First Front Page

At least I think it's my first. I've been in Treasuries before, but what a nice surprise to see my Repurposed Vintage Puppies made the front page of Etsy! Thanks to Yippeevintage for including me in your Treasury.

Filling My Walls with others peoples Art

Thank goodness I'm at least creative & crafty since I have zero artistic ability. How is it that two children born to the same parents could be so different: one can draw anything and the other not able to draw a decent stick figure??? So, I guess the next best thing is to buy artwork from artists who's work I admire(and would love to be able to do myself) . Maybe when I'm 80 and finally have some free time, I can take an art class!
My twelve year old daughter recently decided she wanted to redo her room, she wanted it to be a little bit more grown up. Since she shares a room with her five year old sister, we had to come up with something that would work for both of them. Because my youngest loves anything I love(give her a few years and that will change)it was pretty easy to do.

Prints from Missbrigette and TheBlackApple.


Painted plaques with Black Apple Postcards, for the hallway.



The next set of framed Artwork for their room that I'm working on(and latest Postcard purchase: Flora & Fauna Postcard sampler).

I'll post more pic's when the room is done.

A must see Cartoon..........

Too Cute :)

Holiday Traditions

There are certain things my kids look forward to doing every holiday season. Making Christmas Cookies, building Ginger Bread Houses and decorating the Tree. This year I thought it would be a good idea to use a Ginger Bread kit~ well, it seemed like a good idea when I spotted it while in line at the Craft Store. I realized why my kids loved making Ginger Bread houses so much, because they can spend the next week picking it apart & eating it. They quickly realized that wasn't going to happen with this years house...because the next morning it was as hard as a rock! Here's a picture of our sad little house, I added some snow hoping it would help~ it didn't!

Here's my daughter with her Ginger Bread house from last year. I set up spots around the table so each one of my kids could make their own. Did you know that Graham Crakers don't come in the long pieces anymore?? now they're half the size...I found that out last year when I was buying all of the supplies for the Ginger Bread(Graham Cracker)houses. That's why her house looks like a little Adobe house. Next year we'll go back to making our own.

Shopping List Saturday....Dolls!

What little(or Big) girl wouldn't love to find one of these super cute dolls under the Tree for Christmas? They can all be found on Etsy(see links below)~ only 13 days left til Christmas :)
Starting at top left:
1) Flutterby Girl-Lily, by: squirrelmomma 2) Speckled Mushroom Wild Child, by: prettylilthings 3) Emily- An Awake Asleep girly, by: tiddlywinks 4) Meggie the Gnome,by: bitofwhimsyprims 5) Soft cuddly loveable Custom Doll, by: MyFaceDollies 6) Wool Doll- Andy, by: violastudio 7) Kellie cloth Rag Doll, by: kplus 8) Julianna Doll, by: PricklyDaisy 9) molla doll, by: savilintu

If you'd like to see more Shopping list Saturday finds, stop off at Fancypicnic's blog to check out other participating Etsy shops.

My Favorite Christmas Movie

Elf is a favorite Holiday movie in my house. I don't think a day has passed since Thanksgiving that someone hasn't watched it. It makes me laugh every time!

I love this song.

If you haven't seen it yet, you really should :)

Finally got the lights up, what do you think??

Ya right!
Actually, it's The Small World at Disneyland~ it's like Pastel Heaven. It's so beautiful at night. My daughters and I spent the day there yesterday, my picture taking is terrible....I wish I had some better shots.
I think it's the first time I've been back to Disneyland since they re-did It's a Small World. I love the new and improved Children of the World that come out from the clock~ Oh how I'd love to have a small version of one to hang on my wall.

ALL time favorite Christmas Gifts

If you were born in the late 60's early 70's then you can probably relate. My all time favorite toys: Drowsy doll, Miss Beasley, BigWheel, The Sunshine family, Old school plastic skateboard(my brother had a yellow one & I had a red one- just like the ones in the picture)and Tiffany Taylor. I've been looking for years for Miss Beasley, maybe someday I'll stumble across her at an Estate Sale. I'm guessing I wasn't the only little girl to have her since she's almost impossible to find unless you want to spend lots of money.
I think I would be just as thrilled today as I was when I was a kid if I was given any one of these as a gift. I think one of my favorite childhood memories is riding my BigWheel around the neighborhood....Oh if I could get one in my size today, I'd be the happiest girl in town!!! But then again, I'd probably be known as the creepiest lady in town.

