Hearts and Flowers

The demise of a favorite tablecloth in the wash gave way to these lovely hearts. I just love the red and cream combination.

If you like, this one above is for sale in my etsy shop.

Edit: Sorry this is sold

Hopeless Romantic

The making of a doll:

Hopeless Romantic

This doll was made after participating in the Cloth and Clay Doll Workshop by Gritty Jane Art Studio. It was lots of fun and I picked up a few new techniques. It is a great way to meet other doll makers and get inspiration. It's fun to see all the different variations on a theme.

A New Day

We've been waiting for this day for eight long years and now we are celebrating with chocolate of course!

An Early Spring

I have spent the last week making birds.. I don't know, maybe I am dreaming about spring even though we still have a lot of winter left to endure. Here are a couple of love birds. They are made from an old damask tablecloth, handmade lace and old millinery flowers. I used a scrap of lovely old Pendleton wool to make this little top hat.

A paper flower buttoniere.

She has some nice old buttons on her neck and tail feathers

One of my signature handmade tags. This would be nice as a ring bearer pillow or even a cake topper.

These are just little stuffed birds made from vintage fabrics, ribbons and trims. They have no particular purpose except to make you dream of fresh spring days to come.

Mail Order Delight..on Sale

I have been wanting to order something from Anthropologie for some time now but it is a little pricey for me. However, there were a couple of things on sale and one thing that was not that I couldn't resist. Truth be told, I really did this to be on their catalog mailing list. The catalog so inspires me. My package came the other day and this was how it was wrapped inside the brown cardboard box... delightful! And this was how the packing slip was presented: in its own little muslin bag. What a wonderful touch!

In case you were curious, here is what I got for $6.00 each (regularly $24.00 each). A sweet little folk lady.

And a quirky little paper and wooden doll with a beaded hanging loop. Now I just have to put these away to give for next year. I'm not too good at that. There is one more item coming for me that was on backorder.. I'll show and tell soon.

Token of Affection

I've always been fascinated by sailor's valentines so decided to try and make one from vintage fabric, trim, beads and pins. It is filled with buckwheat hulls for a lovely rustling sound. This one is available in my shop which I have vowed to try to restock and revitalize.

Every Room needs a little Red

Today I used some brilliantly colored scarlet wool and a lovely old lace doily to create this accent pillow. I love touches of red in every room. I may have to keep this one.

What did you get for Christmas?

Now I know that Christmas is NOT about the gifts... but it is always fun to share with friends some your favorite things under the tree. One of my favorite memories from Christmas morning was calling my best friend (and next door neighbor) Diane up on the phone and setting up a time to see each other's "stuff".

This little lady (Mrs. Claus) was given to me by my mother. I just love her little polka-dot outfit with the ruffly collar, cuffs and apron trim. Maybe I'll make an outfit like this to wear around the holidays! This was my "big" present from my husband. I want to try some metal working projects this year and can't wait to try this out with all its attachments.

This was also from my mom and dad and late grandmother. For the last couple of years my mom has had a gift for me and each of my sisters with a tag that reads from our grandmother. She has been slowly picking out her treasured possessions and giving them to us. This little silver container has been around for as long as I can remember. No one quite knows what it was used for... soap saver? purse? I do love it.

Inside was this little old tin that once held liver pills. These little trinkets have great memories for me. I think these were always in my grandmother's top drawer.

This antique Christmas postcard was from my husband. I love the image of the child all tucked up in bed.

These beautiful vintage snowflake glasses came from my good friend Carol. I am crazy about them (there are a set of 10!) and am already planning a "Snowflake Luncheon" sometime in February.



Finally.. from my daughter- One of my favorite TV shows growing up. I just love the adventures of Ann Marie. I wanted to be her, have an apartment like her and a boyfriend like Donald and especially her wardrobe!!! It makes me want to go right out and get a pair of white gloves. I love these shows... nobody gets hurt and all troubles are solved in a half hour. My kind of entertainment these days.

Hope your Christmas was fun and just as blessed. It really isn't about the presents but you have to admit, the presents are still fun.