A-secondhand-rose

BLISS

2011-08-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

These are the few things I scooped up at the flea market today. I couldn't believe this sign! It's a perfectly fun little piece. I can't decide if I'll keep it or sell it. The other items can be found in my etsy shop.

4 months till Christmas!

2011-08-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

I rounded up these happy guys at the fleamarket and couldn't wait to take their picture. Such a jolly group, they are here to remind you that Christmas is only 4 months away. I'm not sure why you need to be reminded of that on a beautiful august day, they just wanted me to tell you.

B & B with Louis XIV

2011-03-10T13:35:00.001-08:00

We recently took a little 24 hr. vacation and stayed at the Hideaway Country Inn in Ohio. I chose the "Louis IVX " room. It was one of only two available for the date we had. I wanted to share some pictures of the decor. We had a great time and wonderful meals. I thought the 5 course breakfast was better than the dinner. I hope you have time for a getaway even if it is a short one like ours.

a can of paint, a few changes....

2011-02-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

I am linking up with Cindy's Romantic Home Show and tell Friday . Now that I look at the pictures , it looks so plain. It seems like a bigger change in person. And, of course, I forgot to take "before" pictures. This is a bedroom belonging to one of my daughters away at college. It was deep turquoise and white . I researched and found that people were happy with the paint "Mindful Gray" by Sherwin Williams so that is what I used. She already had this pretty light fixture in there that she bought on ebay when she was about 13-yrs-old. We still love it and it's white!

I already had the white sheets, curtains, bedskirt and lamp. So I bought a new quilt at Homegoods and a few pillows and this is what I have now. Very plain I know, but I am still trying to think of an idea for a headboard.
She already had these white shelves and shells up too.

A pillow from Pier 1 and a few from etsy. And an ikea chair that I dragged in from another room.

This is the most precious item in the room to me. A huge map of New York City that my daughter made on the computer years before she ever got to move there. And yes, I did ask her before I made any changes and she said to "go for it"!

Playing with chocolate

2011-02-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

Valentines' Day is only a week away so I thought I would try making chocolates with molds. It's an easy afternoon with almost instant gratification. My favorite kind of craft! I used Merckens chocolate discs. I bought them locally but I think Micheal's and JoAnn's carries them too.

I used a simple double boiler....a bowl over a pot of simmering water....to melt the chocolate.

I tinted 1/2 lb. of white chocolate with a drop of red food coloring to get the palest of pale pink. If I was doing it again, I think I'd add another drop or two.
I bought my cameo mold locally but you can order them online. Even Amazon has them for sale. The next part takes a little practice but if I can do it so can you. Drizzle a small amount of the white chocolate into the cameo recess and spread it around with a toothpick. Then set these aside to cool while you melt down the dark or milk chocolate.
After the white chocolate is hardened, fill the rest of the mold with milk or dark chocolate and tap lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles

Place the molds in the refrigerator till they harden (or the back porch will do if you live in the snow like me!) and then easily pop them out of the mold. It was so much fun I had to stop myself from making too many. What are you making for Valentine's Day?

Inspiration

2011-01-30T16:43:00.001-08:00

I think it takes me longer to recover from the Christmas season than most people. I rather like that there are quiet , snowy days in January to nest. I have several rooms in my house that I want to paint and spruce up. But I can't concentrate on one at a time. So many paint chips circling in my mind. So I have been picking up items for all the rooms as I see them and I love a sale. I hardly ever pay full price for anything. Even if I love it. It WILL go on sale sooner or later or it wasn't meant to be mine.

I picked up an eggplant colored, satin, ruffled pillow at Pier1. I am experimenting with this color. Not one I normally chose but I noticed it creeping into my wardrobe and I'm liking it. I think I'll pair it with gray and silver. That's where the silver cup comes in. I bought several. They are toothbrush holders from Bed Bath And Beyond but I think they look like mint julep cups. They may hold flowers or they may stand alone. I'm not sure.

For my growing collection of apothocary jars, I bought white ceramic balls with the letters that correspond to the first letters of my family members names. That is for another room. The salewoman at Pier1 was very gracious and sat on the floor with me while I dug through the two large bowls of balls. I thought we were having fun but maybe, now that I think of it, she was afraid I would slip a few into my pocket!

The last sale item I snatched was a linen shower curtain. It has kissing pleats with shell buttons at the top. Of course that is for another room , a bath , that I have been working on for two years now, gathering bargains as I see them. Well, I see alot of paint in my future ( I got that on sale too at a Sear's store that was going out of business). I hope for you a project, big or small, to keep you busy this winter too.

Tree Festival

2010-11-29T17:02:00.001-08:00

I want to show you some pretties from our local charity Christmas Tree Festival. My favorite is the wreath on the pink door. It had me with just the pink door! I hope this is a bit of inspiration for you as you start your Christmas decorating.

Thanksgiving decor

2010-10-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

When it comes to fall decor, I don't really do anything for Halloween. My fall decorating is more for Thanksgiving. And that's ok because I usually don't get around to decorating till Halloween anyway. It takes me that long to realize the inevitable....that winter and snow really are on their way and there isn't anything I can do about it short of moving from Ohio. So , I have given in, the time is changing and so is the decor. This is a wreath on our front door. I bought it several years ago with a coupon at JoAnn Fabrics. I know, I could have made it, but I had a coupon! It wasn't my favorite when I bought it but now I really like it.

My sister-in-law, who happens to like fall, drags me kicking and screaming into the season each year usually with a piece of decor for my birthday. This year she gifted me with this gorgeous candle. She simply wrapped garland around it and it has a wonderful glow.

This last piece is a more subtle nod to Thanksgiving....my Thank You plate by John Derian. I bought it at his store in New York City the last time we were there. This was the largest piece I could afford ! He is now doing a line for Target. Thank Goodness!
So this is the part where I tell you to count your blessings. And I really do mean it. It makes it easier to get up in the morning when you have given thanks first. Happy Thanksgiving!

Auction love

2010-10-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile it happens. An auction that seemed to be tailored just for me. I brought home a box of beautiful antique French and German bisque doll heads of all sizes. Most are in good condition, some however need some love.

I also brought home boxes and boxes of vintage millinery in every color imaginable. I will be offering these in my etsy shop in groupings of assorted colors at a really great price. Let me know if you are interested in groupings of only a color or two. See you at the auction!

Early Christmas shopping

2010-09-04T11:34:00.001-07:00

I started my Christmas shopping early when I heard about the beautiful soaps Dalene hand makes. She has so many stunning designs, it is hard to not choose them all. They come in blue, pink, yellow , green , and even some orange for fall designs. She is welcoming new orders at her email address daleneruhe@hotmail.com.

So if you are on my "Santa list" you may just get one from me.

Recent trip to San Francisco

2010-08-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

I left my heart....no actually, I left our daughter and her fiance in San Francisco. These are some pics from our recent visit.

Here it looks like we left San Francisco for someplace in England but it is actually the Pelican Inn at Muir Beach. There was a cold breeze blowing on the beach but it was warm on the outdoor patio where we had out lunch.
This is their patio where we had lunch before heading to the beach. Really cozy with a fireplace and worn brick floor.
This is what Ocean beach looks like when the high temperature for days, or several weeks, is 59 degrees. What a change from the heat wave we left in the midwest. In the distance is the historic Cliff house. I have wanted to dine there but that will have to be on another visit.
A cave under the Cliff house to explore when the tide is out.
Of course we had to visit the greenhouse and dahlia garden at Golden Gate Park as my husband is a member of our local dahlia society. The dahlias like the alternating sun and cool fog that comes creeping in.

This is my favorite "pink" house bordering the edge of Alamo Sguare. San Francisco is home to houses that look like cakes but this one was more like a fondant wedding cake.
And this is my favorit "blue" house. I'm just not sure where it was located. It is amazing that they carry the detailing all the way to the tip top where they surely could skimp and no one would notice. But not these ladies.

Meet Dori, our new Grandpup. She was adopted from a local dog rescue while we were visiting. A whopping 8 lbs, she sure is a cutie.

Having daughters on opposite sides of the country is not easy but it gives us great cities to visit. Now where should we retire too!?

In the garden......

2010-08-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Memories found

2010-08-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

I saw this vintage scrapbook in a box at the weekly auction. I saw that it had alot of greeting cards in it so I put it on my bid list. I won! In my hurry to check out the other items , I neglected to look under the scrapbook in the box.

