF THIS EXPERIENCE OF WHERE BLOGGERS CREATE. THANK YOU KAREN FOR YOUR TIRELESS EFFORT AND THANK YOU JO FOR YOUR GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS.

GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS FROM THE ALTERED MUSE. WELCOME TO MY STUDIO/INSPIRATION SPACE AND MY WORKSHOP. IN TAKING THE TOUR, YOU WILL SEE WHAT INSPIRES ME TO CREATE, THE THINGS I CREATE WITH, AND WHAT I HAVE CREATED. I LOVE NOVELTIES, ODDITIES, FINDINGS, UNIQUE, BIZARRE, AND MOST OF ALL WHAT I CALL GROUPINGS. I THINK YOU WILL SEE WHAT I MEAN AS YOU STROLL. I LOVE MY LITTLE WORLD OF CREATING AND HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING AWAY FROM THE OLD AND ANTIQUE ACCOUTREMENTS. I LOVE EPHEMERA AND OLD CHILDRENS BOOKS, PLUS LITTLE MOTH EATEN, LOVED TO PIECES, ORPHAN ANIMALS. I ADORE TEXTILES AND AM ESPECIALLY FOND OF GERMAN LINEN GRAIN BAGS. I HAVE ALOT OF THOSE AND HAVE YET TO DO ANYTHING WITH THEM. I JUST LIKE THEM! I LIKE TO CARESS THEM FOR SOME REASON. I GUESS I COULD GO ON AND ON, BUT AS MY GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS SAID, "KEEP A LITTLE MYSTERY TO YOUR LIFE". I GUESS DON'T SPILL YOUR GUTS. I HOPE YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU SEE AND HAVE A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE. THANKS FOR LOOKING IN. I LOVE COMMENTS!By the way,the dates on some of my photos are offf. I didn't reset my camera. These are all current pictures.

THE INSPIRATION ROOM/STUDIO...WELCOME...HELLO

Iam blessed to have an inspiration studio and a workshop too. I am not in my chair because I am out in the workshop preparing for a class teaching Found Objects Jewelry.

Take a look at the workshop area. I tried to get it all in photo by photo. I love this area. It is pretty new. I just didn't have room for all my findings in the studio, so I converted my garage into a workshop area for classes and storage, (and where did this underlining come from?) and still get my little Miata in there if I need to.

FUN WITH FELTING

2010-06-15T08:23:00.005-05:00

Today I am continuing to work with felt. The last two weeks I have made two felted scarves and a piece of felted fabric to sew into a purse. I use the Nuno felting technique, sometimes called "wet felting". It is a lot of upper body work, but well worth the effort. What's fun is picking out the fibers and roving to put the pieces together. I buy the hand carded, hand dyed wool that comes in beautiful colors and then start the process.

As you all know from looking at my blog, I love to take pictures! I love to post pictures of unique, beautiful, inspiring, and curious things. As soon as I figure out how to make the felting pieces photograph well, I will be showing you pictures. Did you guess it? A Nuno Felting Workshop is on its way.

Please take a look at the jewelry that was created in the Found Objects Workshop below. I have also scattered some new pictures here and there in the blog. The Reliquary Workshop is this Sat. 6/19. The cost is $45 and is all inclusive. 10:30am to 1:00. You will have wonderful antique finds to choose from. Finds I have searched the earth for! You won't be disappointed. We will have Bellinis and healthy snacks. I need to know by Thursday 6/17 if you are going to participate.

SOLDERING!!! June 26 10:30am to 1:00 Hands on, one on one instruction and introduction to soldering. You asked for it, now here it is. Cost: $85 all inclusive. This workshop, in order to do "one on one" is limited to four people. I will need to know by 6/22 if you would like to be a part. A $25 deposit is required to hold your spot. A credit card number is acceptable to hold the spot, but please pay with cash or check the day of. Lots of prep goes into this type of workshop and for it to be a success, we need advance notice from you. You can see an example of this workshop if you click on the "workshop" widget. There were 27 people sign up for interest in this class at the Funky Finds Spring Fling in March of this year. I am expecting lots of interest.

NOW IT IS TIME TO FELT!!!

Found Objects Workshop Was A Success!!!

