one ripe peach

finally.....

2012-01-07T14:50:00.000-06:00

I have finally found a bit of time after all the hustle bustle of Christmas to post a few vintage goodies to my shop. I am in creative mode for a little red and pink as well....so some Valentine goodies heading to my shop in the next few days as well. I found this vintage baby blanket recently and instantly fell in love....who could resist the gorgeous colors throughout?

Then a few days later I came upon this beautiful vintage strawberry fabric....love it!

Starting a bit of purging and will be posting several tids bits of vintage fabrics in the days to come as well.

And who could walk away from vintage ruffly pillow covers? These are in super excellent condition...I think these would be fab in a mix and match room.....sooo beautiful! These items and more in my shop.....stay tuned for more to come!

a little something....

2011-12-21T20:00:00.000-06:00

I love having extra gifts on hand for Christmas.....it seems I always need a little something for someone unexpectedly. My sweet pea and I whipped up these super easy peasy fragrance jelly jars in no time flat....a great gift for someone you treasure.

You will need....

clean jelly jars

salt

water

4 packets unflavored gelatin

fragrance or essential oils

food coloring (if desired)

First get your jars clean and ready to go. I had some mini jelly jars available....so these are what I used. You will start with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil either on the stove top or in the microwave. Next add your 4 packets of unflavored gelatin to the boiling water and stir until dissolved. Now add 2 drops of food coloring to your jars as well as about 2 capfuls of fragrance to each jar. I like my scents a little stronger...so you might want to add more or less fragrance depending on how strong you would like your fragrance to be.

Now add 1 cup or cold water to your gelatin water mixture as well as 1 tablespoon salt and stir until mixed thoroughly. Now pour that mixture into your jars......stir each jar carefully until mixed.

They will look a little foamy....not to worry...this will go away. I like to refrigerate my jars to help them set a little quicker. You can add a little lace or tulle to the tops of each one and a little ribbon....viola'....and instant gift! Merry Christmas to everyone and may peace be with you all!

peace.......

2011-12-15T19:01:00.000-06:00

Things on the home front have been quite emotional these past few weeks....our beloved dog of 12 years is now at peace in heaven. She gave it her best fight for the past 6 months....battling cancer, then getting degenerative myelopethy (which paralyzed her from the waist down).....then last night we made the most difficult decision and let her rest in peace. She fell asleep on my lap (just where she would have wanted to be)....and was the most peaceful I have seen her in a very long time. Animals are truly family....they help us become better people and we help them know that unconditional love they so desperately desire. My life will never be the same without her in it...but a better life I've had with having her in mine. Peace and joy to you all!

happy Halloween.......

2011-10-31T08:06:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween....hope you stay safe, have fun and enjoy!

fabric coverings.......

2011-10-06T12:46:00.001-05:00

I love storage bins and baskets...they just seem to contain all of my bits and baubles perfectly. I recently recovered several of these bins that once belonged in my sweet pea's room...now they have a fresh new look with a little bit of vintage fabric and some additions to each of them. These are so easy to cover and are sure to become a huge hit in your home....perfect for organizing tid bits and snacks in your pantry, toys in a child's room or nursery, containing bits and baubles in a work space or to house socks or mittens and scarves this winter.

You will need to start with a few items.....

a collapsible bin

fabric

hot glue gun

sewing machine (or you can sew by hand)

I recently found a few collapsible bins in various sizes at my local dollar shop. I rustled through my vintage fabric stash and found a few fabrics that I really liked and would sufficiently cover the bins. Now measure your bin and cut out pieces that measure properly for your 4 sides and bottom of your bin. Now cut another set (one set for the outside and one for the inside of the basket). Stitch all 4 sides to the bottom portion.....now place your bin in the fabric liner.

Your bin is starting to come together....eh? Now stitch the other 4 sides together to the other bottom portion. Once all of your fabric pieces have been stitched together you can place the inner lining inside your bin. Now heat your hot glue gun and get ready for some fun. Once your glue gun is ready you can start running a small bead of glue around the outer portion of the top of the bin...roll your fabric under just a bit and glue in place. You will continue this step all the way around the outer portion of the basket....this will give you a nice clean look all around your basket.

Now you could add a vintage brooch or clip a vintage flashcard to the outside....adding a bit of fluff. I think these would be darling as a cute container to fill with baby goodies for a baby shower. Now fill it up.....enjoy!

making memories.....

2011-09-21T13:27:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to create a memory board for my daughter for some time now....finding the right frame was the first thing on my list. Thrift stores are a perfect place to find inexpensive picture frames.

Once you find just the right frame you will need to take it apart to prepare your frame for some lively paint. I sanded the frame to prepare the frame and gave it a lovely, fresh coat of white spray paint.