Under the book, I found certificates for insurance and mortgages from the 1870's and 1880's.
I also found bank receipts, letters and photos from the 1920's and 30's.
Those were all a bonus as the scrapbook had me at the cover.

YUM summer!!

2010-08-09T12:48:00.001-07:00

Homegrown tomatoes and cukes! And fluffy lumps of buffalo mozzarella from the farmer's market.

Creating

2010-07-02T00:18:00.000-07:00

I was able to finish this UFO this week. I think my daughter's love of birds is rubbing off on me. I used some of the special bits and pieces that I was saving for "someday".

I hung it over the chair that I use in the family room. Do you do that too....sit in the same chair so that it becomes known as "your" chair?
I used instant coffee to create faux stains and rust marks.
I even found sheet music to copy that had a bird theme.
Thanks for stopping by.

fleabagger

2010-06-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have more flea pickings to show you. The southern belle is a square tablecloth with a belle in each corner. Really detailed stitching on this piece. Lots of fancy stitches too.

Isn't the edge on this dish remarkable? What a handpainted beauty she is.
One flea dealer was making repro French grain sacks by printing on heavy canvas panels. This may become a pillow. I bought another to share. I hope I can find her next week to purchase some more. I feel a new season of "Hoarders" about to begin! See you at the flea!

Going to the chapel......

2010-06-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. June! and that means weddings. We had a big wedding/reunion in my family. My niece got married and I made 40 dozens cookies for the reception. I hear the cookies, at weddings, are now as important as the cake. We had cake too.....HO-HO cake. Layers of chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, chocolate icing and fluffy vanilla cream. And no, we're not Italian. I know they are known for baking alot for weddings too. What a fun time.

flea Market Treasure

2010-05-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

I have more treasures from the flea market to show you. I hope, now that it is summer, you are out finding your own treasures in the sunshine. I found 2 boxes of unused, vintage greeting cards. The card on the right, with the flower heads, is on acetate and unfolds. Very sweet.

These baby kimonos must have been stored away as there are no signs of use. They have the daintiest embroidery of bears and elephants.
Doesn't this look fresh from the farmer's market? A fruit printed table topper . Again, I don't think it was ever used as I can't find a stain and the colors are so bright. Perfect for a summer table.
Well, I have to run as there is an auction tonight. Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Thank you Elizabeth!

2010-05-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

A short time ago, I climbed the fence and jumped into a new blog neighborhood. That's when I found Elizabeth at CreativeBreathing .

It is a world of sweetness and whimsy sprinkled with touching stories like yarn in a bird's nest. She makes the most expressive little characters and spool dolls. I even tried to buy one but they aren't for sale. But, Elizabeth graciously shares patterns and tutorials of her creations. Well, I saw this little pink cake lady and I had to have one . And the only way that was going to happen was for me to take the dive and try making it myself. I made mine a shelf-sitter but the original stands on its own. Elizabeth and I also share a fondness for vintage greeting cards and you have to go see what she does with those. So I'm sending a big thank you out to Elizabeth for pushing me over the edge, I mean, encouraging me with her designs to try my hand at making my own. And yes, hers does look better but this was my first one!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my relatives and friends!

More fleas....the fleamarket variety

2010-05-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to keep bombarding you with all my flea market finds. I am just so happy to be out in the sunshine on scavenger hunts again. Here are some new things I picked up. If you are interested in any item, check my etsy shop. Hopefully , my next post will be about some fabulous recipe I cooked or item I made. But, it has been so nice out, I haven't been inside to do those things.

Beautiful tole tray in that fabulous aqua color.

Pink kitty sewing box.
Vintage laces and trims Oh my !

Precious baby quilt and jacket.

They're back!!

2010-04-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Some of you live in locations with mild weather and you enjoy flea markets year round. Not so here in Ohio. Our little flea-loving hearts shrivel up in November but come to life and swell again in April.....the start of the flea market season. These are the few things I picked up so far.

Isn't this the most gorgeous book? I didn't even look to see the contents of the book before I bought it. With that cover , it could have been anything and I still would have bought it.

As it turns out, it's a book of poetry, even better.
This tablecloth is perfect for summer and made me think of the card parties my parent's had as it is one of those squares that perfectly fits a card table.
This is a book of music published here in Ohio in 1905. Inside the cover was a stamp from the high school I went to. I hadn't even noticed that when I bought it. Hubby showed it to me later.

And sheet music.....what can I say about gorgeous graphics on sheet music!?
Everyday items made so beautiful with art.
Mondays and possible Saturdays are my flea market days so don't even look for me then. I'll be gone for the season.

Old Friend

2010-04-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

While visiting in blogland, I saw on Natasha's

blog, her precious prayer book that she had found after many years. I had a similar little prayer book, that belonged to my mother, and was given to me as a little girl. That little treasure stayed on my mind so I went looking for it and found it.

This little hardbound book, has a cover that is made of plastic or maybe celluloid. It fits in the palm of my hand. The prayer book was given to my mother in the 1930's by her grandmother. I used to carry this little gift around and my family called me "Sister Karen". Thanks for the memory Natasha.

Even more Easter Eggs

2010-04-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

I made these large eggs, per Martha Stewart's directions, to use as Easter baskets for my girls away at college. Using mod podge and the paper mache method, I layered three layers of paper over balloons, tissue paper for the inside, newspaper as an inner lining and the pretty wrapping paper on the outside. After they dried, I cut them open to resemble cracked eggs.

As an extra, non-Martha touch, I added silk gerbera daisies to the tops.
Added these and Easter grass.
Tied them up with tulle and seam binding and shipped them off to the colleges. I didn't show you sooner since I wanted to be sure they had arrived in the mail. To my girls and fiance, with love, momma.

Miss Rhea's Easter Swap

2010-04-03T00:21:00.000-07:00

I am so happy that I participated in Miss Rhea's Easter Swap.

Thank you Miss Rhea! This was so much fun and alot of work on the hostess's part.

We each received 2 partners and we were to make a basket using a yogurt cup and include 5 treasures with it. My first partner was Linda.

This is my beautiful basket and treasures from Linda as I took them out of the box.

I asked my partners to use creams, whites, beiges etc.
This is a detail of my basket , a sheet music flower
These are the treasures Linda included with my basket...Pompom trim, a rhinestone button, lace and a chandelier crystal all on the most beautiful tags. She also included chandelier stamped muslin ribbon with an Eiffel tower charm. I really enjoyed all of it!
I love chandeliers! Thank you soooo much Linda.

My second partner was Leslie.

This is the pretty basket she gifted me with and all the pretty wrapped treasures.

Here is a close-up of the pretty basket she made.
These are my gorgeous treasures unwrapped.
They include the sweetest tiny seam binding covered wreath, a velvet bookmark,
a rhinestone pin, a shaker of silver glitter,
and a millinery flower of the most beautiful shades of ecru and sand. Thank you Leslie, I love it all!
Happy Blessed Easter to everyone!

Still making eggs!

2010-03-29T13:18:00.001-07:00

I made larger versions of my eggs as favors for a family luncheon. No one in my family likes shabby or pastels so it was really hard coming up with a flower color that would suit them all. Yellow sunflowers are what I chose . They are cheery and yellow goes with alot of color schemes. I think they enjoyed them. Happy Holy Week.

I've got a crush on you....

2010-03-18T13:44:00.001-07:00

Look who followed me home yesterday!

No tags or id.
I guess I'll have to keep him!

Easter's on it's way!

2010-03-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

I am up to my elbows in Mod Podge making eggs for Easter. I am really enjoying the creams and browns of vintage sheet music as a color palette . These can be found in my little Etsy shop. Easter is on it's way and so is Spring.....I promise!!

Mother's Day already?

2010-03-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

For Mother's Day I was going to ask for some updates that I had been planning for my little bathroom. But, my husband has decided to do them now because come May he will be knee deep in planting his award winning dahlia garden. So here are the new fixtures. The new cabinet came last year.

This , however is the star. My little chandelier. It is so perfect for this small bath. I hadn't even thought of a chandy. I was picking out standard, wall mounted lights, and husband mentioned something about a chandelier. I could have kissed him right there in Lowe's. Why I didn't of it myself is a mystery. I was so stuck in a decorating rut....chandeliers for the dining room, wall pendant for the bath. Now I want to put them everywhere! Now what should I ask for for my birthday.......?