1. Me AndTwo, 2. Miss Beasly and the Girls!, 3. caitjuliebigwheels, 4. Steve,Stephanie and Baby Sweets, 5. 3 Dogtown Style Skateboards, 6. Ideal Toy Corporation’s Tiffany Taylor – 19” Vinyl, Hair Play Doll

I found this drowsy doll for my daughter a few years ago. She still talks when you squeeze her belly saying "Mommy I'm sleepy" and "I go to sleep now, night night". The first time I heard her doll talk I almost cried, it took me back about thirty years.

2 sweet girls, Shows I can't stop watching & a New Favorite Artist

Wherever I go...there they are. Whether I'm on the computer, doing dishes, folding clothes, crafting, sewing~ they find a spot close by to nap until I move on to the next place. My two most loyal girls :)
Two shows I wish I never started watching.

Bridezilla: Watching this show makes me crazy, but for some reason I get sucked into watching it. I'm always amazed when the groom goes through with the wedding...each time I'm hoping he doesn't show up~ but for some reason they do??? I've made my boys watch it to see what type of girls they need to steer clear of.

Surf & Rescue: Dewey Beach~ Wow...I'm amazed at the stupidity of some people and lack of respect for authority. They did a profanity count on one guy, I think they got up to 46. All I can say is WOW- you have to watch it to believe it.

Other shows I love, that I don't really have the time to be watching either: John and Kate plus 8, John Edwards Cross Country, Snapped, Celebrity Rehab and It's always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Recently I found Artist Brigette B. and her Etsy shop. I love her style~ her prints are fun and quirky.



I was pretty excited to learn that she'll be at The Handmade Brigade December 6th, which is almost around the corner. I'll be sure to post about all the great things I find there :)

Forest Postcard Prints...

Recently I purchased this pack of Postcards from the Black Apple. Although this is the first time I've made a purchase from her shop~ I've admired her work for the last couple years. I couldn't be more thrilled with them, each one is unique & charming. I bought them thinking I would give a few away and frame or display the others.

Now, I'm not too sure about the giving away part....but I made a magnetic plaque to display them on.
♥♥♥ Love, love, love them :)

The love of OLD...

These are all the things I love: tattered, shabby, worn, chipped, layered paint, peeling, weathered, tarnished, rusty, frayed, faded, distressed, pre-loved....the things most people would discard. These are the things that make my heart skip a beat...things that seem to make a home so much more comfy & homey~I think that's a word?? if not- you know what I mean :)

1. Gorgeous Green, 2. seats, 3. Shabby, 4. Plaster Beauty, 5. shabby pink dresser, 6. old blue truck , 7. Antique Frames (and a chair), 8. vintage composition doll, 9. Untitled, 10. Rose Table Frame, 11. IMG_0767, 12. Chevrolet Has Seen Better Days, 13. Motel Sign14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available

A site TOO good not to share...

With Christmas right around the corner, finding this site couldn't have come at a better time. BeatMyPrice.com is perfect if you: like doing your shopping on-line, dislike malls, know what you're looking for, and want to see if you can find it at a better price.
My son's been wanting a Beach Cruiser which can be really expensive, I searched on BeatMyPrice and found one for almost $80 less than what I found at our local bike shop~ that's pretty good! I also searched for make-up, shoes, perfume and my favorite BOOKS! I'm really loving this site :)

Holiday eye candy....

Just thought I'd share some fun finds.
With all the fire's nearby and the air so unhealthful to breathe, being inside is the only safe place to be. So, I've spent most of my morning window shopping on Etsy :)

1) Vintage Christmas Corsage, by: Vintagegoodies 2) Winter White Posy Pin, by: tracybdesigns 3) Kokeshi Spool Doll Christmas edition, by: Wunderkind 4) Felt Stocking, by: rikrak 5) Snowflakes Ornaments, by: sushipot 6) Vintage Style Angel, by: MagpieEthel

Yikes~ Only 39 days left til Christmas!

I have a new favorite thing...

And her name is Violet. Finally I have a niece, and she couldn't be any sweeter! You forget how tiny and soft they are, and how good they smell. We're so excited she's finally here :)

Deliver Me!!!!!