You can use chicken wire or a lightweight gauge fencing wire....I used some wire that my parents had laying around the farm. Cut your wire to fit the inside groove of your frame and staple in place on the backside. Add some cute clips or clothespins....and viola'....you have an instant memory board for your office, bedroom or kitchen. I was lucky enough to find a package of vintage white plastic clothespins for a really cute look. Now it's just time to fill it up with inspiring items.

a little bit of this....a little bit of that.....

2011-09-12T15:25:00.000-05:00

As school has resumed it seems like I have been busier than ever.....doing a bit of this....and a bit of that. My sweet pea's birthday is next week and I have been busy making some spa robes for each attending girl for my sweet pea's spa themed birthday party.

Busy making vintage fabric napkins.....

Painting the house....love our newest shade that has made it's way to our bathroom.

Found some nifty vintage decals and added them to some recycled pickle jars.

And covered some cube storage bins for some fab storage in my studio space. I am working on adding more Halloween goodies to my shop soon.....stay tuned.

a doily of a dish.........

2011-08-16T09:44:00.001-05:00

As summer winds down and the kiddos are back in school....I thought I would continue with a few last tutorials. This one is something I have been wanting to do for awhile now and finally decided to just go for it. We all have vintage doilies that are cluttering up our spaces here and there....a few that possibly can be parted with. Today I am going to show you how to create doily dishes. You will need:

doilies (any size will work....preferably something shaped in a circle)

fabric stiffener or glue

paint (optional)

a sponge paint brush (optional)

clear wrap or foil

bowls (to use as molds for your dishes)

Now to get things started you will need to lay out your doilies to see what sizes and shapes you have. I found 4 bowls that looked to be about the right size to drape my doilies over. Turn your bowls upside down and cover with foil or plastic wrap to protect your bowls for future use. I also cover my work surface with a plastic trash bag or you could use an old drop cloth.

Next pour some of your fabric stiffener or glue into a plastic bowl (this is a great time for those empty plastic butter containers). Take your doilies one at a time and immerse into the fabric stiffener or glue. Squeeze any excess from the doily to ensure the doilies are wet but not dripping. Place the doilies over the bowls for the look you are wanting to achieve. The finished product bowls will be sturdier if the doilies are smooth all the way around the outside of each bowl. I wanted a rumpled look....so my smaller ones are scrunched up around the edges.

Now allow the bowl to dry for 24-48 hours until hardened. I then decided that I might like the bowls pink. So before I took the bowls off of each form I mixed more fabric stiffener and a bit of craft paint in my container and brushed the mixture over each bowl. Let dry for 24 more hours and take off of each form. The you will use the same mixture of fabric stiffener and paint and paint the insides of each bowl. Allow to dry for another 24 hours and viola'.....you have some cute little dishes for collecting jewelry, treasures and trinkets. The extra coats of fabric stiffener or glue will give your bowls extra strength an stability. Enjoy!

What Cheer......

2011-08-11T16:20:00.000-05:00

The past two years I have taken a little trip to a place called What Cheer, Iowa....what a charming little town. They host a HUGE outdoor flea market every year that is a must go to event. I always find oooodles of goodies and treasures. This year's finds were some lovely vintage hankies......

some extremely adorable vintage fabric.....

a cute set of vintage kitty cat pillow cases.....

doilies galore.....

the sweetest vintage baby shower wrapping paper......

vintage dime cards with the sweetest little animals.....

2 vintage shabby chic hats.....

a really sweet old book....the outer cover is in terrible shape...but the pages inside are perfect for framing.

This sweet pink lil' wee box....it has a divider inside that can be taken out if so desired....I love it!

Pretty pink plastic basket.....

a big ol' stack of vintage quilt blocks with sweet Grannies names lovingly stitched to each one....

a vintage terry cloth table cloth and a towel.....

a vintage aqua chenille bedspread....

la la lovely vintage sheets....and a few other lovelies. My favorite items were a vintage metal beat up tea pot with 2 holes cut into the top portion and succulents growing out from all sorts of openings and an old rusty metal container that I am also wanting to plant some succulents in. Ahhhhh.....the joys of a flea market!

the love of a dog.....

2011-07-25T10:54:00.000-05:00

I usually don't share too much personal stuff here on my blog....but these last few days have been a bit more emotional than normal. My little side kick has not been feeling up to par these past few days.....so we took her into the vet to see what was the matter. She is an old girl....can't see, can barely hear and has trouble getting around as quickly as she once was able to....but hey...she's almost 12 years old....to be expected. When she was having more trouble than normal we were given the very sad news by our veterinarian that she has cancer....and only a few months left to be with us. We have brought her home to live the rest of her life with the love of her family, an endless supply of daily treats and lots of laying around in the sunshine. My heart is heavy....and the one thing I keep thinking is these words from a song that has hit close to home.....

lights will guide you home.....and ignite your bones...and I will try to fix you.