A flower is a flower is a flower.....

2010-02-25T09:36:00.001-08:00

A snow storm is headed my way again here in the Northeast but I have a little garden here inside that never fades or wilts. This is the base of an Italian tole floor lamp that I have beside the chair where I read and watch tv. I have had it for years so sometimes I don't even notice it anymore. Do you do that? Find that you don't see your lovely things sometimes because they have been with you for so long?

These metal tole flowers are the same original bright colors, I didn't paint them. This rose is my favorite.
Some forget-me-nots.
Dogwood or.............?
Not sure what this is but I LIKE it! The graceful shape is so pretty.
Spring is around the corner, I know it,.....at least I hope it is?!

Amour Valentine Swap

2010-02-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

I was a happy participant in Cathy's

Amour Valentine Swap. My new friend and my partner is Deborah .

She sent me the most lovely things. This is what I unpacked from my box.

This beautiful basket was wrapped so sweetly.
This is my most favorite part. This pink basket is decorated with a ballerina, some millinery flowers and rhinestone buttons.
Aren't they pretty. I love rhinestones.
Look at all the prettiness when I unwrapped the basket. Pretty pastel frames, a coin purse, rubber stamps, candy, and more.
And I was secretly hoping she would include one of her pin keeps .....and she did.
These swans are now visiting my american pottery swans in my dining room.

Glitter! so many colors. You gotta love glitter.
Mints too. they didn't last long I'm afraid.

Thank you Deborah for treating me like a Valentine princess. And a big thank you and a hug to Cathy for hosting this swap. It was great fun!

Here is a list of all participant's so you can visit each one and applaud all the creativity and pretties.

Sheila - Faded But Desired Treasures
Melissa - Piney Rose
Janet - Janets Creative Pillows
Debbi - The Wicker Patio
Deborah - Debs Vintage Soul
Trisha - The Brantingham Family
Vera - Olivia Paiges
Gail - The Sassy Beach
Rhea - Sweet n Shabby Roses
Sandy - Hobbnobbers
Sarah - My So Called Junky Life
Eleanor - A Bit of Pink Heaven
Jenny - Fated Follies
Linda - Country Pickins
Joyce - Scrap for Joy
Julie Ann - Kitchen Floor Creations
Stephanie - Rose Petals and Rust
Carol - Songberries
Terri - The Glittered Nest
Lisa - Lisas Craft Boutique
Chastity - One Womens Haven
Cindy - Angel Heart Designs
Tracey - Magical Kardz
Mary - Vintage Patina
Jacalyn - RME Bath Products
Mary Jo - Creative Vintage Cottage
Lisa - Pupylov
Lori - Ruffles Ribbons and Roses
Valarie - Glittery Daze and Nights
Karen - Secondhand Rose
Jayme - Flaming Biscuits On The Farm
Elyse - Tinkered Treasures
Lisa - Pale Pink and Roses
Shannon - Shabby Shans Cottage
Vivian - Vivs Whimsy
Kathy - Lil Bit Old Lil Bit New
Stephanie - Crowns and Pearls
Nancy - Coeur d'Alene Gifts
Karen - My Desert Cottage
Tammy - One Frustrated Momma
Ramona - Samuels Family Frenzy
Cathy - Treasured Heirlooms
Pam - Treasures-N-Textures
Sherry - Sherrys Rose Cottage
Laurie - Mermaid Treasures Art
Sue - Suzeeez
Andrea - Vintage Bella Studio
Hannah - Ashmore Family
Meg - Vintage Garden Home
Nancy - Its Raining Pearls
Josette - My Grammas Soul
Angela - Henny Penny and Chickies
Melissa - Abigails Pocatello
Cassandra - My Artful Adventures
Renee - Vintage Recreations
Lorena - Rose Chic Friends
Amy - Paper Trails Leaver
Stevie - My Art Canvas
Jennifer - Jennifers Petal Palace
Shirl - Shirls Rose Cottage
Lulu - Coastal Sisters News
Jill - Jill Sibbald
Crystal - The Hummingbird Cottage
Hayley - Nesting Notions
Nicole - Gibbys Girl
Bryanna -The Canarys Cupcake

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day from our house to yours.

The Greatest Love!

Be still

2010-02-09T13:02:00.001-08:00

The snow has come and blanketed us with it's stillness.

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still oh restless soul of mine
Bow before the prince of Peace
Let the noise and clamor cease

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still
Be speechless
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know He is our Father
Come rest your head upon His breast
Listen to the rhythm of
His unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still
Be still

Steven Curtis Chapman

Could it be? ......a 24 hr craft network!

2010-02-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

I am passing the word along about a new 24 hr craft network from Karin

at Creative Chaos. This is her interview with Kelly, who is Carol Duvall's assistant. Go to Karin's blog to join in her giveaway and be a part of spreading the news.

First.......I have it on good authority that I and/or my group in no way shape or form scared, frightened or struck terror in Carol Duvall with our frenzied meeting. Thank God. So that leads me to my second piece of good news. Not only was Inot banned from any future meetings, gatherings or correspondence, I was given top super secret information about the eventual return of Carol by her long time producer Kelly Ehrlich. Kelly and I have quickly become, as one might say in the industry, BFF's since that fateful meeting in the lobby. Ok, she's only written me twice.......but, hey, that's BFF material in my book.......Hi Kelly! Coffee next week? I'll have my people call your people!

Anyway, the super top secret information is that Kelly is trying to get an online craft community together called icraftnetwork featuring Carol. Although the site is not up yet, she is hoping for beta testing in the next couple of months. If you email Kelly at icraftwithcarol@yahoo.com , you will be put on the mailing list, as well as, be part of first beta test group. Meaning you will get to see the site before the general public. It’s like a backstage pass to a rock concert!

So, anyhow, I got a chance to chit chat with Kelly about the new site...........

Karin: So, Kelly, now that I've been "personally chosen" to spread the word, what can you tell us about the site.

Kelly: Ummm, I’ve actually told many people about this; but I'm glad you can help us out! The site is not up yet; however, we are hoping to have it ready for beta testing in a a couple of months. What everyone can look forward seeing on the site is the largest fully interactive craft community online which will include many of your crafting idols, a market place where members can sell their own crafts, they will have access to amazing craft projects from the craft industries most talented and most recognized craft experts. We will be the HULU of craft programming.

Karin: That sounds exciting! Can you explain to everyone what that will entail?

Kelly: Well, they will be able to view and discover craft programming they never even knew was out there. We will be producing original icraft Network programming with all the Carol Duvall show regulars and the craft industries leading craft designers as well. There are so many bells and whistles on this site it will literally be a crafters utopia.

Karin: I love utopias! Especially when it involves crafts. So how can crafters participate on the icraftnetwork?

Kelly: There will be a variety of ways crafters can participate. Members will be able to upload and share their own projects and craft videos. We will be highlighting craft bloggers, events, news etc. The purpose of this site is to bring the best of the crafting world all under one roof.

Karin: So does that mean Carol will be back on our screen soon?

Kelly: Carol is going high tech; so keep an eye out for Carol and friends coming to a computer screen near you soon!

Karin: So, Kelly, can you let me in on any other secrets....please........pretty please......

Kelly: Ok.....I will say this, top secret of course, there is power in numbers and my wish is to build the largest online craft community that will support the launch of a 24hr craft network. I think the networks are missing out by not seeing the huge demand there is for this type of programming. I want to prove to them that there is a HUGE demand and an audience that will support this type of programming. THAT is why I need every crafter who misses The Carol Duvall Show and other shows like hers to email us at icraftwithcarol@yahoo.com and let your voice be heard!!! In the meantime, we will producing online craft segments and shows for your viewing pleasure on the site.

Karin: So one last question.....now that I practically know Carol on a personal level, do you think she would come over to my house if I cooked her dinner?

Kelly: Maybe with a little added security and some guidelines, you might get her to accept a dinner invite.....lol......

Karin: Yay! Carol's coming over for dinner! I hope she likes Costco chicken........Anyway, thanks so much Kelly for letting us all in on the big news.

Kelly: No problem! This is really just the tip of the iceberg. Stayed tuned for more and keep those emails coming!

Karin: So are we still on for coffee next week? Kelly? .......Kelly? Ok, my little person will call your people! Talk to you soon!