I'm not exactly sure what that means, but my Grandmother(who was Catholic)used to say it quite a bit when my brother and I were visiting her. Since my Dad was an only child I'm sure the sound of kids bickering probably drove her nuts~ and that's usually when we'd hear her say "Deliver me". I'm assuming it has some sort of meaning with the Catholic religion......whatever it means my brother and I both say it, usually when we're in a situation where we want to pull our hair out.
I've said it quite a few times this week. Between a broken washing machine(which means lots of trips to the Laundry-mat), a broken tooth(??? I have no idea how that happened), and a broken down car~which means probably missing the Felt Club next weekend :( I'm surprised I haven't pulled all my hair out!!
It's times like these that make me happy for the little things in life. Like my little collections(that maybe only I could love) or certain spots in the house that make me forget about the nonsense going on around me.

And this stack of Magazines, that made sitting at the Laundry-mat soooooooooo much more enjoyable.

Shopping List Saturday....a little different.

I thought I'd do this a little different this week, instead of a theme I thought I'd feature a couple of my favorite Etsy shops. I love browsing through their shops(often), I haven't purchased from either yet~ but they'll be my first stops when I'm able to.

First is the sweetest shop: Dinosaurtoes She designs the prettiest vintage jewelry pieces, so unique and well thought out~ I love her descriptions too!
If you love vintage jewelry, and are looking for a one-of-a-kind piece.... you're sure to find it in her shop.



You can also find out more about dinosaurtoes on her Blog: http://dinosaurtoes.blogspot.com/

This next shop: MarmeeCraft has the most beautiful Whimsical 18th Century art prints and paintings. She also makes dolls, stationary, magnets and the cutest sticker sets(these are great!!). I just love everything about her work....it's so beautiful!



She also has the cutest Blog where you can find out more about her & her work: http://www.marmeecraft.blogspot.com/

If you'd like to see more Shopping list Saturday finds, stop off at Fancypicnic's blog to check out other participating Etsy shops.

Something New.....

I love taking an idea in my head and then creating it.
Inspired by my love of Art Walls~ here are just a few of my favorite examples:


1. The ever changing chick art wall, 2. Art wall, 3. art wall, 4. how to hang photos- ideas

I decided to make these magnetic plaque's, similar in function to my Inspiration Boards.



I love to paint, so I really enjoyed making these. The colors are sort of Shabby Chic-ish~grunge~distressed....makes me think of Alice in Wonderland(I don't know why??). If someone else has a better description for the colors, I'd love to hear them :)

Shopping List Saturday.....STAMPS!!!

I'm not big into stamping, but I could be...and I could see myself becoming a crazed stamp-aholic after finding all these cute handmade stamps! There are so many amazing hand carved designs, it was really hard to narrow it down to these 13! There's so much you could do with a stamp: from dressing up your packages, making cards to decorating presents....it really is endless to what you can do :)



Starting in the center:
1)Happy trails, by: Corrabelle 2)Paper Lanterns set, by: Tresijas 3)Glass jar, by: narchitoo 4)Enjoy tea time, by: lovesprouts 5)Cage your birds, by: twoangelsinparis 6)Handmade by, by: AutumnWhispers 7)Postmark stamp set, by: metronomecircus 8)Dessert tray, by: BrighterDay 9)Custom portrait, by: jackbear 10)Custom name w/stamp, by: craftpudding 11)Road trip vintage car, by: thestarbox 12)Old fashion electrical fan, by: glazedmud 13)Up Do, by: sjane

If you'd like to see more Shopping list Saturday finds, stop off at Fancypicnic's blog to check out other participating Etsy shops.

If I could have 1 thing....

It would be to have a cute little(or Big) Pink house. Could you ever have a bad day if you lived inside one of these? If I did, I'd be known to all my neighbors as the crazy lady who stands in front of her house staring & smiling like a mental patient!
They make me want to go out and buy a bunch of paint...and paint everything pink.

1. Another Pink House, 2. Little Pink Houses, 3. Pink Dream House, 4. Pink House, 5. pink house with arbor and wishing well, 6. Pink House Port Jeff, 7. Pink House in Rose, NY, 8. Pink House, 9. pink tea house

I'v been Tagged: A game of 6 unique things.

