small stories studio

" In contemplation of created things, by steps we may ascend to Heaven."



Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The newest addition


This weekend my hubby found a wonderful old glider to add to our porch. I love the rust on it and washed it down and will just add a clear coat to protect it and leave it in all it's rusty glory! A few pillows and maybe an old quilt will finish it off. We hope to have the porch finished up soon as well as the restoration of the other glider, I can't wait!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The super talented Angela Petsis

There are so many different artists that I admire and love, I thought I would share some images of the amazing work of one of my very faves, Angela Petsis.
I am the proud owner of 7 pieces of her art and here are pics of 4 of them. Her work speaks right to my heart and every piece affects me deeply.
The pics don't do justice to all the tiny details that make her work so unique. I look forward every day to seeing what new creations she lists in her Etsy shop. If you would like to see more stop by here, I hope you will feel what I feel when I see her art.









Monday, June 22, 2009

flea market treasures

On Saturday my son and I drove to Northwest Ohio to check out a flea market. For me it was a treasure trove of the things I love the most, old photos and tins! I can't wait to start creating with everything. This wonderful old photo album was filled with cabinet cards, cdv's and tintypes.






These tins and metal jar tops will be turned into a variety of small assemblages.




These photos were found at various different booths



Some rusty odds and ends, there can never be too much rust for me!!










Sunday, June 14, 2009

vacation

We had such a wonderful time on our trip to Chattanooga. The weather was great and luckily we went early in the tourist season and had almost all the attractions to ourselves with no lines or crowds. I thought i would share some of my favorite images that I took photos of.... To start out is Lover's Leap atop Lookout Mountain at Rock City which is actually in Georgia. This is the view from the top where on a clear day you can see 7 different states.

Here is the stunning water fall.



And another view from the top of Chattanooga and the winding river.



This is the waterfall inside of Ruby Falls Cavern that is lit up with a display of colored lights.



We took a paddle boat ride and here is 2 buildings that hold the Tennessee Auquarium and the steps leading down to the waterfront.


Inside the aquarium my favorite sea horses...


my favorite son....


and his favorites.....the jelly fish

Next stop is the Chattanooga Zoo where I met this beautiful peacock



Wyatt in front of the train


The view from atop the Incline Railway car that goes up the side of Lookout Mountain at a 72 degree angle, not my favorite part of the trip but the guys loved it!



Inside another cavern at Raccoon Mountain where brave people could take a tour crawling thru the cavern in its many tiny openings, not for the faint of heart like me!

All in all it was a wonderful experience and we so enjoyed our stay!















Saturday, June 6, 2009

Chattanooga here we come!


Well after 5 years of saving we are ready for a family vacation! We are heading off to Chattanooga TN tomorrow and will be back next weekend. I will take lots of pics to share!

Weather forecasts rain for most of the trip, hopefully the weathermen will be wrong like they usually are....lol.......

Thursday, June 4, 2009

My Inspiration - Joseph Cornell











I am an art fanatic and my secret ambition was to teach art history. I love all mediums and forms of art. The one artist that inspired me to start creating assemblages was the great Joseph Cornell. He was one of the first artists to create assemblages in boxes. His creations were simple yet complex and I envy anyone that actually owns a piece of his work. I thought I would share some of his amazing talent.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Little critters

I have always had a soft spot for vintage stuffed animals. I love them the most when they are missing parts or the fur is worn off. I can only imagine how much they were loved by the children that played with them. Here are a few of my favorites in my collection.