Open Gate - Weblog of Lisa Cook

A FuN Find Today!

Don't you love it when you can find something you have wanted for a LONG time?
I scored this sweet old blackboard/easel for $9 this morning at a junque store rummage sale marked down from $21.
The teacher in me swooned....

And speaking of school...now that I have a little summer time I have been putting some fun collage packs together for my Etsy shop.  Come visit!

Passages

 
Proud?  You bet. 
That is our son standing with the dean of each college from which he received a degree (double major of Fine Art and Communication) as well as the chancellor of UMD. 
James was chosen to give the commencement speech out of 1,200 students who walked the stage. It was a cold day in Duluth but my heart kept me warm and smiling. You should have seen that kid get up in front of thousands and speak like it was no big deal.
Our last child goes out into the world....

I experienced another passage the same week when my father left this earth for another one alive with dogs and ice cream.  I miss him dearly.
Death frees us from all infirmity.
What a blessing.

Vintage Wallpaper Card Tutorial

Hope all you mothers had a wonderful day and perhaps you had a chance to spend part of the day with your own mothers as well.
I made my mother this sweet little card, so I will share how with you.

1.  Cut a piece of vintage wallpaper to fit a folded piece of cardstock.
2.  Cut a small doily in half.  Roll up the half piece to form a little nosegay holder.  Glue to hold.
3.  Arrange vintage flowers in your holder.  When satisfied place glue into the bottom of the doily and add the flowers.
4.  Glue the little nosegay to your card.

Easy!  But not the easiest to send in the mail.  Best to present this one in person.

For the LoVe of Aprons!

 

I think back to my childhood and even though my dear mama did not wear aprons to speak of, it was still a "Leave it to Beaver" childhood.  Mom stayed home and did all the housework and cooking and dad came home from work and read the paper before dinner.  We ate pork chops and baked potatoes and dessert was Jello chocolate pudding.  I loved the 50's.

  

I made this piece "The Making of an Apron" to commemorate the era of women and aprons and gathered and saved treasures.  I think it might just be a first piece in a series.
And speaking of aprons....there is a lovely giveaway that includes a vintage apron at Yard Sale Mama's blog.  I would groove on owning that one! Check it out!

Marie Antoinette Packs for Your Stampington inspired creations!

In celebration of Stampington's newest publication Marie, I am offering a special vintage Marie Antoinette pack that I have coordinated for your paper dolls, ATCs or other mixed media work!  Lovely papers, trims, and passementerie ready for your creative hands.  Come take a peek in My Etsy Shop!

It is Officially Spring! The Bluebirds are Back!

 

This morning I looked out onto my garden still caked in slowly melting snow and there they were.  A flash of blue.  Another and my heart stood still.  They were back.  My bluebirds were out house shopping!  I watched them go in and out of the birdhouse attached to the rose arbor as they discussed the pros and cons of the location.  Sadly, they did not stay so I trudged out with my boots to see if I had forgotten to clean out last year's nest, but the box was all set.  I hope they come back.  Spring is here.

 

In celebration of the birdsong I hear in the morning I put together some bird packs for my Etsy shop. 
Do you love birds as much as I do?

How Fun is it to Trade? A Year of Color!

 

I am participating in A Year of Color blog hosted by Kari Ramstrom.  For a mere $12, your year  subscription gets a whole lot of colorful inspiration from guest artists, flickr photos and Kari's own fabulous ideas.  I think it is better than any magazine!
We had our first swap of the year with a Valentine theme.  I had the BEST partner!  I told her that she really "got me" with her delicious swap package she sent me. You can check out her blog Junk Girl Studio to see all her great vintage finds and even a few pics of my trade to her!  Thanks Leslie!

Easter Goods at Etsy!

What is in this vintage egg carton?
Here is a peek!

And another famous vintage collage pack for Easter fun!

Come and visit my Etsy shop!

One World One Heart WINNERS!

Thank you to all of the 255 people who left comments on my blog for One World One Heart.
Whew!
I have explored so many new blogs and met some new friends which is what this is all about.
Here are the winners:
Vintage Seam Binding Bundle - Jenny Fowler of Fated Follies
Vintage Paper Collage Package - Jodie of Everything Vintage
Thank you so very much all of you!

A Bit of Primitive Valentines - Hearts Entwined

I have always loved the graceful intertwined hearts that Victorian women wove together and presented to their friends as tokens of affection, so I finally figured out how to make them!  It  would be very difficult to write out a tutorial, but perhaps you can discover the process as well from my photographs.

Old blue ledger paper, vintage book page and blue ragstock.  Who says Valentines have to be red?

This card used my own hand marbled paper.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S Day!