The Gingham Girl

The Lovely Bones

2011-02-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

During the class I took with Colleen Moody, we had the chance to sculpt a smaller doll figure. I sanded and painted her today. She is a bit creepy right now, so I need to work on attaching body parts and clothing her. I'm thinking maybe a witch, but I will let her own personality come out when I get all the fabric, ribbon, and such out to play with.

This winter has been harsh, but blindingly beautiful:

Tree bones...

Working behind the scenes like Mother Nature; laying the creative groundwork for new works, new directions.

First completed project of 2011

2011-01-22T17:05:00.001-08:00

Yay! I finished my Colleen Moody bird doll last night. And I just love her! With winter and all the snow, I was inspired to go with the white/cream color palette. But since she is a bird, I wanted to have a spring-like feel, so I choose lace and fabric with flower patterns. She is made with 90% vintage items -- the bodice and underskirt are fabric from 2000, everything else is from my vintage stash.

Front

Back

This birdie doll was time consuming (for me). It gave me a new found admiration for all the artists out there who create their fabulous objects for us to enjoy. And super big THANK YOUS to those who also share their creative process with students! I learned so much, met so many nice and generous women. What a positive way to start the new year!!

Colleen Moody Doll Class!

2011-01-18T17:37:00.000-08:00

I was so very fortunate this past weekend to be able to take a bird doll making class with the very talented Colleen Moody. The extremely gifted Kecia organized the event and around 20 of us were able to sculpt paperclay, sew and embellish following Colleen's awesome teaching.

It was an intense 2 days, but I got to meet the most wonderful women, including my table mates Kelli, Sallianne and Colleen. We laughed over spilled water, but luckily all our creations made it though. I wasn't able to finish in class,

but here is my bird doll after I got her dress, skirt and pantaloons finished:

I still need to add the lace, trim, embellishments and wings. I hope to have that finished this week. Here I am with Colleen at the end of the class:

Thank yous again to Colleen and Kecia for all their work to make this such a wonderful learning experience!

Martha Stewart Craft Show and NYC

2010-12-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday I took a trip into NYC to visit the Martha Stewart Holiday Craft Fair. After waiting outside for an hour to get in, I was excited to finally see Martha's smiling face welcoming me into the hall. It was filled with so many fabulous and creative artists, but the reason I went was a chance to get to meet Crystal from Vintage by Crystal.

I have been reading her blog since the beginning and was even lucky enough to win one of her blog giveaways awhile back. Her table looked amazing, filled with so many ornaments and figures. Each one is so unique and has such personality!

Crystal had a very good table location, at the end of the middle row, right up front, so it was easy to spot her. I introduced myself and she was just the nicest ever! It was hard to pick just two new ornaments from all the goodness, but these are the two that came home with me:

I'm giving the proper cat lady as a gift; the little juggling cat girl will be on my tree, joining another Crystal creation I got over the summer.

Crystal was so nice to take a picture with me, even though I acted a bit silly. I hope she had a very successful show. Personally, I think she had the best stuff out of all the vendors!!!

Flea Market Friday

2010-11-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

My friend Kecia has been hosting a Flea Market Friday on her blog this summer. It is coming to an end and but I thought I would join in on this last week to show my meager findings at the flea market this week. Cold, cold, cold made for a brisk walk through...

After my last post about being burnt out, I was still on the lookout for my usual lace, keys and compacts. I managed to find a few things to keep me happy and not take up a ton of space:

Love this cool gauge with a bakelite case and the gorgeous matte green Floraline vase.

A super ormolu jewelry box, some blingy rhinestones and a square compact.

And in the spirit of no key left behind, keys, a small perfume bottle and a Click Root Beer clicker.

Last week we had a visitor for the better part of the day:

This young Red Tail hawk stood outside on the pavement for over 6 hours without eating the squirrel he had killed or trying to fly away. In an attempt to see if he was injured, we got very close without him doing more than flapping his wings. Raptor rescue was called but since they were in another county, couldn't come until the following day. So we kept an eye on him to make sure no other animals or cars bothered him. A little after sunset he flew away, without the squirrel. A gorgeous bird, we were all so relieved that he was okay.

Flea Market Finds on a Blustery Day

2010-10-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

The season is rapidly approaching its end -- at least for me. Even though the yard sales are still plentiful, around this time of year I am burnt out. Too much stuff still around from a summer of plenty, but also finding space to pack away the current decor so I can decorate for Halloween and then Christmas. I did go to one church sale today while running errands. Here is my little bit to add to the burgeoning stash:

Two little compacts, a sweet button bracelet and silver clip-on earrings...