Hold your pets close to your heart....

let there be light.....

2011-07-15T09:51:00.001-05:00

As I have been remodeling my sweet pea's room..I wanted to continue to share some tutorials with you on a few of the crafts I have been doing along the way. Her light in her bedroom was just a simple light cover...nothing fancy and sort of plain. I wanted to make something extra fun and playful for her new light fixture and knew immediately what would look great and be fun to create. First off let me tell you that these string light fixtures were very popular in the 70's....in fact your parents might even have one stored away already ready to hang. You just need a few basic materials.

a balloon or ball to the size you would like your pendant to be (I chose a ball since I wanted a round light fixture)

glue (I love my tried and true Modge Podge)

string (any color will do...a nice weight string....nothing too flimsy)

This will get very messy....so I taped a big trash bag to my work surface as to not glue on the table top. There are many different ways to get your string covered in glue before winding it around the ball....I chose to just dig right in and got a handful of glue and starting covering the string as I wound it around the ball. This is the ball with one package of crochet string around it. For a stronger pendant you will want at least two packages of string to be wrapped around your ball or balloon.

Here is the ball with two packages of string glued around it. You may want to add a bit of extra glue to any portions that look like they are not covered in glue or are more weak looking. Again...this is messy....so you very well might have glue on your shirt and a few spots on your work surface. Plus it didn't help that I had a kitty on the floor batting around the ball of string as I was trying to wind it around the ball on the table.

Now you will need to wait 24- 48 hours for your glue to harden and dry. Now the fun begins. I originally drew a circle on the ball where I was going to leave an opening and not wrap my string on that portion...leaving an opening for the balloon to come out and also for changing the light bulb while the fixture is hanging. Well....that just wasn't in the cards for me this go around. I carefully found the deflation point on the ball and stuck an air deflator in it to deflate the ball. As the ball was shrinking I carefully cut a small hole in one end....this will be where you remove your deflated ball.

Now remove your deflated ball and you can clean up the edges where you cut to ensure a nice clean cut and even edges. I just cut the opening a bit larger than my hand...since I will also have a light bulb in my hand when I am reaching in and out of the opening. You will also need to cut a very small opening at the complete opposite end of where your larger opening is to install your light fixture hardware. Just follow the light fixture instructions to hang and install.

And viola'.....a new light fixture that glows so pretty at night. I love how the glue from around the string gives the fixture a globe appearance.

Here is another view at the fixture in the daytime. A simple project for a really special look. I think this would look amazing with a HUGE ball.....great for an entry way or above a kitchen or dining table.

a window with a view......

2011-07-12T18:48:00.001-05:00

I knew there was something missing for awhile now in our kitchen....now all is well and the room takes on a whole new look and a new love for me. I am not a big fan of window treatments in the kitchen...as I love all the natural light that flows through. The window we have in our 110 year old kitchen is small but needed something to "finish the window off". I decided to purchase an inexpensive vinyl roller blind and get cracking at remodeling the blind into something that would fit with my taste. To remodel a roller blind you will need....

an inexpensive vinyl roller blind

fabric enough to roll up and onto your shade

sewing machine or needle and thread

fabric starch (optional) and an iron

I first measured my window to determine what size the roller blind must be adjusted to fit. The roller blind I purchased would fit various sizes of windows...so I sized the roller and the plastic rod first...as per the instructions on the roller blind. Then measured my fabric to determine how much I would need for the window width and height. After I measured my fabric I serged the outside edges of the fabric....to prevent them from fraying (this part is optional....in fact I wish I had not done it...since I will not be disassembling my shade for washing).

Now you will need to press a hem allowance on both sides of your outside edges of your fabric...and sew them in place with a straight stitch or by hand.

No need to make a hem or serge the top of the fabric as it will be rolled up into the blind. You will need to make a casing in the bottom of the fabric for the plastic rod to run through. I made my casing larger than what the rod size was....but it isn't necessary. Just allow for enough space for the rod to go through. Now press your fabric really well and this is an optional step....but I sprayed my fabric with heavy duty fabric starch for extra crispness.

Here is a better view of the hem allowance.

Now you will need to remove your vinyl shade material completely and there should still be sticky residue left over to adhere your fabric to the metal roller. If not you could use double sided tape. You will need to lay the fabric right side facing up. Roll the fabric onto the shade....make sure to roll evenly.

Now add your hardware....as per the roller blind instructions and add your newly updated roller blind. I don't plan on actually using mine...it is just a nice touch of color and makes the window look much more "polished" now. It can be used though....simply pull on the bottom and viola' you have instant privacy or shade from the sun. Stay tuned for another fun tutorial coming in the next few days.

popcorn tin upcycled.....