2010-06-14T10:05:00.009-05:00

The Found Objects Workshop was a great success. Five pieces of very unique jewelry were made by some very creative ladies. Most pieces had a special symbolism of either music, pets, family, identity (initials), images, etc. There were hundreds and hundreds of found objects to choose from. We shared bellinis and fruit smoothies along with healthy snacks. It was a blast. Can't wait for the Reliquary Workshop on June 19. It will be just as exciting and stimulating to the creative juices as this workshop. I love putting one-of-a-kind piece of art together and I scour the earth to find the accoutrements. Some of the pieces....well, when they are gone, I worry that I cannot find more. If you are interested in the Reliquary Workshop, I need to know ASAP, so I can prepare for a successful experience. I need to know by Thursday, June 17. The workshop is all inclusive and is $45. Please call with any questions, 817.319.0112. If you look further down on the blog, you can see examples of the Reliquary Workshop.

Workshop Found Objects Jewelry

2010-05-28T10:04:00.004-05:00

The Found Objects Jewelry workshop is a unique assemblage of objects into jewelry. It will be your own gathering of found objects from my numerous, wonderful, choices. This jewelry will be assembled with old and new findings and most surely will be one of a kind.

Found Objects Jewelry - Sat. June 12-10:30 to 1:00 or so. $40
817.319.0112 for more info.

Reliquary Workshop

2010-05-28T09:33:00.007-05:00

Reliquary: A small box, casket, or shrine where relics are kept or shown. This Reliquary Workshop will incorporate items as shown in the pictures below, plus more. The "Man Raises But Time Weighs" below is casketed in one-half of a daquerreotype case from the mid 1800's. I have added an old tin type, watch parts, vials and verbage. Not every reliquary will be the same of course. I have hundred of items to choose from for your reliquary or just bring some of your own. The next reliquary I call "Sew and Sew" is casketed in an old pocket watch case and I have added an old metal bobbin, old sparkly button, mother of pearl button, old lace, and verbage. Each of these reliquaries is finished on the backside with old, black lace from the late 1800's.

Reliquary Workshop: Saturday -June 19 - $45. 10:30 to 1:00 or so. 817.319.0112 for more info.

MORE GREAT FOUND OBJECTS

2010-05-28T08:52:00.006-05:00

Because I was so busy tending my booth, I was not able to get out and shop like I normally do. I did happen to find these very old perfume oil bottles. They are manufactured by Givaudan Delawanna, Inc.-New York Paris Geneva. They are simply wonderful in my book. When you open the cigar box, the most wonderful smell comes out. The oils are Lilac, Violet, Narcisse, Foin, Cedar, Rose, and Peppermint. Mmmm! These will be incorporated into a Reliquary possibly, or how about some wax application. The found objects that I incorporate in my workshops are one of kind and when they are gone....hopefully I will have luck at finding more, similar objects.

Buchanan Antique Show at Market Hall in Dallas

2010-05-18T09:51:00.007-05:00

Great friends of The Altered Muse come to shop. I met new friends with like interests, visited with old friends of the store, and talked lots to the friends of the blog. As you can tell, we all had a great time. I had made a special effort to let everyone know where I was going to be this weekend and it really paid off. I was so glad to see everyone. I had lots of the vintage ephemera, findings, my destash of children's books, a sampling of the jewelry I make. Several expressed interest in this workshop. Overall, it was a splendid weekend and I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you Jacqueline, Sarah, Donna, Nancy, Alice, Kay, Ardys, and all the rest that I only got emails for. Hugs to you all!

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Had a great show and now it's time to pack.

Buchanan Antique Show at Market Hall in Dallas

2010-05-12T22:48:00.002-05:00

Wanted to let you all know that I will be vending in Dallas the 15th and 16th of this month (3 days from now) at the Buchanan Antique Show in Market Hall. Market Hall is on Stemmons Frwy. I think you would take the Motor St. exit. I will have almost all of my destash there plus alot of other stuff. Mid-century couch and chair, old kitchen table, all of the jewelry I bought from Val (see post below), books, and lots of uncommon objects. I would love to see you there! I am in a very giving mood. The show starts at 10:00 on Sat. and 11:00 on Sun. Gonna be a blast. Please find me and say Hi. I would love that. Hope to see you there.