Another one of those days

2010-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Bakers may be shocked by my technique, put my family is not. I'm not really into baking but I wanted to start making goodies for Valentine care packages for my girls. I have a free afternoon but no butter. I insist on butter when making cookies. It is 20 degrees outside but I didn't want to waste the day so out I go. Back home I realize I don't have enough white flour. No, I'm not going back out. I decide to supplement the white flour with whole wheat flour. Per the recipe, I add 3 teaspoons of baking powder, well, what I thought was baking powder. It was soda. No problem, I just add the baking powder too. They came out pretty good. Now what can I find to ice them with?

As a side note....Have you seen the commercial for the " 'Ove Glove"? I know you have! Well, I got one for Christmas and it really is handy. It gives you a better grip than the floppy hot pads. One of those "as seen on tv" thingys that works. Ok, well, I didn't test it by touching anything hotter than a cookie sheet and I'm not going to. I'll leave that for you.

Winner!

2010-02-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to announce the winner of my giveaway......the name is.......Tristan! Please send me your address and I will scoop up some other goodies to go in the box and send it right out to you. Thanks everybody for visiting me!

love, karen

Here's my heart

2010-01-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait. I couldn't wait for a vintage valentine candy box to come my may at a price I wanted to pay so I made my own reproduction. I pleated ribbon, added posies, glitter, seam binding and a tulle bow to tie over the top. Did I mention that I LOVE pleated ribbon?! I made an extra heart box for my etsy store too. Ahh... Valentine's Day!

Remember to leave a comment on this post or the previous 2 posts to enter my giveaway.

Pretty little thing

2010-01-28T11:34:00.001-08:00

I was feeling sorry for myself that all the vintage, pastel, Valentine candy boxes were going for so much money on the auction sites. Then I found this little Bethany Lowe repro box. It is very little, 4 inches, but very sweet. So it will do while I wait for the perfect, pink pleated satin, heart candy box with velvet flowers to show up at the auction for $5.00!! He-he

Remember to leave a comment on this post or the previous post to be entered in my giveaway.

Giveaway!

2010-01-23T16:05:00.000-08:00

I am having a winter blahs giveaway! Just leave a comment on this post or any later posts (ok , don't laugh, I know I don't post that often) and I will draw a winner on Feb. 2 for a full roll of vintage , aqua seam binding. That is 100 yds. of silky fabulousness for all your projects! Oh, it's looking better out already!

Vintage is better

2010-01-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

I was a lucky girl yesterday. I found some lovely vintage seam binding in the palest sweet colors and some vintage trim. I am sharing the goodness. They can both be found in my etsy store.

Have a great weekend.

Lovely Lady

2010-01-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

This lovely lady is a Christmas gift from my husband. I named her Isabelle. I found her at Hobby Lobby and with a 40% off coupon she went quickly under my tree.

I put her front and center on my mantle with apothecary jars on one side and a silver glittered frame on the other side.
For Valentine's Day she is hoping for a crown or tiara.

I am still filling the apothecary jars. One has my cream colored millenary flowers in it and the other has pages from a hymnal. Not sure yet what will go in the third jar.
This is my favorite rose. Large, fluffy and white.
I enjoy the color of these Christmas balls so much, I have decided to leave them out all year long in what else but another apothecary jar!

Merry Christmas to All!

2009-12-22T11:37:00.001-08:00

I wish you all a Merrrrrry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Here are a few pictures of Christmas decor and some new things for the family room. This picture is dark but I was trying to capture the lights.

New valance and lace for the family room window. I have the same valance in the dining room because I like it so much.
Chandelier for the family room . It's cheap and doesn't take up alot of room. He-he.

Merry Christmas!!

Who has time for Christmas?

2009-12-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

I know, who in their right mind would attempt a room redo during Christmas time? Well the walls are painted and the sofa has a new slipcover. The room is nowhere near done. More slipcovers on the way and window treatments too. All neutral with ice blue accents. When I get to my Christmas decorating in January (he-he) I'll show you that too.

Beauty where you find it

2009-12-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

I hurried to move everything to the center of my family room to prepare for painting it. Later as I sat to rest I saw a surprise vignette of my favorite things.

A little Glimmer

2009-11-19T16:23:00.001-08:00

I am starting on a family room redo. Now it is sage green and mauve but I am changing it to white, taupe, and grey blue. This is my first project. The table is modern but it was an unfinished piece that I already owned so I'm using it. It has a display drawer in the top.

I painted the whole thing cream and rubbed a metallic champagne color over the top in three coats. It really glimmers in the evening with the lights on.
I picked up these porcelain doll heads at the flea market over the summer. I laid them on top of a layer of vintage buttons on a beautiful vintage tray. Hubby said " Is that for Halloween, because it's creepy".
What do you think....creepy? Isn't that a gorgeous tray. That was a flea market find also.

Now I need to get the room painted and some cushions made. Come help me pick a color! Please!

What's in YOUR stocking?

2009-11-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

I started making felt Christmas stockings from kits for my nieces and nephews and godchildren about 24 yrs ago. That was what I made for the new baby gift. Now I am making them for their children as well. This is stocking number 23 if I've counted right. And I see no end in sight!

I'm Back.....sort of

2009-10-15T11:33:00.001-07:00

I'm back. Recuperating slowly. And I do mean slowly! That's alot harder to do when all I see is rain out my windows. There was nothing fun to blog about the hospital but I have been lurking and reading all of your blogs.

This is something I got in a box at the auction before all this fun started. And I shouldn't be collecting anything new, but if I was to start a new collection it would be pretty ladies like these. This one is pretty tiny and I like her that way. I have seen larger ones but I am always drawn to tiny things. I love her "Lucy " jewelry and how it is applied rather than part of the ceramic.

I love her eyelashes too. So I'll try not to collect these lady head vases and I'll try not to look for them at the auctions and flea markets when I get back into going out. Pretty woman!

Pink Saturday

2009-08-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly.

Please visit her blog to view the complete list of participants for this week.

When I started going to flea markets years and years ago, my little girls would come too. I tried to get them interested in something other than the drinks and snowcones. My littlest, decided that she liked pretty pins.

So, to keep her coming with me, I would give her quarters to buy a pin or two. You would be surprised how many times that little face and outstretched hand with quarters brought the price down! Of course that never happened when I tried it.
Now she is away at design school and her pin collection is here with me. She never collected any particular color or design just what tickled a small girl's fancy.

These are the ones with pink stones. Pink is not , nor ever has been her favorite color so there are only a few of them.
Happy Saturday!

Lake Erie

2009-08-14T11:04:00.001-07:00

Now, I don't want you west and east coasters to laugh but Ohio has a beach! I said stop laughing! We have lake Erie and the beach at Headlands Park. I spent my evening there yesterday. You have to start the evening at Scooter's Dawg Haus where you can order what I ordered....a deep fried hotdog with cheese and bacon and a huge mound of greasy fries. Hey, I had a DIET coke! Then you head to the beach.
You park your beach chair right at the water's edge so you can watch the seagulls clean the beach of all the pretzels and french fries left from the daytime partiers.
Or you can watch the groups of teenagers and remember when you thought it was cool to wear a bikini. If I did that now, they'd send for the patrol. I was going to put in a picture of them and try to pass them off as my husband and myself. Right....I didn't think you'd fall for it either!
The only thing I got wet were my toes. It was heavenly cold on a hot evening. I wish this was in my backyard, then I'd be there all the time. But it is more than an hours drive so I don't see it much. A little cottage by the lake or the ocean for retirement is what I dream of. Happy late days of summer!

Party!

2009-07-29T11:36:00.001-07:00

We have had a lot of momentous occasions here at our house, an engagement, a birthday, and a baby leaving the nest. So according to my style, we decided to throw a party in 3 days. I panicked. I didn't need too. People helped and we pulled it together.

With my hubby's dahlia garden, we are never lacking for decorations. This was his contribution. He cut dahlias and used all the small vases he could find and lined them up across the island countertop. I would have liked the vases to match, but it was pretty. However, I needed all the space I could find for food for 40 people. So they were dispersed around the house.
This is my favorite. It is an un-named seedling.
Most of them have names, but I don't know them and hubby wasn't here when I was typing this. Some of them are very striking.
Not only do they vary in size from a golf ball to a dinner plate, the petals also differ in shape. This is a spikey one.
I didn't get anymore pictures as the party was over as quickly as it was planned. And I think it went very well.