2011-06-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

Tutorial reveal.....upcycled popcorn tin! I am in the midst of remodeling my sweet pea's room....oodles to do over the summer months. What better time to offer a few tutorials as I go along. I envisioned a cute metal trash can for my sweet girl's room....as I am trying to reuse and upcycle as many items as possible I didn't want to go out and purchase a new metal trash can....so alas an idea was born. I knew my mother had a few of these popcorn tins in her storage room.....so I thought about recovering one in some fanciful fabric. The tin was originally a snowman theme...so I spray painted it with a white primer to not allow any of the old theme to show through my fabric cover. Next I picked a pretty floral pattern I knew she would love. I cut the fabric to fit the tin...which was 9 inches tall and 28 inches around. I cut the fabric a little wider and longer to allow for a pressed seam so that I would not have any fraying edges to show.

I originally was going to use double sided tape...alas I didn't have any. I decided on my tried and true Modge Podge glue....which I am happy to say worked like a charm. I just dipped my fingers in and started slathering away with glue little by little as I tightly layed the measured fabric along the tin until I reach the end. Make sure to wrap your fabric tightly as to get any air bubbles out and the fabric should lay nice and smooth. We recently laid hardwood flooring in her room...so next I was concerned with the trash can scratching her floors.

I placed 4 felt feet along the bottom of the tin for added peace of mind. Now she has a stylin' new trash can that will add a new look to her room.

While I was at it....I decided on recovering her mouse pad to match the new trash can. I recovered it a few months ago with this fabric....still lovely...but hey....let's match things up.

While my fabric was still out I layed it right side down and layed the mouse pad on it facing down. Trace around your mouse pad with a pen and cut your fabric out along your traced markings.

Now again....slather your glue all over the right side of the mouse pad and lay your fabric on top...right side facing up. Smooth out any air bubbles and lay a few heavy books on top until dry. After it is dry you will need to trim any excess fabric and apply clear nail polish or fray check around all your edges so that the fabric won't fray. Viola'.....a new mouse pad and trash can!

sneak peek.....

2011-06-27T13:08:00.001-05:00

I have been having a blast redoing my sweet pea's room.....bohemian chic. So.....a new tutorial coming soon....a little sneak peek in the meantime. I will be finishing up the project today...so a tutorial coming very soon!

father....

2011-06-19T10:39:00.000-05:00

What can one person say about their father? All I am thinking about today is how much I miss him, love him and think of him every day. Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there who love unconditionally, deeply and to the fullest. Someone once told me "I can't imagine a world existing where my dad doesn't". It has stayed with me in my thoughts....especially today...the first Father's Day without him.

another year older.....

2011-06-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Ok....I'm not celebrating my 4th birthday this year....but still just as exciting as ever before to be turning another year older. I don't always look forward to birthday's...but this year I am most certainly so thankful for the many blessings in my life.....it's gonna be a good life!

a clean start......

2011-06-15T11:32:00.001-05:00

Like many people I love being able to cut costs in various ways and making your own liquid laundry soap is one of those ways....and is super duper fun. My sweet pea and I spent one afternoon making our own laundry soap...a perfect project for kiddos this summer....plus it teaches them basic measuring skills as well as economics. The ingredients you will need are:

1 cup washing soda

1/2 cup borax

1 bar of soap

approximately 3 gallons water

You will also need a container....I used a large 5 gallon bucket with a lid from my local hardware store. Something to stir your mixture...I used a long handled wooden spoon Also another large cooking pot to boil water in and melt your bar of soap. Lastly a grater....I used a cheese grater for grating my soap.

First thing you need to do is boil 4 cups of water in your large pot. While you are waiting for your water to boil you can grate your bar of soap. I used Lever 2000....my husband loves the fragrance. But in the meantime I think it would be nice to use honeysuckle or peony soaps...which can by found in various etsy shops. Once you have grated your bar of soap you should have a bowl that looks like the picture above. Your water should now be boiling and you should turn your heat down to simmering and add your grated soap to the water.

Now just continue stirring until your soap is completely dissolved and you have soapy water. This was perfect for my sweet pea to do while I followed through with the next steps.

You will need to fill your 5 gallon bucket with 3 gallons of warm tap water. Now add your washing soda and borax to the warm tap water in your bucket and stir until dissolved.

