We have a question for you, our wonderful blog readers & followers:

Do you prefer finding blog links to our friends & faves in the sidebar {where they stretch out forever!} OR on a separate page with a link to the page in the sidebar?

We made this change recently, and it looks like less people are 'surfing' our links now that they are on a separate page. So, we thought we should ask if you prefer it the 'old' way or the 'new' way. Leave us a comment and let us know, won't you? If the consensus is that links in the sidebar are preferred, I'll get to work putting them back. {No small feat} We appreciate your help with this - thanks!

I made a few crowns in a new style for the BarnHouse show, using silver wire and seashells to evoke a beachy, summer mood that complimented our theme for the show. Tresa and her daughter visited us in our space on Saturday, and bought a few of them.Thursday, I received this sweet email from them:

Hi, Bob & Deb!
Bought 2 of your precious crowns at the BarnHouse and just had to share these pics - this is Seanna (pronounced Sea Anna) She just turned 4 and loves anything and everything mermaid. Her twin brother, Caleb, calls her the Mermaid Highness.

Thanks again - we can't wait to take our treasures to the beach for more pics.

Hugs,

Tresa and Seanna Collins

Tresa also sent along some photos of 'Her Mermaid Highness', modeling her very own Sea Queen tiara. I think we can safely say that this particular little princess is worthy of her title! What adorable poses!

Tresa, thank you SO much for sharing your sweet girl with us. It is a joy to see our creations being loved and enjoyed. (And I'm betting Seanna loves the pink polka dot parasol from Aleta as much as she loves the tiara from us!)

(Sorry, you actually can't 'click to look inside'! I snagged this photo from Amazon! But you CAN click below on the words 'The Salvage Studio' to order your own copy!)

Our new friend Beth Evans-Ramos, co-author of 'The Salvage Studio' book and junker extraordinaire, recently blogged that she was in major de-cluttering and cleanout mode in her home studio. My antennae went on high alert and I asked her if she had any ribbons in colors I am in need of right now...and if so, would she be interested in a swap? Her ribbons for one of my 'Junk Queen' crowns?! She jumped all over that idea and so today, we went to pick up the bag of ribbons and deliver her majesty's crown. (She looks FAB in it, BTW!) She protested that she is actually a Junk Princess, but I think she's the Queen. Read on to see why...

You see, not only did we get a bag of ribbons, but several boxes full of assorted other paper goodies. And an entire TRUCKLOAD of bits, pieces, parts, remnants, and unfinished project pieces that dear sweet Miss Beth was discarding! She led us out into the garage and showed us piles of goodies that she thought we'd love to take off her hands. Oh, was she right! Bob is in heaven, let me tell you! And that's just the first load......

This was such a kind and generous thing for her to do, and I just can't say enough about her spirit and her heart. She passes it off as saying that other people trusted her and gave her their treasures, so she is 'just' paying it forward by passing them on to us. Still, we are so thankful for this! These little bits will be transformed into new products...and the circle continues... which is one of the most amazing things about this 'industry' of antique/vintage/recycled/junk products!

Beth also gave us a tour of her beautiful home, which is the haven of personality and the million unique decor touches that you would expect from a woman as talented and creative as she is. I'm still drooling over the amount of 'junk' (and you all know that I DO use that term in its very best sense!) she has in that house - and all of it impeccably displayed and organized.

Beth says that 'junk' is her favorite four-letter word. After 'Free', of course! I agree! I also think she is one of the nicest most generous people I've ever met... thank you again, Your Highness!