The Good, the bad and the Ugly

Hello all, well it's been a rollercoaster mixed week of emotions, there have been definite highs and definite low points. I found out that a renter had stolen artwork and almost all my furniture, depressing. I tried to come up with a list of more depressing things that could be stolen to make myself feel better No 1. My dogs, if someone took them that would be heartbreaking and after that it became about things and while you can take objects, you can't take memories so that's what I'm taking away from this experience. It's unfortunate that people can't respect other people's belongings but I'm staying positive. There's still a chance (slim)that they may be returned.
The high's this week have been meeting up with old friends who moved up to Colorado, celebrating 6 year's of marriage and if that wasn't enough, a very big bit of news that I don't want to reveal just yet but it's very exciting for the Desiree B. brand.

This little ray of sunshine came to visit and was rewarded with his own bear.

I love a bit of wool plaid, vintage and Ralph Lauren no less.

Always look on the bright side of life.

More high's I found THE most fabulous plaid skirts while thrifting, couldn't believe my luck. Can't wait to use them in a project. Been working on a Mother's Day Card, I know in the UK it's already happened but not so this side of the pond. I've signed on for another Last Saturday's at SEED and a Cinco De Mayo at OC Mart. Two very good reasons why I should deinstall bejewelled from my Ipad, so distracting I've even written a motivational message to myself on a chalk board but since I just spent 10 mins looking for a bloomin' hole puncher and still haven't found it, it's not quite having the galvanising effect... Back to work.

Green Bliss Cafe

Slowly but surely my little tribe of furry buddies is growing. This week saw a switch from the norm when I had to make a card holding display. Thankfully I had a few wise pearls of wisdom in the carpintery department from the soon to be cover artist of sculpture magazine Andre Woodward. For a few hours work it turned out OK I think. It cost 68 cents to make because it was all scrap wood and that's what I paid for a wooden ruler which holds up the middle row. What made this a relatively simple task was the Ridgid jobmax tool I used. I don't like big power tools, they scare me but this little thing is safe and accurate. I sound like an infomercial but I was really impressed so much so that I bought my own. It's going to be so handy for making art panels and cutting random bits of wood.

I started work on a new Panda design which I will hopefully get a chance to work on this week. There's a batch of penguins though that need to be sewn so maybe not... All the official paperwork got sent for CRAFTED if you are a crafter looking to take the next step you should apply. I'm convinced it's going to be awesome.

I did some exercise first time since I got over the flu, I don't count riding my bike to work because it's not very far. Cardio tennis was the name of the class and it was pretty exhausting, one thing I learned from 3 days of sore muscles, stretching is important. Any how here are some pics from the newly opened Green Bliss Cafe in Fullerton a new outlet for the Desiree B. line owned by the lovely Rita Ho who has a fabulous eye for detail and decor. It's a beautiful space with delicious treats and coffees. I really love the furniture, as you can tell from the photos below.

Green Bliss Cafe

I love this sign made from licence plates.

There I am.

I want this chandelier.

View from the Courtyard

Love this table.

PS Looks like this flu bug is back again, so frustrating !

Visiting Crafted and other News.

I'm happy to report that all are healthy in the household right now and things have been progressing quite nicely on the work front. Once again there is a small tribe of wooly softies growing and they are really soft. I stumbled upon a wool blanket and it has made the most divine bears and owls. I will be heartbroken when its all used up. My husband forced me to clear up in the craft room which was probably a good thing all things considered. I bought this huge rolling rack made of steel (impulse purchase but in my mind I will have a loft style home and it will be filled with books, art and stuff) which had been taking up too much room in the garage and generally making his life a misery, or so it would seem. So I have now accomodated said rack in the craft room, in between two chairs that will one day be re-upholstered in a lovely neutral linen. I've had them at least three years, one of those impulse purchases! I'm starting to see how so many furniture items end up curbside, so difficult to get rid of them. I'm beginning to see that I need a bigger space to create in, or a mini elf that comes in and tidies. I always did love the story about the shoe elves, if only they really existed.

Giant rolling rack

New Home of CRAFTED

Those of you who keep up with the blog, (bless you all) will know that I've been accepted at CRAFTED a new development in San Pedro. Sunday was Open House and I couldn't wait to see the space for myself. The light is amazing and the building has so much character with lots of exposed beams. I love the repetitive linear patterns that run through the space as well as the touches of primary reds and yellows. I'm even more excited and I'm off to sew some more bears.