Before & After

Before cleaning & After the flood.

For the last 2 weeks, my kitchen, sun porch and driveway have transformed into The Clean Zone. All the glass that I salvaged had to be cleaned. Seriously cleaned. The great thing about glass is that it's not porous. So, as long as it didn't chip, crack or break during the flood, I am able to salvage it.

Most everything looked like the vase in the picture....covered in a layer of sludge.

The outsides were easy....rinse, soak in bleach water, scrub down with soap, and a final rinse.

Cleaning the insides proved to be the challenge. All my vases have a little opening (perfect for little arrangements, but not so perfect for cleaning). I now own every style scrub brush on the market, and even used an old toothbrush.

And my dishwasher....that's right, my dishwasher! (shortest wash cycle, and cool dry). I'll be honest, I held my breath when I took a look at the first load, afraid that everything would be cracked.

This has been a long process, and it's ongoing, but I'm so grateful to have salvaged so much of my inventory.

For all that I have lost, it's encouraging (and motivating) to have so much.

Thanks again for all your kind words and support.

Three Weeks and Counting

The first day of Spring is March 20th. A few short weeks away.

As a New Englander (and former resident of Colorado), I am no stranger to winter......long ones, too. But this year, more than ever, I have Spring fever. I find myself drawn to vibrant colors, and anything that has to do with flowers. It's an attempt to will Spring to arrive.

(And today.....it worked. I'm just home from a long walk with the dog, and a day at the studio in 55 degree weather. I'm happy.)

I've been busy creating magnets, push pins and key racks in beautiful floral papers. And have been working on a new line of Vases (small and large).....all in preparation for the start of my Spring/Summer Craft show season.

Here's a sneak peek....some are already in my Etsy shop, and some will be listed soon. If you're interested in where I'll be selling, just ask! I expect to post my whereabouts soon!