A great vintage candy tin featuring Niagra Falls and a nice matte white Floraline vase...

Two tiny ceramic dolls. Don't you love the first one with the different legs and open head? These will go into my keep cabinet until I can think of the proper project for them...

And finally, two unused dvds to watch on an upcoming winter night...

I hope everyone has a successful hunting weekend ahead. Still need to finish the decorating. All I have are pumpkins and mums so far. Very far behind schedule.

Welcome October

2010-10-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

So starts the quick slide into the holiday season. Lots of cold, grey and wet weather this week has given way to a cool, blue and dry weekend. Just right to get in that last bit of yard sales before the hibernating season begins. I started getting my decorations down and hope to have the mantle, front door and porch finished this weekend. Running a bit behind, but that's normal!

I am so happy I participated in the last Black & White swap hosted by Heather. It was my first swap with her group, but I am overjoyed with my two great swap partners, Linda and Connie. They gifted me with an over abundance of cool, vintage items! Here is Linda's swap:

Layers and layers of ruffled trim topped off with a black satin rosette with a vintage black button in the center. Gorgeous!!

Just the tip of the iceberg was visible when I opened it up.....

It is all so great! I have wanted one of those tiny Charlotte heads forever! The skull beads are awesome as well as the black butterfly beads, pearls, buttons, etc....!

Here is Connie's swap:

Lucious flocked wallpaper topped with a millinery flower. See that adorable handle she put on the side?
Besides all these goodies, Connie also sent black and white jelly beans (which my son ate toot sweet before I could get my camera out!) and black fringe which is super!

All kinds of goodies, black lace trim, buttons, crepe trim, labels, felt Halloween bats & spiders....

And look at these beyond FAB tags. I hit the jackpot with my swap partners!!! I'd like to thank Heather again for hosting this swap and my partners for swapping with me.

Under the wire!

2010-09-28T03:57:00.000-07:00

I procrastinated working on my swap until last week thinking I would get it done during the day when the kids were at school. I should know by now that isn't a good idea! But I did manage to get if finished by yesterday's deadline. Packaged and shipped, off to my two swap pals. Here is what my table looked like yesterday after I came back from the post office:

I did remember to take some photos before I packed them up. I wll be uploading them to the flickr site next week so no one's surprise is ruined. A little tease:

Hoping to hit some good yard sales this weekend. The weather is turning and junking season is coming to a close so I need to pack as much as possible into these last few weekends!

And the summer became the fall

2010-09-22T13:24:00.001-07:00

I must bid goodbye to summer. And it is a bittersweet goodbye. Fall has always been my favorite season: the cooler weather, the holidays, candy corn.... I don't know if it is because my children are getting older and I know bustling summers are becoming a thing of the past, but I have really loved summer the last two years. All the running around, the heat, watermelon, grilling at 7:30 at night -- I tuck you all away until next year.

I don't know about the rest of you flea market browsers, but I always have a long list of things I am on the lookout for. Some items -- like primitive crocks, old dolls and Pyrex -- usually are more pennies than I have budgeted for. Not that I ever leave the flea market empty handed, but I always have a few "cheap" collections that I'm working on that give me something fun and inexpensive to search for. In the past this has included white ironstone, Christmas and Halloween items. (These are no longer in the "cheap" collection category!) For a few years now I have been picking up those small, wood log cabin incense burners. They used to be plentiful to find and usually around $1; I group them together at Christmas on my hutch, surrounded by bottle brush trees. I hadn't found one in about 3 years and last weekend I was surprised to see one on a table. So even though it was more than $1, I bought it. It made me so happy to add another one to my collection.

Isn't it the sweetest?

And in swap news, I am just about finished with my Petite Inspiration Black & White box. I hope my swap partners are happy with it. I will be posting pics after they receive them so no spoilers.

hello again and flea market finds

2010-09-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have certainly neglected this blog for a long time. Much has gone on over the past year, good times and trying times. But I am back with some new energy, some new motivation and some new flea market finds!

I signed up to participate in Heather's Petite Inspiration Box Swap, Black & White Edition over at the Speckled Egg. I am so excited to be involved in this swap with so many wonderful and creative artists! I have been raiding my stash and had fun today shopping for some black and white items to include in my swaps.

Today was the big Ocean Grove Flea Market, always a fun place to find things. Here are some pictures of my haul:

Three and a half yards of blue ticking, which I will use to make a liner for my flea market cart, and a small remnant of Christmas fabric.