Your soapy water on your stove top should be ready to add to your borax, washing soda and water mixture in your 5 gallon bucket. Stir until everything is completely mixed and cover with a lid or you can use a clear saran wrap of sorts. I left mine in the laundry room for 24 hours to set up. After your have left your soap to set up for the 24 hours your soap can look like a variety of things...from chunky, slimy or watery. Any appearance is fine.....just stir again really well to break up any chunks you might have and break up the mixture. You can certainly use a measuring cup and use right out of the bucket....I prefer to use smaller containers. I saved milk jugs and bleach containers and filled them up with a funnel and a liquid measuring cup. I left each one of my containers with a little room to spare for shaking them up before each use.

Now you have liquid laundry soap to use or give as gifts. When figuring how much money I can save by making my own laundry soap...it was just exciting. Normally I spend about 40-50 cents per load of laundry with my store bought laundry soap. Now I am spending less than a penny per load. The great thing about making and using your own laundry soap are there are no chemicals....so it is great for anyone with sensitive skin, you are saving money AND the liquid soap is perfect for those with HE front load washing machines. Your clothes smell great and are as clean as ever before. Have fun.....spend the day with the kiddos and make some laundry soap!

last day....

2011-06-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

Last day for the vintage bed linens swap......email me or leave a comment if you would like to sign up. Check out some of the fun goodies you can make with fat quarters of vintage linens.....

napkins.....perfect for parties or everyday use....

burp clothes for a baby....makes for a lovely baby shower addition....

a diaper cover...perfect for those hot summer days for your wee one....

a scrappy card....sending a birthday message, thank you, get well or thinking of you...

just the right amount for a baby bib...another great baby shower addition.....

a mini journal....perfect for jotting down your thoughts and dreams for summertime....

scrappy wall art....these are always a pleasing addition to any room...

a fabric flag garland...makes for great reusable party decorations....so pretty and perfect for summertime picnics as well....

a reusable shopping tote....perfect for the post office, school or the beach....

a small zippered coin purse...perfect for gifts for lil' girls or to stash loose change in while out and about shopping....

and who could resist making a few traveling drawstring bags. They keep your shoes looking great and allow your clothes that you pack to stay neat and tidy as well. These are also perfect for lil' girls to pack away treasures and such.

keeping it all together.....

2011-06-07T11:08:00.001-05:00

I have a HUGE list of to do's already compiled for the summer months. Amongst the list was something to hold a few plastic bags. I try to use my reusable bags most of the time....but there are those few rare occasions where I wind up coming home with a few plastic bags. I had been stashing them in our pantry....but really wanted something pretty and functional. Most of the plastic bag holders I see to purchase are just too large for the amount of plastic bags that come into our household. Thus my conclusion was to make a smaller fabric bag holder that would fit our needs. To make a mini fabric plastic bag holder you will need the following:

2 pieces of fabric that measure 5x12 inches (I used a section of a vintage pillowcase for mine)

2 pieces of narrow elastic (1/4 inch or more narrow) 6 inches long and 8 inches long

1 piece of ribbon or trim 4 inches long (I used a piece of bias tape for mine)

thread

Start by laying your two pieces of fabric right sides together.....then sew them down each side seam (the longest length are the sides of your holder).

I also serged my edges for a finished look...as well as if I decide to wash the holder it will hold up longer. you can also zig zag your edges after stitching to ensure the edges won't fray.

You will also need to zig zag or serge your top edges....leave them open....do not sew them together. This will make a cleaner edge when you turn the hem edge and press.

Now press a seam allowance for your elastic. I made a hem edge of 1/2 inch to allow enough room for my elastic to run through smoothly. You will need to do this on the top end and bottom end of your bag holder.

Now stitch a seam allowance enough to fit your elastic through all the way around....leaving an opening of 1 inch or so to run your elastic casing through. You will need to do this on the top and bottom of your bag holder.

Here is my opening for the elastic to run through. I almost always use 2 straight pins to mark this area so that I don't forget to leave an opening.

I usually use a few safety pins to run my elastic through the casing. One attached to the end where I am running the elastic through....the other for pinning the end of the elastic to the holder so that the elastic stays in place and doesn't pull all the way the through the casing.

Here is where I have pinned the other end of the elastic to my holder....that way the elastic will meet up with the other end once I have pulled it all the way through the casing.

Allow a 1/2 inch or more to lay one end of the elastic over the other...to give you extra strength and give. I usually sew over this area several time as well as back stitching to ensure a proper hold.

Now your elastic should be in place and you can finish your hem to enclose your elastic. You will follow this step for both the top end and bottom end of your bag holder.

Now turn your bag holder right side out. You can see your bag holder taking shape. It's time for the final step.... you can add your piece of trim or ribbon as a loop for hanging. I used a small snipet of bias tape for mine....just making a little loop at the top for hanging. I stitched it down on both ends as well as back stitched for strength.