I was tagged by Laura of Loopsi Daisies.
The rules are simple, when you get tagged you must:

~ Link to the person who tagged you.
~ Mention the rules.
~ Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself.
~ Tag six other bloggers by linking to them.
~ Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged.

Six very random things:
1) I Knocked out my two front teeth(one at a time, six months apart) when I was in the 6th grade. The first one I tripped and fell in the Cafeteria apparently not putting out my hands to break my fall, and the second one on the step of a pool while swimming~ how I managed to do that still baffles me! Was I swimming like a tadpole with my arms behind me and my mouth wide open??
2) I'm related to some famous/well known people:(whom I've never met)'The Beach Boys'(my paternal Grandmother's cousin is the mother of two of them) and Charles Dickens is either a Great Great Uncle or Great Great Great Grandfather, I don't remember which?
3) Three of my four kids were born in the same month.
4) I have the ashes of my ex-husband that I keep in a cabinet(we were great friends, so my having the ashes isn't as weird as it might seem). One of my boys found them one day and unsure what it was, came to me while I was in the shower and asked "Mom, why do you have crack?". It must have been around the time when his school was doing their annual drug awareness week, and he thought he found his moms crack stash?? I was thinking... what are you talking about when I stuck my head out of the shower curtain to see him stirring his finger around in the ashes!! I'm not sure what scared him more, my scream or the fact that he had his dad all over his hand!
5) The sound of people chewing can almost push me over the edge! I've had this issue since at least High School~ eating breakfast with with certain family members had me screaming inside my head!!!!
6) By 21 I had traveled to Korea, China, Italy, Germany, Amsterdam, France, Greece and Yugoslavia.
Those were the most random, quirky or boring things I could think of!

Now I'm going to tag:
~Linda Crispell
~Kirsten at Suburban Psychosis
~Sunshine and Ravioli
~Elizabeth Holcombe~ Words & Whimsies
~Dinosaur Toes
~bagladee

Repurposed.....

I've spent the past couple weeks taking apart a vintage patchwork quilt(using a seem ripper, that's why it's taken so long). One side was a plain mustard color fabric and the other large squares of some really cool vintage fabric pieces(probably 70's) tapestry, velvet, upholstery, comforter pieces~ lots of different types. I was going to put them into bundles in my shop, but then decided I'd use them myself for some projects.
I found this cute pack of Bobby pins on Etsy about a year ago, and even though I didn't have a specific use for them(I just really liked the vintage packaging and that they were pink) I guess they could have been a pack worms~ as long as they were pink I would have bought them!

So, I decided to make a hair pin/Brooch using the quilt pieces, bobby pins, tulle and vintage buttons. I figured I'd make as many as I have bobby pins for and put them in my Etsy shop.

LOVE this time of the year!

Even though it still feels like summer with most days in the high 80's & 90's, this is my favorite time of year. I would really love to live in a place where it had the changing of the leaves and the nights were chilly, where you could tell that it was actually Fall or almost Winter~ I'd settle for it to get cold enough to have wear a sweater.
Happy Halloween!!

1. Photo 2: Halloween kids with masks, 2. Vintage Halloween Trick or Treat Bags, 3. Old Halloween Vase, 4. Vintage Style Halloween Ornaments, 5. Candy Corny, 6. Halloween Cupcakes, 7. Halloween 2006, 8. Happy Halloween! :D, 9. sparkly pumpkin

Yay for neighbors who grow things!

I knew someday that old shabby door I found abandoned in an alley would come in handy. Recently the neighbors tomato vine started creeping over our wall, so I figured if I placed something under it...it would continue to grow. This is as close as I've come to growing my own vegetables(or fruit??)!

Shopping List Saturday....

Two of my very favorite things: Vintage & the color Pink!


Starting at top left:
1) Rosey pink chenille spread, by: catnapcottage 2) Vintage tablecloth, by: simplysuzula 3) Pink knit cardigan, by: ladiesofleisure 4) Tiny pink people, by: oldefrostfarm1780 5) Sewing box, by: lesliejanson6) Pink vintage crystal necklace, by: AriesgirlVintage 7) Vintage kokeshi doll, by: svintage 8) Shabby pink baby scale, by: MarcellasExcess 9) Sugar bells, by: outonawhim

If you'd like to see more Shopping list Saturday finds, stop off at Fancypicnic's blog to check out other participating Etsy shops.