Glass bead rosaries, milk glass bowl, jewelry bling, awesome orange & white rick rack, vintage lace collars, a bluebird Christmas ornament, some vintage snaps, and some vintage black jet trim.

I love these mother of pearl pins, (which I am obsessed with lately!) a cute duck pin, some rhinestones, a watch fob, sterling crown pin and a great dress clip.

Lovely lace collars. The black one has rhinestones among the tatting. The woman had a whole bag of these, it was tough choosing which ones to buy.

I loved this orange and white rick rack, and found another little bluebird to add to my Christmas ornament collection.

Beautiful vintage black jet trim.

Glass bead rosaries and an unusual milk glass bowl.

It was a gorgeous day and I had so much fun! Now off to working on that swap. I'll be posting pics of its progress.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T08:19:00.001-07:00

Wishing all moms, those that are here and those who are no longer with us, the happiest of Mother's Days. My mom loves cats, so I choose this graphic in honor of her.

Thank you to The Vintage Moth for the lovely graphic. If you haven't ever checked out her blog, you should go there right now! Abbie has loads of wonderful graphics that she generously offers for free on her blog!

I woke up to waffles and tea this morning. To say I was surprised is putting it mildly. My son had everything ready for me when I came downstairs. I actually got to eat the first waffle, while it was still hot! Now, you moms out there KNOW what a treat that is.

Still working on getting some new stuff into my shops. Running back and forth to the hospital is a creative killjoy. Hopefully, we will have some good news this week so send out some positive thoughts in our direction.

Man Plans, God Laughs

2009-05-06T17:43:00.001-07:00

It is funny to think that six months have gone by since my last post. Not that funny to think about all that has happened. I know I'm not in the boat alone; many of you are also facing the same things: unemployment, teenagers, medical issues, driving teenagers.... So, I'm taking deep breaths and letting Someone else row for a bit. He knows the way, I need to follow.

On the brighter side, I unexpectedly won a fabulous giveaway from Crystal's blog Vintage by Crystal. It arrived today and is AMAZING! I have followed her blog and website for quite awhile now and I am just over the moon with happiness. I know people always say pictures don't do something justice, well... pictures just DON'T do this awesome little bat girl justice! (Especially mine.) She is so cute, so sweet, so Crystal! I will definitely be saving some pennies to purchase a few more of her fabulous creations! Thank you again Crystal!

Working on a few pin cushions for my etsy shop. Hope to have them listed this weekend. We have had 6 straight days of rain and I have been using the time wisely. And I will try not to wait another 6 months to post!

Giving Thanks

2008-11-27T07:26:00.001-08:00

I know we should embrace this idea every day, giving thanks for the bountiful blessings around us, but the minutia of daily life tends to obstruct the view. So I would like to wish all my family and friends, near and far, a very Happy Thanksgiving. I love you all very much.

And I did reach my goal of reaching 100 sales in my merrysunshine shop and 500 sales in theginghamgirl shop, so I am thankful for the support of all my customers.

Amazing to me, I was tagged by a new blog friend, Jill. I guess the blog world is running out of people to tag, since I am like the last kid you pick for kickball. But in the spirit of thanksgiving, I am thankful for being picked, here are my six quirky and boring facts:

1. I really LOVE the color red, but I rarely wear it. I'm usually wearing something in black (I guess it is a NJ/NYC thing).

2. I hate uneven amounts of eggs in the refrigerator. I will use more than I need for a recipe just to keep the count an even number.

3. I won't exercise for 15 minutes a day, but I would spend 8 hours combing through junk at the local flea market. And I could probably do that every day.

4. I'm probably the only person you know who doesn't drink coffee or know where a Starbucks is.

5. I'm the only person in my family who has never smoked. They have all quit now, but I get the ribbon for never starting.

6. Keys were my first collection. I don't remember a time when I didn't collect them. I save ones I find on the street, at flea markets, from every car and front door I've owned. I have a hard time using them in crafts or selling them because I have this weird, deep down feeling that I might NEED them one day.

Okay, maybe that last one was TMI... Every one else has already been tagged, but if your feel like responding to this blog, I will be happy to tag you! Come, join the party!!!

To all of you that are going out shopping tomorrow, good luck, have fun, stay safe!!!

One Purchase Away....

