Shopping Day with the Craftmates

Hello, my name is Mariano and I am hubby to one of the Craftmates diva - Aimee. Last Sunday I had the very interesting experience of accompanying the Craftmates on their shopping escapade across the Niagara River . The four friends had initially planned to spend Sunday at the Walden Galleria in Buffalo, New York and I tagged along because I knew that I will be well rewarded for being a supportive husband. I would like to share my observations to all of you so that you will get to know them from a different perspective, one that is separate from their Craftmate personas.

 

As I anticipated, the day started great for me by way of a hearty lunch at the local Texas Roadhouse restaurant. While I was mainly there for the food (fall off the bone ribs and unlimited supply of sweet buns), I could not help but notice the joy that each of the Craftmates had by just being together with the reassurance that the day will be spent in each other’s company. 

At that moment, I accepted the reality that for the remainder of the day, I will be invisible to their eyes as the four of them indulge in endless chatter and laughter. Where I could have been sullen for the day at the thought of being bored, I actually enjoyed watching the four friends. It was friendship at its finest. Jokes at its funniest. Fun at its liveliest. Style at its best.

After lunch, the group went to the Walden Galleria Mall for some needed stress therapy that seem to have the same effect on women as spa treatment. The Craftmates went shoe shopping. I watched on the side as the four friends embarked on a mission to fulfill each member’s desired pair. I could not help but watch in awe at the unity, coordination and support that enveloped the four ladies in their quest to make sure that each Craftmate find the pair that will satisfy their craving. Every fitting was accompanied by admiration and approval. Every change of mind was greeted with support and encouragement. 

Every transaction at the cashier was met with a smile and a nod to signify approval. Like how men exchange high fives while watching sport, soldiers salute when reporting and people bow in church, the Craftmates was exercising their own ritual. It was great for me to see this side of them. Yes, just watching the ladies during the course of the day made me feel like a naturalist in National Geographic watching a pack of creatures in their most unguarded moment, behaving according to the laws of nature. 

It was then that I realized that these four ladies are bonded together by something deeper than their individual talents and common interest, they are true friends to one another. Each one brings a unique value to the group and when together they all share the same wavelength. Indeed, Craftmates is a true reflection of the friendship that bonds Aimee, Virna, Irma and Bebsy. As for me, I was rewarded with a new IPod.

Mariano

sunday craftday + a card set

After months of hiatus during the busy summer season, the Craftmates got together last weekend for our usual Sunday Craftday.  Now that the weather is a lot cooler, we seem to have more time for indoor activities like chatting and eating cake (and oh, crafting too!). 

So here we are, crafting and chatting away...

And of course, dessert... never mind that we do not really need sugar to keep our energy high!

The projects we completed for the day will be reserved for a later post as it is for someone’s upcoming birthday party (wink, wink!).

Now onto to some cards….  I made this card set for a friend’s birthday a few months back when Papertrey's Rosie Posie was all the rage.  I still love that set but does not use it as much.  Hoping to find more time to use it again.

I also used Papertrey ink, cardstock and stamp (music and text background).

And this was how I packaged the set.

Have a fabulous week!

Trash to Treasure

I find the thrill of finding a good bargain exhilirating.  I am a self-confessed cheapskate who frequents thriftstores, consignment shops and the "used" section of craigslist and kijiji.  But nothing beats the excitement of finding "curbside" treasures.  The moment I spot something with potential, my imagination goes frenzy as I envision the possibilities.

It doesn't hurt that my husband works in the waste industry.  And lately, he has been coming home with good finds of his own.  One example is this Kroehler arm chair (it says so on the chair).  With the right fabric and a good upholsterer, this piece can add extra seating to the living or dining room.

Ok, this is a long shot but the copper pots he brought home doesn't show much potential in its current state.  But, with a slice of lemon and kosher salt, he said he can restore the pots to its original finish.  I envision using it as a planter for a topiary in our garden.

Finally, the furniture legs he found had seen better days.  But, they are a perfect for another piece of mid-century cabinetry I picked up on the curb that I plan to restore one of these days.

It doesn't hurt to take a second glance at discarded pieces from your neighbour's lawn.  After all, you are doing good for the planet if you re-use and recycle. 


Enjoy your Sunday!

meet the craftmates

(LtoR above) Aimee: crafty bedazzler, Virna: sassy sewer, Bebsy: cake artist
Irma: paper addict