February 2010

Wow, what a year this has been! My design business
kept me so busy I had to neglect my lovely pillows.
But, now I am ready to dive into the "down" again.
I just returned from a trip to the Tucson Gem &
Mineral Show. This is an unbelievable event.
Vendors from around the world come to lil' ol' Tucson
to ply their wares. And what a lot of wares those are.
I have attended this show many, many times -
but, each time is fascinating and full of one-of-a-kind
items. I did take an afternoon off to visit a "Bead Show."
So I scarfed up more goodies to sew onto
more pillows. . now, I'm raring to go...

March 2009

Sorry it took so long to get back.  I have been busy making pillows, remodeling a new home and working furiously on a new design project.  I did want to tell you I found an INCREDIBLE source in the little town of Morro Bay in Central California.  The shop is called

"Lina G".  I have never seen so much product crammed into so little space!  Each nook, and cranny was full of antique buttons, antique trims, antique and new applique's, sequined goodies, and lace.  I had to have some of these wonderful treasures to squirrel away for future projects. If you are ever passing thru this sweet beach town check it out, and, (of course) have a great meal at Dorn's!!!

August 2008

I am always searching for new resources for my pillows I have discovered a treasure
trove of bolt stores in the San Pedro district of Los Angeles. Some of the stores
are great for finding silks, some for trims and some for small soft hides of leather.

Also, there is a wonderful bolt store in Costa Mesa that I am very fond of. They have loads of great fabrics and some very nice trims as well.

Then I have my favorite antique stores across the Inland Empire where I find antique buttons and jewelry to adorn my pillows. I have even picked up items at the antique stores located in my Sis's home town in Florida. Anything I see that I feel is beautiful and unique is scooped up for a future pillow. What fun this treasure hunt has been!

November 2008

The best hunt so far was my two month sojourn to Europe to search for "pillow makings". I spent an entire month in Italy and that is where I did most of my purchasing. Firenze is full of street fairs - and many have bolts of fabrics, or trims laid out to purchase. I even crawled into the back of a truck that was loading up at the end of the day to root through their wares. I pulled out any rolls that struck my fancy. The best part was the helpfulness of everyone I encountered. Vendors even threw in things for free when they saw what I was pulling together.

One morning I stepped out of my apartment in the square at Santa Croce and found a crafts fair in full swing. I bought a handful of felt flowers that I thought would be great additions for my pillows. The shop owner was thrilled at my enthusiasm over her wares.

So, stay tuned in for more adventures in "pillow making". . . it certainly hasn't ended yet.