2008-11-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

From my 100th sale in my vintage etsy shop merrysunshine. I am so happy for etsy and also happy they allow vintage. I'd like to thank everyone who has supported both my shops! You all are the greatest!! As a thank you, I am offering a $15 credit to the person who makes the 100th purchase, so go take a look! You may see something you can't live without and save a few bucks along the way. I'm also going to be offering this promo for my other shop when I reach the 500th sale mark.

And no snow for us yet, but here is a picture of things to come. The end of the year is always like a gust of wind to me. It comes along fast, carrying so much with it, blows you all around and then it is gone...while you stand wondering where it all went. Time blowing by....

Sugar Stupor

2008-11-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a wonderful success this year. My youngest trick or treated the entire town. My older kids went to parties and brought home a bit of candy. You see the spoils divided so there is no fighting.

I always enjoy hearing back from customers who have used an item they bought from me in one of their creations. You must check out Krafty Katina's blog to see what she did with some vintage jelly jars. I LOVE THEM! So adorable and creative. If you have used any item you bought from me, please send pictures! I will be happy to share your creations with the blogging world!

And please remember to go vote tomorrow. Because it does matter.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a very safe and Happy Halloween 2008! We carved pumpkins last night and I think they came out great! I don't know how many trick or treaters we will be getting, but with the nice (COLD) weather and it being Friday night, I'm expecting a bumper crop of kids.

The weather has turned cold quickly, so unless we get a warm snap somewhere down the road, I guess my flea market trips are done for the year. I love junking, but not when I have to be bundled like Nanook of the North. I suppose I am not as hard core as I used to be.

I thought it would be fun to continue the I Spy House series since the amount of things coming in does not equal the amount going out. Try as I may, items do tend to pile here and there. Look for pictures in future posts.

And please visit my vintage etsy shop merrysunshine. I am giving a $15 thank you to the person who buys the 100th item. I am so very grateful to all my wonderful customers in both of my etsy shops! I will be offering the same giveaway in my other shop for the 500th item sold. So stop by often!

Friday Flea Market Finds

2008-10-17T13:14:00.001-07:00

I really can't control myself when the weather is still so nice. I went to the flea market today and saw some friends and bought some stuff. Like this box of trims from a closed millinery shop. How can you resist when the price is right?

And I can never get enough of vintage Christmas ornaments. My sister usually takes what I don't want since her cat plays havoc with the Christmas tree. She usually loses a few ornaments every year. I really bought the group just for the bird and that white bell with blue stripes. They are so cool and will be new additions to my vintage tree this year.

Old wood boxes, another key, vintage Dennison paper party candy holders, an old Fanny Farmer Easter candy box, Flinch game....
I LOVE these shabby butter dishes and couldn't resist. They were dirt cheap and I rarely find black transferware.

An old beaded clutch, two pieces of jewelry and some neat beaded flowers. The flea market was loaded with dealers today so there was lots to pick from.

And on another note, I found this great wrapping paper at the Dollar Tree yesterday. Pink and brown circles on kraft paper. I know some of you are really die hards and make this stuff yourself, but for $1 I bought quite a few rolls for the holidays. I think it was a super find. Good luck with the hunting this weekend!

And the Summer became the Fall

2008-10-10T17:21:00.001-07:00

I have been gone so long I have missed an entire posting season! I apologize to anyone out there who still comes by to check on things here. I have come to realize that I am not a photographer. Taking pictures is not one of my favorite things. In fact, I kinda stink at it! I know that while the written word goes a long way, what brings people, myself included, back on a regular basis are great pictures. So, even though I have every good intention of taking them, my abilities never match. I plan on being diligent and getting that camera out more.

I want to thank everyone who has purchased from my etsy shops for making the summer a very busy one. I am on my way to 500 sales in my supply and handmade shop, 100 in my vintage store. When the totals get a bit closer, I will have a surprise for the 100th and 500th purchases. More on that later!

I was the unbelieveably LUCKY winner of Birds of a Feather's giveaway on Artsy Mama's Sweet & Sinister blog. I received a box of crepe paper goodies today from Heidi that made me swoon. See what I won!

Doesn't it look great before I even opened it!
I just kept pulling out fabulous ruffles, crepe paper, feathers.
I can't wait to use these in a Halloween project. I'm thinking of making a Halloween cone...
Here are a few pictures of my initial Halloween decorations. I'm going to pull the rest out this weekend and finish decorating. Still have lots to do, but don't you love this black and orange polka dot fabric? I bought it years ago and found it again while I was going through some old fabric bins in my basement.

