A Trip to Pine City

I've taken some time off from scrapbooking these last few days. I needed to work on some other things and I also wasn't feeling the usual scrappen' "mojo". I'm not always entirely sure what is to blame for my lack of motivation to scrapbook, but it happens from time to time. It shall pass at some point..I'm already wanting to get some scrapbooking in this evening. Instead, I worked on Ethan's quilt the last two nights. The supplies and the quilt itself is taking up quite a bit of space on my kitchen/dining room counter. I used to have a sewing room where my fabric piles and spools of thread could sit around without issue, but I gave that up some time ago. Now, I just want the quilt done and to remove the supplies off my counter and kitchen table. It's a great motivator to finish the quilt. Plus, Ethan's already been eyeing it and he's grabbed it a couple of times to play with it. I hope to have the quilt completed in a few weeks. I think I'll be able to do it..though, with CHA just around the corner, it may have to wait till after CHA is over.

Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit a local scrapbook store/retreat center in Pine City, MN called "The Pine City Scrapbooking Co." . My MIL took Ethan for the day while I made the one hour journey to finally see their new location and retreat center. It was fabulous! I'm so glad I made the trip. I visited with Marni, the store owner, for quite a while. She's a very sweet lady and she's so gracious and welcoming. She gave me a tour of the new retreat center and the store. It looks spectacular! I already want to make plans to stay there for a few days. I just have to ask the babysitter fairy to grant me a sitter for a few evenings. Laugh. Of course, I couldn't leave the store without bringing home a few items. Her selection is vastly different from what's available in the cities. She had some of the new "Heather Bailey" Autumn Leaves line (the paper). I've been waiting for this line to be released since last CHA. It's been slow on arrival and I wasn't really sure if it was ever going to be released for purchase. I was so grateful to have found at least a few pieces of the pattern paper from this line

I also brought home these 7 Gypsies ATC's and this vintage style paper from Jenni Bowlin. I figure I'll cut up both and use them on future layouts. The cards are a great option for creating vintage style embellishments. I intend to use paper punches to cut out shapes from these cards and also, to use them as back drops for layering.

I even found a few vintage buttons while visiting the store. When I got home, I found a package on my front porch which contained a button auction I bid on a week or so ago. The package contained a pile of moonglow vintage buttons. Moonglow buttons have a underlying sheen and they literally "glow". The colors are usually vibrant and have a lot of depth. They're also very unique and come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes.

Before leaving Pine City (by the way, I forgot to bring my camera with me today. I was so bummed, because Pine City has a lot of character and I wanted to remember my visit to the small town), I visited a local antique/country gift shop. I found some vintage furniture items that had been repainted in bright, warm colors and they were very reasonably priced. Sadly, I wasn't able to bring any of the large funiture pieces home with me. It served to remind me though of my earlier years with Eric. We had thought of buying an old early 1900's home in Osceola, WI. It was a yellow and white house with lots of detail work and a whole lot of character. It had a matching playhouse in the backyard. It sat along main street on a corner lot. Eric and I watched it sit on the market for months..eventually, someone bought it. We decided to stay close to family and live in the cities. I'm glad we did. I still love old homes and flea market furniture. I don't get to see either all that much while living in the cities. It was great to see both in Pine City. 

On a last note, if you like birds, take a look at these cute, little guys at "Shabby Pickle Designs". I would love to print these out and put them on a layout. I also love this paper line I found while visiting this online digital scrapbook venue:

I'm off to scrapbook before the evening is complete. Have a great weekend everyone!