Now fill up your holder with plastic bags for recycling. This makes a nice petite holder which is just right for what I was needing. Stay tuned all summer long for tons of tutorials including.....making your own liquid laundry soap, dip dyed curtains, fabric storage bins, granola cereal, leftover fruit salad popsicles, grocery tote bag, 70's string light fixture, making a duvet cover, a crocheted doily bowl and much more!

fat quarter swap.......

2011-06-03T14:19:00.000-05:00

In the mood for a swap? If you love vintage bed linens....then this swap is for YOU! Just email me by June 13th if you would like to participate. As part of the swap......

- there will be 2 partners for each participant

-a fat quarter measures 18 x 22 inches

-vintage bed linens that are in good vintage condition (fading is understandable...no holes, tears, etc.)

Each participant will mail out 2 packages....each package will contain 2 fat quarters of vintage bed linens fabric (not necessarily matching...but not the same fabric print). Once I get every one's emails I will email everyone addresses and names of those participants. I am so excited for this swap......especially since I la la LOVE vintage bed linens....don't you?!

thrifting Thursday.......

2011-05-20T13:58:00.000-05:00

I love finding vintage lace trims.....these colors are so perfect for spring....and tying up pretty packages.

Vintage greeting cards and invitations....perfect for parties and baby showers this summer.

I have a weakness for vintage fabrics....of all kinds. I was able to snag a vintage pillowcase....still crisp and never has been used.....as well as some vintage floral terry cloth and some vintage feed sack fabric in blue hues.

More vintage sheets....I am really diggin' the one on the left....sort of reminds me of Holly Hobby colors.

A few tid bits of various vintage fabrics....la la love!

Vintage terry cloth fabric in the brightest of orange....super perfect!

These vintage cards from the late 60's were my favorite find....love the HUGE size of the cards and the...

most adorable pictures inside each card....make me smile.

free shipping.............

2011-05-10T10:27:00.000-05:00

FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25 RIGHT NOW.....woweeeeee!!!!!!

You can purchase all sorts of lovely tid bits right here.

I am also adding new items today....stay tuned for a few more of these sweet wall hangings.

mother.....

2011-05-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

My mother.....the one who has taught me to strive to be the best person I can be every day and set that same example for my daughter. Love to all the mothers!

finally.......

2011-05-04T14:36:00.002-05:00

I always look forward to the annual Sparks outdoor Flea Market that happens twice every year.....it's always a fun day spent with my aunt and there are always treasures to bring back home. These vintage seam binding trims always hold a special place in my heart....as I use them to tie up all sorts of packages and gifts.

And who doesn't love lacy, tattered trims? Especially when they are in lovely pastel shades of pink and blue.

More trims to add to special pieces....a card or two or possibly trim on a top for my sweet pea.

There are always plenty of hankies to be found.....and these 3 were my favorite.

I was really searching for vintage earrings and found a bundle....can't wait to create some more journals with these.

Super sweet vintage heart pin cushions....la la love!

It seems as though it is harder to find special vintage fabrics that catch my eyes....but these were a must have. The middle one has flocked green dots....perfect for Christmas.

And a really fun find was this flower loom...I have been looking for one and was going to splurge on one at my local hobby store when I found this one for only 75 cents....can't wait to start whipping up some kooky flowers.

Vintage wrapping paper.....love the sweet girls paper....perfect for a birthday party.

And my most favorite find were these vintage metal chairs. I have been looking for just the right pair for our front porch for over a year now....these were totally different than any others I have seen....and for $10 each.....heck.....I fell even more in love with them. They were really rusty and in need of some serious TLC. I used sandpaper, a wire brush, several coats of primer and paint to achieve......

these super cool chairs. I am totally diggin' the aqua chairs with the vintage metal table that I found a year ago for only $4....and I painted it a pretty yellow to really add to the whole summertime effect. Now all I need is just a glass of lemonade and a good book.....ahhhhhhhh.....

dearest Mother......

2011-04-27T14:25:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day is right around the corner....creating lovely bits for mom always makes me smile.

I have several Mother's in my life....my own mother, my mother-in-law, sisters and dear friends....so these mini cards are always perfect to tuck into sweet gifts for all the special mother's in your life.

Mother dearest......

seeing the potential.....

2011-04-19T16:10:00.000-05:00

How many times do we pass by something thinking that it requires too much effort or overlook something that looks a bit worse for wear because we cannot see it's full potential? I try very hard to utilize every last little scrap...try to see the beauty where it sometimes cannot be found. While thrifting last week I came across this vintage crocheted block that was coming unwound around the edges and in need of a good washing. While thrifting I contemplated what I could do with this lost little treasure. When I came home I laundered it and gave it a good looking over. Then alas.....it hit me....a sweet little inset pillow. I love combining the unusual tid bits to my creations...giving them a unique, fresh feel. I really love the vintage polka dotted polyester fabric paired with the bright orange vintage terry cloth on the backside....it really gives it that look I was desiring. Here's the challenge.....try to always see the beauty....you never know how beautiful it really can be.

pretty hues....