I'm going for that Spells and Potions, spooky laboratory look....
I made these last year after I saw a tutorial on someone else's blog. Those big bottles have been in the basement for years. Well, hopefully I will get some more pictures up Monday. Have a great weekend!

Vintage Thingies Thursday: Crocheted Hangers

2008-05-15T03:50:00.000-07:00

I have been buying crocheted hangers for awhile now. I usually found one or two at a time, mostly in closets at estate sales. Two years ago I found a box of them, at a house sale. When I brought them up to pay for them, the woman at the checkout called over to her helper, "Hey sis, she is buying Grandma's hangers." Now I know these are just earthly things and I do have a sentimental attachment to many things, but I don't know HOW they were able to part with these for 10 cents each. Except for one tablecloth, I don't have anything from my Grandmother's house. But I do love them, all the colors of the rainbow, expertly stitched to fit each hanger.

Here they are lined up like the rainbow. (Okay ROYGBV, I didn't follow the correct color order. )

Pinks and yellows, with some orange and blue.

Blues of different hues.
Here are my three favorite. The red and dark blue one have white crochet edging on the tops. I just love the color combination of the multi colored one.

Don't forget to head over to Confessions of an Apron Queen for more Vintage Thingies Thursday.

A Very Happy Mother's Day to All

2008-05-11T06:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

I hope you all have the most beautiful day, filled with all the love in the world.

Another Vintage Thingies Thursday!

2008-05-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

My goodness! The week has sure flown by. I meant to get a flea market update over last weekend, but I have just been so busy. But I will try and get it posted soon. I found lots of bling and fun things. We are suppose to get torrential rain tomorrow and since it is already raining, I'm thinking the weatherman might actually be right this week.

Here is my collection of white ironstone pitchers and creamers. I started collecting them a few years ago and used to find a couple every summer. Unfortunately, I haven't found a new addition in two years. But I just love how they look all lined up like school children!

These are the bigger sized pitchers. I imagine the first two probably had a matching basin somewhere along the line. The third one might have been used for milk or syrup.

Here are the babies! Little creamers that are so sweet. Don't forget to go over to visit all the other vintage thingies at Confessions of an Apron Queen!

Vintage Thingies Thursday

2008-05-01T03:57:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to participate in the Vintage Thingies Thursday theme that Confessions of An Apron Girl is hosting over on her site. I'm showing you some of the vintage baby and children's clothes I have up in various parts of the house.

First off, that shoe is actually mine. My mother only saved the one, and I thought it looked sweet paired with the very old wool baby mittens. These are hand made and just the best shade of cream. The baby dressing gown does have some embroidery on it and is the most delicate of cotton.

This little sweater I found and just fell in love with! It is also a knitted wool that has become felted over time. There is a string of faded ribbon around the neck. These wool stockings have to be my favorite find in a long time! They are hand made, stitched up the back, and have the monogram GC at the top. One even has been lovingly repaired at the top. They are just beautiful.

Okay, you all know my love of red. How could I possibly pass up this little red velvet toddler dress? Even my husband said, just buy it, the day he saw me pick it up. There wasn't any need for discussion! It has cute little buttons to add to its charm.

Here's the gang hanging on a primitive rack in the bedroom.

And just to show I do occassionally give in to the non-primitive color of pink, a little spring coat and hat, just right for Easter Sunday mass. How could ANYONE pass this by? I couldn't believe I was able to purchase the coat and hat with vintage millenary flowers for only $3!

Here is a close up of this adorable pair.

Well, I hope I'll get a chance to hit the flea market tomorrow. The rain might hold off long enough for a quick run through. Been finding so many fun things, many that have ended up in my etsy shop. Go take a look!

Flea Market Friday Report

2008-04-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from my trip to the flea market this morning. I bought this big mason jar to hold some of the buttons I sorted after the button collection post. The potato chip tin is that great jadeite green color that goes so well in country decorating. My kitchen is red, but I think this tin will look nice in the mix. And I can never have too many little bowls, especially the drabware color like this one.
Some great crocheted hangers, baby rick rack, black lace, black gloves and bingo cards. The gloves are so very 50's with their little buttons. These are amber colored glass rods and beads. I think they were once part of a chandelier since they all have a diamond type prism at the end. Really beautiful.

Some old night caps. The blue one is badly shattered, but the crochet trim is still nice. I just love the baby bonnet all done in creamy white embroidery. Lots of bits and pieces of jewelry and such. The big plastic rhinestone belt buckle reminds me of the movie Grease. Something Riz would be proud to wear! And Sandy can wear the demure sweater clips....
Tomorrow is suppose to rain, so I'm glad I got some junking in today.