Christmas in July

2009-07-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

It was a hot, dusty parking lot where they held the auction. All box lots, all a possible treasure. After a while I grew tired of digging to the bottom of each box, no treasure today.

Then I found it ," my" box. Vintage Christmas ornaments buried under cheesey satin balls that that were losing threads with every dig into the box. It looked like a long evening as "my" box was at the end. I sat by "my" box, I walked around "my" box, I watched it from afar. I thought I was being coy, not wanting to draw attention to "my" box.
Finally, the auctioneer pointed to "my" box, then he looked straight at me and asked if I wanted it sold separately. I was calm as a cucumber and as sly as a fox, how did he know it was "my " box?! Did he see me circling? Wow, was he good!
Well, at least everyone else realized too that it was "my" box and after a few dollars were paid up front, it really was my box. Let the rest of them have the old coffee maker and the box of legos, I was thrilled with my treasure and couldn't wait to get them safely home.
What is in the box that you are waiting 3 hrs. to score?

Pink Saturday

2009-07-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Pink Saturday, hosted by Beverly. Please visit her blog to see a complete list of all participants.

This is one of my favorite things. Karen made it and I bought it from her on Ebay years ago. There are so many pretty things to look at and it combines my favorite things, shells, vintage ornaments and jewelry. It should hang on a white cupboard but I am not allowed to paint the oak in my house, many of you with similar hubbies know how that goes! Trying to keep the peace! Have a great weekend!

Pink Saturday

2009-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday! Please visit our host Beverly.

On her blog you will find the complete list of participants. This is a picture of my hubby's first dahlia blooms of the season. That makes it special, but it is special also because it is one of his seedlings that he originated and therefore has not been named. It has to bloom again for several years and go thru a rigorous process to be official and named. Wasn't it nice of him to make it a pink one?! Happy Pink Saturday!

Flea Market Treasure

2009-06-30T00:59:00.000-07:00

I am really excited about these beautiful porcelain doll heads I found at the flea market. There was a whole box of them, but not knowing what I would do with them, I only brought home 3.

They have the creamiest skin tones and blushed cheeks. Some of you may think they are creepy with their starring eyes but I think they are lovely. In fact, I hope that box is there next week so I can get more.
I'm not sure what I will do with them. I don't even mind that some of them don't have eyes. I think they'd be precious laying together in a bowl. Any ideas? Wish me luck next week that I can get some more.

Pink Saturday

2009-06-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly.

Please click on the link with her name to visit her blog and find the large, complete, list of all this Saturday's pink participants. This is a jar on my mantle that holds many of my millinery flowers. I can't bear to use them and I can't bear to hide them in a drawer so I layered them in this jar to see them everyday. The pink rose plate behind it picks up the flower theme. Thanks for visiting and have a great Saturday!

Garden Photos

2009-06-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

These are some early summer shots of the garden. These hanging planters on the porch are called "super-tunias" by the neighborhood nursery where we get them. And they are super. They will grow and hang down to the railing.

It was a rainy week here so the pale pink peonies got pretty beat up. I love their soft fluffy ruffles. We have a few ornamental pieces like this post in the garden to add texture.
I always say I can't take any credit for the garden as my hubby does it all and he says he can't take any credit because God does it all.

Pink Saturday

2009-06-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly . Please click the link to take you to Beverly's blog to see the list of this Saturday's participants.

This is an Austrian chocolate set passed down through my hubby's family. The lid is missing but the last owner was his mother who had 8 children so we are lucky there is anything left! LOL

The cups are very thin and delicate. I love the way it shines against the blue of this cupboard.
Have a great Saturday!

Pink Saturday

2009-06-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly

Please visit Beverly's blog to find the complete list of participants for this Pink Saturday. And thanks to Beverly for hosting this every week. This is a cute piece I found at the flea market this week. I think it is for jam or honey as it has a little spoon with it. I was so happy the whole sweet thing was intact.

The saucer on the bottom is attached. There is no maker mark but it is a handpainted lovely. I don't know about you, but I just spoon my jelly out of the jar when I should be using a pretty piece like this. I hope your Saturday is perfectly pink!

Pink Saturday

2009-05-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly .

Please visit her blog for a complete list of all the participants.

This is a sweet vintage hat hanging on my hat stand in my entry way. It really is 2 large roses and some black netting with a comb to hold it on. But I guess that is all you really need....2 large , gorgeous roses!! Simple and elegant.

I found this tray at an auction. It is huge and lovely. I have it hanging on the wall in my dinner room secured by removable velcro hangers by 3M ( I think that is the brand). I have hung several trays with it and it is wonderful, causing no damage to the tray.

Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend!

Pink Saturday

2009-05-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly.

Please stop by her blog to see the lovely participants. Well, warm weather has returned to my little spot of the world and that means Monday Flea Markets and Friday auctions. It is a guilty pleasure starting off the week with something fun when I feel like I should be doing chores. Here are two of my latest finds....the pink ones. A sweet retro patio set with carrier and pink flowered glasses. Behind that is a gorgeous hat box with the prettiest rose paper. Both of these pretties are in my ebay store. Thanks for looking.

Still lost in feltland!

2009-05-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

I am STILL playing with felted wool sweaters and the designs of this designer.

Anyone who is celebrating anything in my family is getting something made from felted wool sweaters until I run out! The colors and textures are so much fun. I am keeping the economy going buying up all the sweaters. I think some pillows are in my future too. Cashmere on a pillow....it doesn't get much better than that!

This stack of squares cut from felted wool sweaters is going to be a baby blanket for my new great nephew. I looked for argyle, stripes, and tweeds for this project. I think it will be really cute for a sweet new baby boy.

Pink Saturday

2009-04-25T02:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly.

Go to her blog to check out all the participants for this week. This week I am concentrating on my crafting pink. These are some of my pink trims waiting to be set free and turned into something sweet like.....

this confection collage I made to honor those delicious homemade cakes and cupcakes. I made one for a friend's birthday and liked it so much, I made one for my etsy shop too. It is so sweet with a handwritten recipe that looks like grandma's handwriting plucked from her recipe box.
Have a super sweet Saturday and a piece of cake if you can get it!

I'm felting and I can't stop!

2009-04-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried a technique or a tutorial and then you couldn't stop? Well, that is how it has become with me , felted wool sweaters, and this designer's blog.

I made the little tote in the previous post and now I can't stop making these posies with the scraps. I even went looking for more thrift store sweaters. I can't seem to find the pastel sweaters I am searching for, they all seem to be red, blue , or green. A pink one must be a coveted prize for sure! With the larger scraps of blues and greens I am going to try the baby blanket in her book! I can't let any go to waste. Give it a try yourself, just don't take my pink sweater if you find it!

Pink Saturday

2009-04-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

This is my first time joining Pink Saturdays. I would like to thank Beverly for including me. Please stop here

to visit her and everyone else participating. I used the tutorial from this designer's blog

to make this little girl's tote for my niece. I really enjoyed learning how to search for and felt thrift store wool sweaters to make this. I really was hoping to find a soft pink but after going to 3 stores I realized I was lucky to find any pink at all that day. I'll have to keep looking. So I used what I found to make this for her First Communion next month. I will add inside a prayer book and a Miraculous medal for her to take to church.

This lamp has been in my family a long time. It used to be in my Grandmother's house, then my mother's house before being passed to me. It is gorgeous, not a chip to it. I wonder who hand painted it so many years ago.
Here is a detail of the delicious painting. Such beauty in a few strokes.
Thanks for visiting and I will be around to visit you all soon. Save a glass of iced tea for me.

Easter goodies

2009-03-28T10:48:00.001-07:00

I am so excited! I found some vintage inspired Easter decor items and I bought enough to share with you. Detailed panoramic egg boxes with vintage inspired prints from Katherine's Collection. Also, embroidered hanging pockets that hold copies of vintage Easter postcards, also from Katherine's Collection for 2009. You can find them in my ebay store.

Flea Market

2009-03-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

I just loaded up my Etsy store with beautiful flea market finds. It is so hard to pass them on but that is how I feed my flea market habit! He-He! Take a look if you have a minute and see if I have found that special something that you can't live without. I only pictured a few here. So many treasures , so little time! See you at the flea market.

Using what I have....or I'm too cheap to buy it.