2011-04-15T16:13:00.000-05:00

I la la love vintage hankies....finding a bag full at a local thrift store was a true delight.

What lovelies.....perfect for a project of to simply adorn a shelf....such cutie pies.

A vintage sheet with it's label still attached....in perfect condition....nice and crisp.

Thrift find berry baskets....love these! I think they would be perfect for Easter.

My absolute favorite find....these are incredible! I am going to use a few for a throw pillow...la la love these!

More beautiful vintage hankies....flocked and wonderful! Lovely for a little girl to carry tucked in her purse for Easter Sunday.

sweet dreams......

2011-04-08T15:51:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled to spot a vintage white sheet recently at my local thrift store with such sweet hand embroidery work at the top....knowing that I would use the wording for another project I had in mind. This is what I created....along with another pillow....just perfect for a sweet bedroom.

thrifting Thursday.......

2011-04-01T16:47:00.001-05:00

Thrifting Thursday.....the perfect day for me. I hadn't been out thrifting in a bit and was in need of a little perusing throughout my local treasure shops. I love it when I find a big bag just filled to the brim with all sorts of bits and baubles....a fun adventure.

I spotted this pillow and admit I had every intent to sell it....thinking that it was ultra fab and someone else would really love it too. Alas I am hooked on it's complete fabness that I cannot part with it. My newest philosophy is.....if I have never ever seen anything quite like it....then I just can't part ways with it....who knows when I might find a handmade treasure like this again.

Tea anyone? Love these sweet pastel shades....I love the mix and match feel. Wouldn't these be divine with some vintage hankies used as napkins?

A really fun vintage minty green tupperware container....used originally for celery (my mom still uses hers for that very purpose). This one didn't have a lid....but is so great for storing all sorts of lovelies. And who could pass up more vintage flashcards?

This lovely snipet of quilted goodness is actually a handmade vintage dotted swiss robe.....la la lovely! It is HUGE and is perfect for creating a little wee one's blanket or perhaps a bib.

This vintage tablecloth has a few small holes....nothing that can't work as fabric for a lovely tote bag. I am already dreaming of the lovely bag that I shall behold once I am finished.

I am quickly really falling in love with vintage towels....terry cloth of any kind really. I love the summery feel and freshness they offer. They are a superb way to brighten a dreary bathroom....or create into a fun throw pillow for a porch for summertime enjoyment.

Some of the yummiest fabric ever.....love the funky flower power look. The aqua color is sublime....yummy! Enjoy....and have an ultra sweet weekend!

finding a bit of time for creating....

2011-03-29T16:10:00.001-05:00

I really love creating these mini journals....perfect for springtime gift giving. Someone recently told me she loves using her notebooks to jot down prayers....and with the state of the world....a perfect use.

These scrappy cards are so fun to make....it is a great way to use up all those bits and pieces that you just can't bear to part with.

I really love sweet pastels....but lately bolder palette shades have been calling my name as I see spring emerging from the grass in pretty shades of purple and yellow.

I also have a fond affection for scrappy pillows, blankets and all sorts of other sewing creations. This sweet pillow cover is a fun way to welcome springtime. It has 4 different fabrics throughout....with a fun polka dot print on the backside. Welcome spring.....I can't wait to see you emerge in all your fabulous colors!

vintage fabric love...................

2011-03-10T15:45:00.000-06:00

Vintage fabrics....so many options as to what to create with all the loveliness. I recently stumbled across a vintage terry cloth table cloth and knew I wanted to create some lovely guest hand towels....love how these turned out.

You can also use your vintage fabrics to cover and create lovely greeting cards...this one would be perfect for a birthday, get well, thank you or wedding.

And who doesn't need a sweet lil' ruffle pouch to hold all your little tid bits?! Pouches are a must have in our household....they are used for pencils, markers, organize tid bits, makeup and as gifts for dear friends.

And a sweet little notebook is always handy...jot down this and that. Another sweet gift to have on hand for a dear friend.

Seems like there is always someone I know who is having a baby....so bibs and baby items are always in the making at our home. I love using all the scraps to create these scrappy bibs......just too precious. I am in sewing mode as I fill my shop with oooodles of new springtime goodies this week....stay tuned for ruffled bags, coasters, shoe bags, pillow covers and more.

vintage flair.......

2011-03-01T15:12:00.001-06:00

I really adore vintage books....especially ones with lovely graphics....and birds....could it get any better?!

I have a fondness for vintage plastic pieces that can be remodeled and transformed. Yet...this bowl looks lovely as it is...but wouldn't it be divine with a fresh coat of yummy yellow paint?