Playing Catch Up

2008-04-10T13:31:00.001-07:00

After the kids were done dyeing eggs for Easter this year, I hated to waste all those great colors. So I grabbed a huge roll of cloth ribbon I bought at the flea market last year and dyed some up. I let the ribbon steep for about a half hour and hung it up on the line to dry. I think the colors came out great, just right for tags and wrapping up my little etsy packages. I know you can probably get the same results using the liquid coloring that is sold in the bakery aisle, but I also know I won't ever get around to figuring out the correct measurements to get the colors I want. Next year I'll try and grab a few extra color kits after Easter when they go on discount. And don't you just love that little bluebird plate? I found it two years ago, all by itself in a kitchen cabinet at a house sale. I would love a whole set of them. It just makes me smile.

This blackbird pin cushion has been sitting unfinished on my craft table for a year now. I just couldn't seem to give him any wings. (What a metaphor for the way things are going in my life!) But I FINALLY gave him his wings and a tail so he can fly away. Available right now in my etsy shop. Letting go, catching up, a new season with new promises.

Button, Button Who's Got the Button?

2008-04-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

I know I am late getting this posted, but Analise over at Sugar*Sugar posted a Button Challenge on Sunday. Since I didn't even see the post until yesterday, give me points for effort. Even though I don't "officially" collect buttons, I have quite the grouping. This first picture is some of the horde separated and hidden from everyday view.

I just love these teeny tiny shell buttons!
Some of these vintage glass buttons are still on their original string with label.

Totally bonkers for all things red, I buy red buttons whenever I see them!

Some blues:

Some pinks:

Isn't this celluloid flower button great?

These remind me of hard candies:

Okay, now to put them away!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Easter Blessings to you all.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sending you all a wee bit of blessings on this beautiful day!

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

More from the I Spy house

2008-03-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

I do love tiny things, so this small collection of bride and grooms is sure to grow. That tower of stoneware butter pats I found last year is waiting for inspiration. The tiny basket is carved from a black walnut seed. I just love it!
I found this white bird dish at the flea market a few years ago. It was so caked with crud I wasn't even sure if it was chipped or cracked, but the bird was so cute! After a soaking in bleach it was just fine, ready to once again hold all sorts of bits and bobs.
I have a weakness for old sewing baskets. I just imagine the previous owner who saved a slip of ribbon, an odd button, or used the many thimbles while darning a torn sock. Occassionally, I will find a pleasant surprise in with the thread and needles. This little bear was such a surprise. She feels like fur wrapped around wood, and she wears the sweetest crocheted dress. I'm proud to have her among my treasures.
Of course, there is always room for Christmas. One of my most favorite things ever, is this snowman ashtray. He actually is an advertisement for a refrigeration company and has nothing to do with Christmas, so I leave him out all year long. The little pixies I forgot to pack when I was cleaning up after Christmas, so they will enjoy the year with the snowman. And see that card of buttons in the back? They are shoe buttons, for a child's high button shoe. So precious, I could hardly believe the dealer was selling them!
And see what is peeping out from the ground? These flowers are blanketing my lawn. Spring is just around the corner!

Easter Decorating and Spring Cleaning

2008-03-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

How I LOVE the vintage, hard plastic decorations from the 50's-60's. I'm so bad, I just buy it all, Rosbo, Irwin, Rosen, whomever. I have to admit, Halloween is my favorite holiday to decorate for, but Easter is fun too. Pinks, greens and yellows aren't my usual color palette, so the change of pace is sweet, like the first days of spring.
I remember buying that green basket at a yard sale for 10 cents! That little ceramic chick is a salt shaker who lost her pepper mate.

These little baskets still have their original price tags from S.S.Kresge Co. 3 for 10 cents. They are so adorable and just the right size for a chocolate bunny and a handful of jelly beans. I found them one spring morning at the local flea market. I can't believe the dealers passed them up, they are so precious!

Even though the weather is still cold and dampish, I have spring cleaning fever. Everything is getting dusted, washed, swept, sewn or discarded. I fear the garbage man will be knocking on the door requesting additional funds! Books and clothes are off to donations. It feels amazing.

Alas, poor Dil. We knew ye well.