2010-05-12T22:23:00.007-05:00

Thought you might like to see some of the jewelry I found two weekends ago at the Will Rogers Flea Market (otherwise known as Cattle Barn I). A good friend Valerie (Junker Val) had this estate jewelry for sale and I went crazy. This is just a small sampling of the vintage 50's 60's pieces I bought. Also, I had this little wooden guy on the shelf in my studio and his hands were just the right size to clamp the earrings on, so I used him to hold some of them up for display. Enjoy!

Destash and Garage Sale

2010-05-04T20:57:00.001-05:00

Well, I never knew I would get such a response to the Garage Sale. Really though, it will be just garage sale/household items. None of the destash! I am sorry if I made it sound that way. I am toying with selling at the Buchanan Antique Show at Market Hall in Dallas on the 15th of this month. If I do, I will have some stuff there and I will let you all know. Truly, this garage sale is not going to be exciting at all. When I open my little workshop area to the public, I will let you all know and have a big party and you will all be invited. Thanks for your comments and we will keep in touch.

Welcome May and all things green

2010-05-02T17:28:00.010-05:00

This is Sunday and a beautiful day. I love my garden window and the view. There is a wooded ravine behind my back yard. Lots of foliage. I am showing some of the items I found out and about this weekend. I shopped Canton this past Wednesday and the Will Rogers Cattle Barn Flea Market. I didn't go overboard, but I bought sensibly and took each thing into consideration I also destashed today and am putting stuff together for a garage sale next weekend. My studio is perfect now and my workshop area is basically finished. All I need now is to schedule some workshops. I have lots of things in mind and possibly a Creative Play Workshop for young ladies and gentlemen ages 9-14yrs. of age. Let's alter something together. STAY TUNED!

Out and About This Weekend

2010-04-24T23:55:00.004-05:00

I don't know if you have noticed or not, but I have been blogging more often and posting alot of pictures. I would love your comments.

I have been out and about this weekend going to the flea market and estate sales. I have posted pictures (some large and some small) of the things I purchased. Some are posted down the middle of the blog and some are on the right side bar. I purchased vintage 50's and 60's glass bead and crystal necklaces, a cute pink set bracelet, some really cute cracker jack charms, OshKosh Luggage from the 50's and much more. Hope you enjoy looking. I found the jewelry and charms at the Cattle Barn Flea Market in the Will Rogers Memorial Center here in Ft. Worth (only 3 miles from my house). It is Ft. Worth's best kept market for junque and a wide range (high and low end) stuff. I always find something there. There are several mixed media artists vending there right now also. They were fun to talk to and I enjoyed seeing what they had created.

I am adding some pictures of two silk dusters from the 1940's. I purchased them from a friend from Oklahoma City that I see every show at Warrenton. One of these days I am going to just put one on over some jeans and shirt and wear 'em. I noticed that Meryl Streep wore one in her last movie "It's Complicated". I don't know why I am so hesitant to wear them. I wear my Magnolia Pearl Beautiful Wear without hesitation. You have to admit that is beautiful clothing over the top!

Haven't forgot the workshops....just trying to get a schedule together.

Hmmm....now that I look at it it seems like the writing on this post is very BIG. Oh well, I hope you have a great day (it's after midnight). I will have my cinnamon dulce iced latte with whip from Starbucks early and then do some yard work, and take a walk up to the chapel and listen to the beautiful bells. Have a wonderful day and be blessed.

Whipp Farm Antique Alley Show and Sale

2010-04-21T10:32:00.006-05:00

What a great weekend at the semi-annual Whipp Farm Antique Alley Antique Show. It is part of the Antique Alley 15 Mile Garage Sale that comes twice a year between Cleburne and Grandview. Vendors set up everywhere, in fields, beside the road, front yards, and cow pastures, and as far as you could see down a 15 mile strip of Hwy.4. It just so happens that I prefer to vend at the Whipp Farm Show. It is a friendly show that is set on beautiful acreage owned by Debbie Whipp. The venue is made up of antiques, collectibles, reused and recycled, art, and last but not least great food. There were probably 100 vendors alone at the Whipp Farm. The brisket is great, the fried pies melt in your mouth, and the fajitas homemade right on the grill.

I had a fabulous time and a great show. The rain did not stop me or the shoppers. You really should check this out if you are a vendor or just a shopper. Great deals can be had for the serious shopper. Go to www.whippfarm.com. Watch for the next event in the Fall.

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