2009-03-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

I made a cross-stitched Christmas tablecloth for my niece who is getting married on Saturday. I was going to buy wrapping paper, ribbon and a card but my daughter said let's use what we have. So this is what we came up with. Butcher's paper, seam binding and copies of vintage wedding cards. Does it say "what a creative family!" or does it scream "THEY WERE TOO CHEAP TO BUY WRAPPING PAPER!" Well , the deed is done and this is how we are taking it . No excuses.

Fiesta!

2009-03-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

I made this banner for my SIL as a birthday present. She loves red and bright fiesta colors. She is my flea market buddy and though she isn't into the soft colors that I like, she appreciates old, lovely things. That is as close as anyone in my family gets to liking the things I like. So to all my blog friends, whatever color you like, HAPPY SPRING!

A little Easter sweetness

2009-03-02T13:06:00.001-08:00

At the suggestion of a friend, I made one of my card baskets using copies of vintage Easter postcards. They are so precious and sentimental! I used 12 different designs with the sweetest sugary colors. They are laminated for strength. The time consuming part is all the sewing. Remember these from the 60's?! Ok, maybe you are younger than me! This would look so cute with some Easter grass and a chick or two. I will be making a few more of these as Easter is sneaking up on us even though there is snow out my window!

I'm Blue

2009-02-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

This is a little redo I did in my sitting room before Christmas but I am just now getting the pictures. It used to be a tuscan style with and italian painting , brown plaid chairs, and burgundy pillows. I took down the painting above the mantle and added this new mirror. There is writing in french in each of the four corners.
I made new simple pillow covers in icy blues. I made bolster pillows out of the same fabrics for the chairs.
I slipcovered the brown plaid chairs in a natural cotton duck. I was so happy to find this super soft throw at TJ Maxx. Usually when you go shopping with a color in mind you can never find it.

The fireplace surround is gray marble so I think it compliments the blue nicely.

I bought this blue church at Christmas but it matches so well I hate to pack it away. I got the nice little color change I wanted without having to change too many things. Since the room already had golds and neutrals I could get away with it I think. I'd like to do the family room in the same color scheme but the walls are green in there so that would require painting. Ugh....painting! I will have to think on that one some more.

How many books can one girl own!!

2009-02-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

The problem with organizing is there has to be a place for everything. So somethings must go. I am a self professed decorating/craft book-aholic. I treasure them and take good care of them. But seriously I could open my own library. So to make room for the new year, I am selling some of my babies. If you need pretty pictures to look at on a cold and snowy night, look for them in my ebay. More added in a few days.

One World One Heart

2009-01-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

I am happy to be participating this year in the One World One Heart event. For my giveaway I am offering this box that I covered in a copy of vintage music. I then added tulle, crepe paper, glitter, trim, and a chalkware rabbit ( he is new, not vintage). Think Spring. If you want to be in the drawing, please respond to THIS post only. Drawing open to anyone whether you have a blog or not, just please be sure to leave me a contact email. Click on the logo above to go to all the participating blogs. Have Fun!! A winner will be drawn Feb. 12.

NOTE: I will be drawing a winner at 8:15 est on Feb 11 as I won't be available on the 12th. I will be accepting names until that time and I am sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you.

CONGRATULATIONS to "KatCollects". You are the winner of my drawing. Please email me your name and address within the next 3 days . And a HUGE thank you to all who lefts comments, it was great fun!

January projects

2009-01-14T13:05:00.001-08:00

This project was a long time coming.I had a sewing room, a tiny 8 x 9 room. When I wanted to spread out my paper crafting, I moved to another room downstairs because I didn't feel there was enough room to do both in this space. Now the paper crafting corner was overflowing and I was determined to coral everything and lasso it back into this sewing room which is now the "where I do everything" room. My tables are made by attaching folding legs to 2 hollow core doors. They used to be in an "L" shape against the walls. But I decided if I pulled one table out into the middle of the room , parallel to the other table, I could put my chair between the two tables and gain more table top space. I'm sure it wouldn't win any decorating awards, it's a tight space, but I think it will work.

The valance at the window I made from vintage hankies and hung lace behind it. That's my wallpaper stash in the corner. Fabrics are neat on the shelves.The one tight part is slipping around this table to get to the chair without getting caught on the shelves, but it can't be helped.

This is the view from the door.

This was a Christmas present to myself. It helped me get all my ribbons and laces and bits and bobs out of the draws and boxes where I usually forgot what I had. It is called "Clip it Up" by Simply Renee. This is the two tiers put together. They are bought separately. It did take me quite some time to wind my ribbons and trims around cards so they could hang up, but now I can see what I have. I bought mine at a local scrapbooking store and was able to use a coupon. Well, that was one job I was happy to get off my "to do" list.

Surprise! I'm back!

2009-01-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I made a post! I wanted to show you some cute presents I received and the last project I worked on. These deer were a gift from daughter #1. She said she knew I would like them as Mr. boyfriend said he saw similar ones on my blog. Well, at least someone checks my blog from time to time! ( I know Miss H, you are a regular too!) The deer are so sweet with bells on their necks. They will go with my mantle of small sparkly houses.

This little fairy elf was a gift from daughter #2. The fairy is riding a swan and looks like she should be in a magical snowy forest. I love her all white costume. She came from the John Derian Co. in New York.
This was the last project I worked on before the holidays. I hung my small plate collection on the blue border in the dining room. Most are $1 or $2 plates from the flea market. A few were gifts and 2 were painted by current artists. You realize this only gives my more reason to frequent the flea market so I can do other walls right?! Well, I have more decorating plans for this new year. Including doing the family room in the same ice blue, cream , and parchment as the sitting and dining rooms. One big obstacle is a huge green couch. And I don't think I have another slipcover in me. Each time I say I will never do another one. Well, we shall see.

What projects are you planning for the new year?

Christmas Open House

2008-12-15T10:27:00.001-08:00

Welcome! I am joining in the open houses hosted by Deena and Heather.

Please visit there blogs for the fun lists of all the participants. It's a nice day for a stroll so let's get going.

This is a centerpiece that I used at Thanksgiving and will use again for the Christmas table.

Vintage pink ornaments go in every container available.

This is my hall tree by the front door. The Noel banner is tarnishing nicely.
My collection of houses and bottlebrush trees line the mantle, topped by the wreath of vintage ornaments that I made.
Thanks for stopping and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Glitter and Sparkle and Lights, Oh My!

2008-11-25T14:19:00.001-08:00

Wow, we just got back from the Christmas tree festival. Individuals or companies decorate and donate trees, wreaths, or vignettes to the festival to be sold. The profits benefit The Akron Children's Hospital Medical Center. There were over 150 trees , rows and rows that looked like this in the convention center.

This little guy was so cute, I have a thing for flocked or plastic deer. Yep, anything tacky pulls at my heartstrings!
This beauty won a prize ribbon but I can't remember which one as they had so many categories to win in.
Some pretty pink ornaments that caught my eye.
This was a smaller tree decorated by a girl scout troop in a princess theme. Why do all the pink ones end up in my pictures? He-he!
Elegant is how to describe this lavendar and lilac beauty. Not my color but gorgeously done.
Do you see the cupcakes on this one!? They should have done the whole thing in cupcakes in my opinion. They were so stinkin cute!
This was a heavily flocked all white tree . It was so peaceful and calm

Ok, can you tell this is the cotton candy tree!? Yeah, those puffs are pink cotton candy, not real of course or it wouldn't have lasted the show!! I know you are saying "again with the pink and food themes!" I must have been hungry.
Ok, there should be a drum roll here.....this was my absolute favorite tree titled "O Holy Night". I couldn't capture it's icy blueness. It was so sparkly and I wanted to get close enough to see the lighted manger at the bottom so you can't see that there was a white trellis with white lights surrounding the table. It was already sold. I wouldn't have bought it anyways because as much as I like looking at designer and theme trees, I have to have mine with all the construction paper, pipe cleaner, tissue paper, ornaments that my kids have made over the years. I buy the kids an ornament every year so that when they have to leave they will have a small collection and maybe they will keep their hands off the handmade ones they have given me.

Fun with vintage wallpaper

2008-11-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have been having fun playing with some vintage wallpaper. It is fragile and a little tricky to work with but well worth the effort. Some of the papers I got from my friend Rhea

at sweetnshabbyroses. She has more for sale! I have a few patterns available in my etsy shop.

