The Mannequin & The Chefs (Oh, And Some Chalkboards!)

Believe it or not, I was actually able to drag myself away from Etsy computer stuff for a while a few days ago and create some things! I've had a collection of vintage photo folders stuck away on a shelf forever, just knowing that I NEEDED them! Didn't know why, just felt it in my bones! LOL! You know how it is---as soon as you decide you DON'T need something and dispose of it, you find the perfect project and kick yourself for getting rid of it!
I saw the idea for these at a flea market or antique show a while back and filed it away in my head (well, actually on a piece of notepaper that I ran across while sorting through "junk"), but anyway, I did remember what the scribbled message to myself meant! Amazing!
These folders didn't have photos in them any more, so I used some lightweight cardboard and painted it with chalkboard paint, to take the place of the photo. After allowing the paint to cure and seasoning it with chalk, I placed it in the folder. I had to tack it with a spot of glue on the lower corners so the top, frame layer would lay flat. And----VOILA----cute little chalkboards! Wouldn't these be fun on a desk, shelf or counter? Leave messages for your family or just print a phrase or sentiment you like. I have them listed here and here.

On to the next project. I haven't painted anything for a while and my Etsy shop really needed something new and non-seasonal, so these chef clothespins fit the bill. One of these is 9" tall and the other 6" tall and they'd be perfect to use while you're cooking to keep your recipe card in sight and safe from splatters (hopefully!). So now they're in my shop waiting for just the right person to come along and NEED them!
I've had this jointed artist's mannequin sitting around---another one of those things you know you need, but don't really know why! I found him at a yard sale for a quarter, so I couldn't pass him up! I thought it would be fun to include him in my photo session for the folders and chefs. I used to have photo sessions with my granddaughter till she decided that wasn't fun any more! Hmph! But this little jointed guy doesn't complain, no matter how I bend and twist him! LOL! He's like a little wooden Vanna White!
He seems to have an attraction to the chef. Maybe because they're both made of wood?!"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you!" Uh, oh! Could this be a kidnapping?! I wonder what he'll want for ransom---toothpicks? LOL!OK, that's enought nonsense for this morning! I need to figure out what my next project will be. I spend way too much time sitting at this computer it seems, but for some reason I don't seem to get very many things posted here! My New Year's resolution is suffering. :-(