Treasure hunting at my dad's.

I know I've mentioned before that my dad has every random thing you could possibly need out in his shed. Before, though, I think I failed to fully explain what I meant by "every random thing."

I want to do some beach theme decorating... And here are just a small sample of the things he had on hand for my project.

My dad is so cool; I can never say it enough.

He collects all these treasures and parts with them so generously to anyone who asks. He apologetically told me, "I used to have a lot more shells but I gave them all away to kids who came around."

I don't think that there's anyone half so cool as my dad.

I always think that I'm going to use all of his stuff up, but I couldn't even if I tried.

I've realized how like him I am; if there's one thing I collect, it's supplies to make other stuff. Once my projects are finished and displayed for a little while I usually take them apart and start again. My dad makes beautiful shadow-box art but he imagines much, much more than ever gets made as he comes across beauty in almost every, little thing he sees.

I threw this little piece together, and I'm not sure exactly what I think about it, but it's a start. I didn't want to use my favorite treasures until I felt passionate about a particular direction.

I love to make things. I love that my dad taught me to love to make things. And I just-plain-love him.