2008-02-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

What a difference a day (or two) makes! Here is all that remains of handsome Dil, the one and only snowman my son had a chance to make this winter. Well, at least so far. We still have March to get through, with its crazy weather. Perhaps Dil has a brother or sister up there in the atmosphere, waiting to fall to earth in many little crystal flakes.

Tomorrow, when everyone turns their calendars over to March, audible gasps will be heard with the realization that Easter is only 23 days away. Better get those decorations out! And if you would like a sweet, little something for your basket, how about one of these bunnies? All waiting over in my etsy shop!

And so it snowed

2008-02-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

Well into winter, we finally had our first snow fall. Big, fluffy flakes fell most of the day.
The most perfect flakes for snowballs and snowmen. Meet Dil.

I also have been working on closing my antique booth. I didn't realize how much stuff I had there until I started cleaning it out. It is a bit overwhelming, but also I feel a sense of freedom. I am making progress toward my resolution to keep moving, keep doing. Some of the items have already been posted in my merrysunshine shop on etsy. I am trying to post a few days a week.

I did backslide on one part of my resolution though. I couldn't resist these adorable vintage Easter ice cream containers. Yes, I bought more stuff. Old store stock, manufactured by the Lily Tulip company during the 1960's. Originally intended for a pint of ice cream, I think they make the greatest retro Easter baskets. You can find this basket for sale here.

Good Night Moon

2008-02-21T10:27:00.001-08:00

I hope you were able to see the spectacular lunar eclipse last night! It was so cloudy all day I really didn't think we would have a chance, but as night fell, the moon rose into a clear, cloudless sky. We all watched from the kitchen windows since it was around 15 degrees outside. Just gorgeous. I was so happy, then my son broke the kitchen table. Thankfully, he didn't get hurt when the leg broke off, and now I have a 2x4 propped underneath to keep it level. Guess we will be doing some woodwork this weekend...

As the month comes to a close I have been trying to empty out my antique booth little by little. The easiest things to bring home were the linens, so they are what is filling my etsy shop at the moment. If linens aren't your thing, please keep checking back since I will be listing a variety of vintage things: kitchen ware, figurines, sewing stuff and jewelry. Nothing too expensive, priced to sell (so I don't have to store it anywhere!)

And once again, we are waiting for the snow. This is suppose to be nasty: 3-4 inches, then turning to sleet, freezing rain or more snow. So, I need to make a grocery store run for necessities: marshmallows, hot chocolate and brownie mix.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T09:50:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope it is filled with love, family, friends

and every good thing.

Bacteria and beginnings

2008-02-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

I have been dealing with a house full of sick children and husband for the last two and a half weeks now. Strep throat came to visit and left a 24 stomach virus as an unwanted guest. Trips to the doctor, trips to the pharmacy, trips to buy slushies and sherbert. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all the antibiotics, bleach and Lysol have finally succeeded in kicking those errant bactrium out of my house for good. So far, everyone is at school and work and no calls from the nurse.

Needless to say, so much has gone on the back burner, including my focusing power. I have a pile of items to go into my etsy shop and I'm beginning to list sporatically throughout the day. But the pile to time ratio is very lopsided. I don't know how others managed to create, photograph, blog, flickr, sell, ship, update etc. and have time to do anything else! My hat goes off to you all, you know who you are! I kneel at the feet of the masters.

It has been so bitterly cold the last few days, but with no snow. Just bone chilling, windy cold. When I went outside to throw out the trash, I noticed the tender green shoots of daffodils coming out of the hard, brown ground. Beginnings....

I Spy with my Little Eye....

2008-01-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

My neighbor came over yesterday to help me with a computer question. She has been in my house many times before, but I guess this was the first time she was ever in the den. She looked around and exclaimed, "This is the I Spy house!" I was at first embarrassed but she was thrilled and spent quite a bit of time looking through everything. So I thought I would let you all spy a bit of the gathered mass of trinkets. Excuse the dust--

And in case anyone out there has been waiting with anticipation, I opened another shop on etsy with all kinds of vintage, retro and kitschy items. As of March 1st my brick and mortar location will be closed and I will be transfering as much as possible to Merry Sunshine. Please come by and look around.

Cold, cold and more cold

2008-01-21T10:52:00.000-08:00

Winter has camped out on our doorstep. The temps are in the single digits, with the wind chill in the negative zone. All this frigid cold air without ANY snow. Just hard ground, bare branches, and crisp air. My friend calls it hibernating season and I think we all can relate to that.

I managed to get a Valentine's Day ornament done last week. It is currently for sale in my etsy shop. I really love how it turned out. Primitive or shabby, I think it would be fitting for your dear one.