These are Christmas ornaments I covered with 6 different papers and of course german glass glitter. They don't scream Christmas so they could be left out all year long.

Remember these bowls or baskets from the 50's? Ok, maybe you are younger than me. They used to make them with leftover greeting cards, usually Christmas cards. I made mine using vintage wallpaper that was laminated for strength. It's a cute little catch-all for the desk or craft table. All the lovely patterns make me happy!

First Friday sale

2008-11-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another First Friday Sale hosted by Rhea

at sweetnshabbyroses. Please visit her blog for a list of all selling participants. Please email me about anything you are interested in. Sales on a first come first served basis. For holiday shopping the sales will be every friday this month. Yep, it's time to think about the holidays!! I will combine shipping where possible. Thank You for joining us.

SOLD Thank you....$8.00 plus $4.80 shipping........................ This is a large, handpainted, Nippon plate measuring 9 ins. across. It has a pale blue border with trailing pink roses. There is a gold rim around the edge that is worn off in places. No chips or cracks. Nippon hand stamp on the back.

Sold Thank you...$5.00 each plus $4.80 shipping...........I have 3 of these sweet posie plates. Two are marked "Silesia" on the back and one is marked "Bavaria". They are handpainted with the artist signature on the front. They measure 5.75 ins. across. The plates are a pale blue with lots of blue posies. You can take one or all three.

Sold thank you.....$5.00 plus $4.80 shipping.......This is a handpainted plate measuring 6.25 ins. across. The back is stamped "Hand painted Stouffer". It is pale blue with pink anemones and blue forget-me-nots. The gold rim is worn in spots but not cracks or chips.

$10.00 plus $4.80 shipping...........Delicate vase marked "B & C France" on the bottom. It stands 4.75 ins. It is handpainted pale green on the bottom with a trailing vine and pink roses through the middle. The feet and top rim are accented in gold. Excellent condition, no chips or cracks. Would look really sweet with one rose in it.

$8.00 plus $4.80 shipping.........This porcelain violin has 3/4 of a "Napco Japan" sticker on the back with "S86A". It is 6 ins long. with applied roses and gold trim. It is in excellent condition. If there are chips on the roses it is very hard to see. Sweet pale pink!

$20.00 plus $4.80 shipping. ...... This is a Noritake Japan M mark cup and saucer that I made into a pincushion for use or decoration. I used a crochet doily as the base and added sweet small and large rick rack flowers. In the center of the large flowers I added vintage rhinestone buttons and to the center of the small flowers I added beads. Novelty pins included.

$20.00 plus $4.80 shipping....... This is a Noritake Japan M mark cup and saucer that I made into a pincushion for use or decoration. I used a green and pink embroidered towel for the base and added a large and 2 small rick rack posies. To the center of the large flower I added a vintage rhinestone button and to the centers of the small flowers I added beads. Pink rick rack was added to the cup rim. Novelty pins included.

New obsession

2008-11-03T13:13:00.001-08:00

I have some new things to play with and I have enough to share. These are vintage wallpapers with beautiful sweet shabby cottage designs. The one on the left has a pale yellow background with pink and blue posies and the one on the right is the best aqua lace stripe with pink flowers. If you want to play , look for them in my etsy shop. I am offering it by the yard, large pieces for any crafting project. I won't cut it till I need to so you can have one long piece if you need it.

Roses, wonderful roses!

2008-10-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

I found these gorgeous vintage barkcloth drapes at the flea market. They are so special, I could just look at them all day. At some point though, I will put them on ebay as I really am trying to stick now to the ice blue and parchment. I just wanted to show you these luscious roses!

First Friday Sale

2008-10-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another First Friday Sale hosted by Rhea at sweetnshabbyroses. Please check her blog for a list of all participants. If you see an item here that you would like , please email me and I will send you a paypal invoice. All on a first come basis. Thank you.

SOLD THANK YOU.......$4.00 plus $4.80 shipping......Sweet pin money bank. Almost 4 ins. tall. No damage to the flowers. Needs a cork for the bottom. Stamped "Kelvin Fine China".

$5.00 plus $4.80 shipping.......Handpainted Nippon plate. Excellent condition. Gold line painted throught the flowers has tiny raised dots. Sweet and fresh design. Nippon stamp on the back.

$4.00 plus $4.80 shipping. ......Bavaria marked plate with chrysanthemum design. 6 ins. across with gold rim. There are a few white spots that look like they were never painted. See photo. Nice display piece.

SOLD THANK YOU...............$5.00 plus $4.80 shipping. ...Beautiful marked Bavaria scalloped edge plate. 7 ins. across. No chips. One, 1 ins. hairline crack doesn't mare the beauty of this plate.

SOLD THANK YOU.............$5.00 plus 6.00 shipping.............Adorable baby bassinette scale planter marked " 1962 Napco Japan Bedford Ohio" . Soft pinks and blues. Would be super cute used to store craft supplies.

$6.00 plus $1.75 shipping.............7 panel accordian Birthday card made by me. I used cardstock, scrapbooking paper, images from vintage greeting cards, ribbon, german glass glitter, and a sparkly gem. Measures 5 x 30 ins. Matching envelope included.

$5.50 plus $1.75 shipping..... Set of 2 charming lady cards made by me. I used ice blue cards and matching envelopes with eyelet edged cardstock, copy of vintage image, rick rack, vintage buttons, and german glass glitter.

Just a Reminder.......

2008-09-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Dont forget that this friday, Oct 3, is another FIRST FRIDAY SALE hosted by Rhea at sweetnshabbyroses. I have more goodies from the flea market, handpainted china included. Check Rhea's blog for a list of all participants. See you back here on Friday for some shopping fun!

Goodies and treats

2008-09-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is the newest handpainted plate find for my dining room. I found it at the flea market. I hope to someday be able to line the top of my dining room walls with a border of pretty plates. I have to collect the small size as there is not much room between the ceiling and some decorative molding. Our fleamarket has a building of inside shops and I finally used a giftcard that I have had since valentines day to buy this snowman. He is so not me. I don't have any snowmen and he isn't pink or aqua but I wanted something different and his face is so sweet. Most of the shop is too primitive for me except when they get their Christmas decor in. They have the beautiful pastel putz houses in the large size and I was planning on getting that.....but didn't . I like him. Do you think he can go with my other pretty pastel Christmas items? I would hate to put him in the bathroom where all the not-quite-right decor goes. I think he will have a home in my kitchen which is not very cottage. Anyway. He makes me smile.

I've been busy!

2008-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky enough to have some creative time to myself. I created 2 collages and 2 sets of Christmas cards for my etsy store. Creativity feels good doesn't it! What did you make this week?

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-09-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank some special people for remembering my birthday. The first is my friend Bertie. She makes the most gorgeous items from bridal laces from wedding gowns. And boy, can she fill a box! Please go look at her site.Thanks so much!
Next is my friend Katie . Katie makes such sweet roses out of delicate paper and she sent me this one adorning a magnet for the fridge. She also makes tea bags in the shape of roses. Check her out.

My DD got me a pedometer ( and I clicked that baby right on) and a book about ...well,...bookmaking. I wish I had a small portion of the artistic talent that is found in my girls. Thanks honey!

DD's boyfriend even bought me a craft book. I like him already! he-he.

My DH bought for me this necklace from Karla , at Karla'scottage. Actually, I bought it quite a while ago and told him to put it away for me. It was worth the wait....and I really had forgotten what it looked like. Love it! Thanks buddy!

First Friday Sales

2008-09-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to First Friday sales hosted by Rhea at sweetnshabbyroses. Check her blog for a list of all the participants. Items will ship on Monday, Sept 8. If you buy more than one item I will combine the shipping . Email me with any items you are interested in on a first come basis. I will send you a paypal invoice if you won the item. There are no returns as these are flea market items. Email me with any questions. Thanks, Karen SOLD THANK YOU.....$2.50.......... Sweet old store stock plastic dolly with jointed arms and the cutest expression. Great for dressing in your own creations. 6.5 ins. tall. I have 4 of these dollies, let me know how many you would like. Shipping is additional $3.50 for one and I will give a combined shipping for several.

$15.00........... Set of four cups and saucers marked "Noritake Japan" on the bottom. Mint condition. Beautiful blue and gold design with sweet pink roses. Gold trim on the handles. Shipping is additional $8.00.