This vintage plastic organization station is one of my fave finds.....love the sweet mushrooms! I was tempted to keep this since it is extra lovely....but alas I have posted it in my shop for someone else to love and cherish.

These vintage plastic bumble bees are a first find for me....I have never spied these before and absolutely love them. They were originally a pale off white....now a lovely pale lemon yellow.

Vintage trims...oh how I love vintage trims!

A pillow fit for a princess....extra luxurious and super duper fancy schmancy....pretty, pretty.

last year......

2011-02-15T14:25:00.000-06:00

Last year....a moment in pictures. I really love these sweet lil' cards I created last year for Easter notes.....fun to tuck into baskets and gifts for friends.

These vintage playing cards were such a delight to find....I still have a few sets left and are available this year in my shop.

This was one of my favorite Easter signs from last year....I plan on making some similar to this one this year.

Sweet spring cards to give to dear friends....perfect for welcoming spring time. I am busy making springy delights to add to my shop....stay tuned!

a few thrifting finds with some new purposes.....

2011-02-09T14:51:00.000-06:00

With all the snowy weather I had a brief break from all the snow and was able to make it out to do some thrifting. While I was out and about I spied this little handmade vintage pincushion....so darling! I love all the sweet details and love that were put into it.

I really love these vintage quilted organizers....perfect for storage and organization.

I was a ballerina for around 16 years of my life....and still love sweet pictures of ballerina's. These vintage pictures are quite lovely....perfect for a lil' girls room.

I always pick up boxes of vintage flashcards while thrifting....they are perfect for so many projects.

These rolls of vintage washable shelf paper were my fave find....love these! I was originally going to sell them...but they are the perfect weight for wrapping paper...so I will be using these rolls to wrap pretty packages.....la la love! Check out several of these treasures and more that are in my shop for sale.

winner and the weekend......

2011-02-05T15:05:00.001-06:00

A winner has been chosen....Stephanie is the winner of the lil' pouch....yeah! I wanted to wish you all a happy weekend and here's to loads of snuggles. This sweet girl is quite the snuggler...remember back in October when I introduced you to our newest member of the family? Now she is quite the lovely kitty and a pure lil' sweetheart.

what to do when your snowed in.......

2011-02-02T15:40:00.001-06:00

Well....being snowed in this week has given my sewing machine a work out. I have been sewing up a storm creating some little coin purses for those little keepsakes.

Some ruffled pouches for makeup and traveling....these are my fave!

I love using these as gifts for my sweet pea's friends....just add a few fab nail polish colors, some lip gloss and few hair accessories and you have a really girly gift.

And since it has been awhile since my last giveaway I thought it was about time for another. This little coin pouch will be someone's newest treasure. Just leave a comment on what you like to do during the winter months and I will randomly pick a winner from the comments. Winner to be picked by Friday afternoon...hopefully school will be back in session by then. In the meantime....snuggle up, spend a little quality time with the kiddos and enjoy!

hearts for hanging.....

2011-01-20T16:34:00.003-06:00

I have been staying busy creating all sorts of little bits and baubles for Valentine's Day....especially ones involving pictures of loved ones. This sweet couple are my grandparents....as they were both newly engaged. I thought I would share a simple little tutorial on creating with a few simple items.

You will need:

heart picture foam frame (I purchased mine from a Dollar store)

glitter

glue

pictures

trims

embellishments

scissors

This is what the foam frame looked like to begin with....kinda blah right?! I immediately tore off the backside cardboard and removed the photo and the trims on top. Next layer the topside with glue...now that you have a nice layer of glue over the topside sprinkle on your glitter and shake off excess. I repeated this step about 3 times until I achieved the layered look I wanted.

Your frame will now look like this. I then used a circle punch to cut out a photo and glued in on the backside so that the picture shown through. Next add your various elements....trims, embellishments, etc. I didn't stop there...I wanted the backside covered so I cut out a vintage ledger paper heart to cover the backside and some seam binding as a way to hang the heart. These hearts are so much fun to make and you can personalize each one to give as gifts. These are beautiful hung around your home.

all you need is love, love, love.....

2011-01-04T14:06:00.002-06:00

I love creating Valentine goodies...red and pinks....la la lovely! I found this picture of this sweet girl a few weeks ago while thrifting...love her sweet face!

Something fun to keep your thoughts and wishes in...a mini journal for your little Valentine.

This Valentine sign is one of my favorites...I made it for my sweet pea's room....it's her Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother....so sweet.

I love polka dots...so fun and slightly flirty....perfect to add on to a package of brownies or cookies for someone special. I am working on some Valentine love houses...they are coming soon. In the meantime I have oooodles of new Valentine goodies posted in my shop as well as loads of vintage treasures.