Beaded Swirl and Disk Pattern

After months of searching to find the name of this pattern I finally got an answer thanks to my contact with Catlady Kate's Elegant and Depression Glass. I tried a number of potentional searches, swirls and circles, yellow and pink depression glass, etc. However, once I got the correct name for these beauties I discovered that the Beaded Swirl and Disk pattern by US Glass had been discontinued in 1904 which certainly predates the depression glass era.

I was so delighted to finally know something about these unique beauties. I've had them for a while and can't even recall how or where I found them but I wanted to share them here. I have not found any online in this pattern in the yellow and pink, just clear but if you have some I'd love to see it!

Revitalizing a tired bench

We bought this beautiful desk with a bench that had, well seen better days...so I dug through my fabric stash and found a great design to breathe new life into this piece....yaaayyy! Plus it was an easy redo. I added a single layer of fiberfill batting to give it just a wee bit more cush and it's so much prettier!

Jewelry Hangers

Here are some ideas for using items that lend themselves to multiple purposes. This wicker rattan shelf houses several of my flamingos but the doors also serve as an earring holder. Bonus!

The other little wood house was put out by Hallmark and had the hooks already in place and is perfect for smaller earrings...it's fun to repurpose and reuse and recycle!

Blooming Aloe Vera!

Well, this isn't one of my personal designs...but a special gift from the Greatest Designer in the universe! This was the first time I have seen a common aloe vera houseplant bloom so wanted to share the pictures.

July 5, 2011

This shot was taken June 24, 2011.

I told the gentleman that gave my the start of this aloe that it was blooming and he asked me what I did to make it bloom.

"I don't know! But, apparently neglect serves it well!"

I had moved several houseplants to our office so the aloe has had a diffused northern exposure for several months so that change of environment may have made all the difference. Whatever the reason, I've been excited to share this special blooming moment!

Brownie Bot - an Upcycled Robot

Here are a few shots of my Brownie Bot. Her head rotates and the arms are held with a magnet that allows for many positions so it allows for several posing options, the first one is my husband's favorite! Look away from the food, look away from the food!

My husband loves the hand in front of the mouth!

LKC - Laura's Kooky Creations!

So not everything I do is "kooky" but I must confess it is fun to create a variety of personalities with found objects that get assembled and given a life unknown to them previously. And it often brings a smile (and perhaps a raised eyebrow or two). It's a refreshing diversion from the massage office especially when I'm slammed as is typical for this time of year. So I'm getting closer to completion but for now here is the motley crew! So I'm still trying to decide on names. The camera character I'll call Brownie. The fondue pot...Sunny...the other two...not sure yet. Any suggestions? Brownie (which is the camera name, so not very original) but the fella behind her still needs a name... Sunny...she's simple and cheerful! And I'm not sure what name to give the Garden Girl...




They join Rosie (my firstborn), Hootie, Aladdin and Pinnochio (though P has a new home now).


Hootie the Owl


Aladdin the Thermodoor (part thermos, part doorstop!)


Pinocchio