$13.00................. Sweet 7.5 ins composition dolly in near perfect condition. She is from the 1940's and wears a pale pink chiffon dress, and straw hat and purse decorated with yellow velvet flowers. Shipping is additional $4.60.

SOLD THANK YOU..... $4.00............. Handpainted 6.5 ins. plate marked "PL Limoges France" on the bottom. Yellow plate with purple violets and gold painting around the rim. No cracks or chips. Shipping is additional $4.60

SOLD THANK YOU... $4.00............ Handpainted 6.5 ins plate marked " PL Limoges France" on the back. Plate is the palest green background with handpainted dogwood blossoms and gold around the rim. No chips or cracks. Shipping is additional $4.60.

$10.00............. Salt and pepper set in excellent condition. Marked "Versailles Bavaria" on the bottom. Lovely hand painted roses and gold painting on the tops. Bottoms have cork stoppers. Shipping is additional $4.60.

First Friday Sales

2008-08-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

I will be joining Rhea at sweetnshabbyroses for her First Friday Sales. I will be offering pretty and sometimes silly ( like the little guys here) items that I find at the flea market and sometimes a handmade (by me) item or two. Rhea will list all the participants on her blog with the first sale starting on Sept. 5. Sales will become weekly sales as the holidays approach. I hope to see you!

A few of my favorite things...........

2008-08-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Mirrors and matte white pottery

A vintage teapot I covered with mosaic and bits.

Vintage buttons and hand-painted plates.

Vintage jewelry and did I mention hand-painted plates?!

For those who asked for more pictures.....

2008-07-22T10:03:00.001-07:00

There are over 80 dahlia plants in the front yard. You can see that only a few are blooming
but soon this area will be bursting with color.

Dahlia season

2008-07-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

It's dahlia season and that is a big time for our household. Dahlias are my DH's hobby/obsession.
We have over 80 plants in our front yard as our backyard doesn't get any sun. These are 2 of the smaller variety. The come as big as a dinner plate. During August and September he will be
entering them in fairs and competitions. Sometimes I think they get more attention than I do! LOL.

I'm so excited!

2008-07-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I have a few pretty tole
trays that I wanted to hang up. Well,
they don't make plate hangers large enough,
so out of desperation, I was willing to
put holes in my trays. Then I found this
product above. It is like velcro, one part for
the wall and one part for the tray but it
has the bonus of no mess removal by
pulling the tab when you want to take them
down. No holes in the wall or the tray!
Maybe you already knew about this. But,
I used it to hang this in my dining room.

I even used it to hang trays on my porch,
though I don't think it is intended for wood
and they might not stay but I thought it
worth the try. It takes so little sometimes!

Saturday

2008-06-28T10:32:00.001-07:00

This is how our front porch looks this Saturday
morning, lush and full. When you sit there
you are completely blocked from view by the plants.
Not good if you want to people watch. But, oh
so cozy.

This is a little fairy spot in hubby's garden.
I love the moss on the rock and
suppose the fairies do too.

Here is a little 5x7 shadow box I made with a cutie

blowing you a kiss. It has a sawtooth hanger on the

back. It will be in my etsy shop.

Happy Saturday!

New York - part 2

2008-06-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

In New York City, my family was gracious enough to indulge me in a visit to Tinsel
Trading Co., famous for miles of vintage trims, buttons, and millinery flowers.

Here is a portion of the flowers wall, organized by color. You really could spend a day a

day in there but it was near closing so I got a mere 30 minutes.

This is the ceiling in a gorgeous restaurant named Serenditpity 3 where we ate this

And that is the small, or "coward" size as they call it. They also served frozen hot

chocolate in soup bowls.

You would think most of our time was spent eating and you'd be right. My daughter knew some

great neighborhood spots like this Indian restaurant where we could hardly stand up without

getting tangled in the lights, and sparkly do-dads hanging from the ceiling. What a fun spot.

Now this is something you would only see in New York! Cupcakes from a bakery ( which we sampled of course) being delivered by bike courier. Isn't that cute?

We sure packed alot into our 3 days as we also visited MOMA, Museum of Modern Art and the Botanical Gardens. Thanks for sharing my little trip.

Thank you!

2008-06-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

A big "Thank you" to Shirl at http://shirlsrosecottage.blogspot.com for the award. Appreciation is such a lift for my day. Here are the rules:
1.You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributeto the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.
3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name of and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award
4. The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5. To show these rules.

I appreciate so many blogs for so many different reasons, it is hard to choose.

1. Rhea at http://sweetnshabbyroses.blogspot.com
2. Ele at http://abitofpinkheaven.blogspot.com
3. Lori at http://fairiewindow.blogspot.com
4. Diane at http://saturdayfinds.blogspot.com
5. Cindy at http://romantichome.blogspot.com

Thanks again Shirl!!

New York part 1- Renegade Festival

2008-06-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

While visiting my daughter in Brooklyn, NY last
weekend, we attended the Renegade Craft show
put on by ETSY, which is based in Brooklyn.

It was held in a swimming pool in a park. Yeah, a
pool. Remember when parks had huge wading pools
in them? Well, this is held in the long ago,abandoned
pool, it's that big, and
there is a stage set up on one side for concerts and outdoor
movie showings.

Of course it catered to the edgier crowd, no shabby's
displaying there, but it was still fun to see.

We bought a screen printed t-shirt for my daughter

who had to stay at home.

I wanted to get pics of the items but that is a no-no.

Other fun places in New York coming in the next post.

Finally!

2008-06-09T13:50:00.001-07:00

Well, I am as done with the porch as I am
ever going to be. Good thing too, as
it has been over 90 degrees for the last 3 days!

The table cloth and table skirt, I cut
from shower curtains from the Target line
"Simply Shabby Chic".

The covers for the cushions on the adirondack
chairs are pillowcases so I can remove them and
wash . I don't know if it is because of the
trees or what but it gets quite dirty out there.

The curtains in the corners are just
for decoration to soften the corners.
I can't put too many accessories out here
as the wind blows right thru here and
knocks things to the floor.

Come on over for an iced tea!

Porch part 2.....or ugly rug

2008-06-04T15:10:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am still working on my porch redo and yes
I lost my mind a long time ago. This sisal rug was
stained and water marked so at the suggestion of
my friend Sharon, I stenciled it. I used the same fushia
that I used for those crazy chairs in an earlier post , and
a lighter pink for the trim. I still have 2 metal chairs
to paint before I will be able to put it together and see
the disaster...I mean porch....that I've created. At least nobody
can say I'm not fun.....ok , you could say it but you'd hurt
my feelings! LOL

Giveaway winner

2008-05-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have to be out of town for the drawing on Saturday, so I am doing my drawing today. With the unbiased help of hubby drawing a number, the winner is Ashley of http://ashjdrake.blogspot.com/. Thanks go out to everyone who left a comment, I enjoyed everyone and was so happy to participate in this year's Cottage Giveaway. Thanks to Kim for hosting all the fun.
Make it a great day!

Cottage Giveaway

2008-05-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am happy to be joining the Cottage giveaway. I am offering a pink patchwork tote with vintage button, a pink and cream crocheted table runner, a velvet millinery rose, and an altered art piece made by me. Come join the fun. Winner to be drawn May 31st. Go check out the list of other giveaways here at Kim's sitehttp://owcl.blogspot.com/2008/05/sign-up-for-2nd-annual-cottage-charm.html. Leave a comment on this post to be entered in my drawing.

Shocking pink.... or have I lost my mind

2008-05-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

I know these look red in the pic , but they are hot
pink or fushia and the beginning of my porch redo.
I wanted it shabby and pink but with a punch.....
I guess I got that. I don't know why I even bother
with a porch as the weather has been so rainy (only 3
sunny days this month!) that I had to paint them in
my kitchen . Now I am adding pastels and will put
up more pics when it is done. (I really hate that it looks red
and you can't see the true pink).

This pic is for Lori especially. This is what I found
at the flea market this week....well some not all of it,
yep there was more! One dealer that I really like
had a huge FREE pile! Well, that was all my SIL and I
needed to hear. It was a huge blessing as I was able to
snag glasses for my daughter, a Haeger vase in matte white
that I collect , some candlewick for my sister and a pink
Lefton piece at the top of this photo. I didn't get a pic of the
things I gave away, well, before I gave them away, but I
felt like a kid at Christmas and Santa Claus at the same
time. Thanks Tiffany!!