super cute bookmarks

On occasion I just want to hang out in my studio but don't really feel like working on a long project.  Either I don't have a lot of time or the attention span.  Lately when I've felt this way I whip up a bunch of little bookmarks.  I pull out a few sheets of pretty paper, some ink and a few stamps and start cutting, folding and stamping away.

I have one for a few of the books I'm reading now.  If my paper supply allows I'll coordinate the colors to the book to function almost like a bookplate.  I like to have a few on hand for birthday cards and such as well.  They work well for holding gift cards or money.

This picture reminds of a quilt block, which reminds me that I should have a new quilting book any day now.  I can't say I've done much quilting but I can always learn and maybe this book will help me.  When it arrives I'll have to make one of these super cute bookmarks to match.

a little vaca.

Wow, has it been busy this year!  Even though my own flower beds are a mess, I still decided to sneak away for at least part of the weekend.  Friday evening I decided to pack up some clothes, food, and the bikes and do a little camping at Gilbert Lake State Park. 

I often think that I eat better food (and more of it) when I go camping.  Blue cheese and coarse salt are my new best friends  Good grief, if I ate like that every night what would happen.  I did manage, between meals, to take an easy first trail ride of the season on the Deer Run trail.  This trail would be good for beginners, I'm not much more advanced than that yet.  Of course it's been dry here lately so no mud to push through.

Anyway, if your interested in trail riding and need a short trail for a little break or are just getting started this ones only about an hour.  There are also some gravel trails to check out.

the color purple(s)

So long spring, we are ready for summer.  Hopefully Summer will bring some sunshine.  I couldn't help but share these lovely little spring purples since I've been craving purple everything lately.  Purple clothing, purple yarn, purple beads, purple fabric ... you get the picture.  And who doesn't love the pale purple of a perfect spring lilac...

or speedwell's...

and who could forget the Iris.  Of course all these purples have come and gone for the season.  We'll have to see if the chartreuse green of the lady's mantle and Hydrangea create the same feeling.  See you again next year little flowers and I'll get to work on my little purple projects.

Sites of New York

 We recently spent the weekend at Verona Beach State Park and I couldn't resist sharing this sign.  I think I may create my own version with chalkboard for entertaining.  I'll add that to the list of projects.

The walking path along the lake provides many little (and big) things to see like these little yellow flowers against the rocks,

and a huge assortment of driftwood and trees.