And in keeping with my New Year's resolution, I have decided to close my antique booth in a nearby shop. It has been something I have thought about for two years, but I always put off. Once I close out, I will be posting the loads of linens and other vintage things in a new etsy shop. More on this later.

Still waiting....

2008-01-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

As you can see, the predicted snowstorm fizzled out. We had lots and lots of rain, but not one little flake. Instead of sewing all day, I spent most of the day cleaning. I did manage to get a bag of things ready to photograph, with some luck, I will have them listed in my etsy shop tomorrow.

Waiting

2008-01-13T16:35:00.001-08:00

This is the before picture. We are waiting for the first real snowstorm of the season to move in tonight. Went shopping for lots of comfort food and videos. Looking forward to plenty of creating time. Show you the results tomorrow.

Hopping right along

2008-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

I spent the last two days working on projects that had been put by the wayside. I forced myself to get them finished and mailed off. Even before I was able to snap a picture, such was my hurry. Why? Because I REALLY wanted to be working on these cute bunnies and chicks I had in my head. A little sneak peak at one of the bunnies. I'm trying to finish them all before listing in my etsy shop.

This short burst of warm weather is utterly divine. The sun, the BLUE sky, all so beautiful in the midst of damp, cold, grey winter. Another day or two of cloudless skies and then back into the shroud. Many thanks for the small blessings.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

Sunrise 1/1/08

No doubt there might be a reader out there who is wondering if I did indeed manage to poison my entire family with the Thanksgiving feast since I haven't posted since then. Rest easy, my family, friends and I managed to make it through the gastronomical holidays thoroughly and abundantly well fed. The holidays are such a busy time I am in awe of other bloggers who are able to keep up a daily post. Which leads me to this post.

I have thought about this for awhile. I don't make resolutions anymore, but this year I made the resolution to shit or get off the pot. (For those of you offended by cursing, I sincerely apologize.) And I mean in all areas of my life. So I will make the diligent effort to update this blog on a regular basis. I'm not a great photographer and that has always held me back with this blog since I know how much everyone loves photos, me included. So I will break out the camera and take more pics. I will stop buying supplies and start creating. Time to get off the pot and start moving.

I'm working on some bunnies I hope to put in my etsy shop in the next few days. Stop by and check it out!

Defrosting

2007-11-21T06:45:00.001-08:00

In a scene being replayed across countless homes this Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I give you my turkey, SLOWLY defrosting. I'm always so afraid I will give my whole family some crazy bacteria that I tend to have the turkey in the fridge defosting for days prior to cooking. However, it never really defrosts (I guess if I started the process two weeks prior perhaps)and I always end up leaving it in the sink for a couple of hours. Then begins the barage of cooking, eating and cleaning. It is overwhelming in a festive way.

Here is hoping you all have a wonderful, safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Always good intentions and unexpected gifts

2007-11-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

Today I had intended to post to my blog, add a few new items to my etsy shop and pack a box or two for shipment. But, halfway through checking my email, the electricity decided to go off. After 15 minutes I went on to other things: dishes to wash in the sink, beds to be made, floors in need of sweeping. I worked in such a quite stillness that it caught me by surprise. No electric hums. No background pops, pings or whirs. Totally quiet. What a refreshing gift to be given.

So, tomorrow is another day. But let me show you these pictures before I go. I love the basket of trims I found in the bottom of someone's old sewing box. The two plastic birdcage ornaments hold little plastic birds and have a hole on the bottom so you can put them over a light bulb. I just adore them! And I just can't resist old wooden boxes. I love this one with the cubby holes waiting to hold more treasures. And you can never have enough keys. I am constantly buying them. But just imagine their stories! All they have opened; all they have closed and locked away. They are too precious to leave behind.

Out into the noise once again. I'll be looking for gifts along the way.

Trying not to chase the seasons

2007-11-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

Took this picture outside with the sun dappled through the branches. So chilly outside this morning, but so worth the walk outside to bask in more golden sunlight. It is so hard to stay in the present with the big "12/25" looming in the distance. Thanksgiving has become little more than a turkey sized speed bump.

All that said, I spent part of today at work on an ornie for a swap I am doing with a fellow prim gal. I hope she likes her little santa. I love how he came out.

And I managed to put a few new things in my etsy shop, so if you get a chance, please stop by and browse!

The Party's Over

2007-11-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I have let escape a whole month without posting. October is my favorite month. I find it so chocked filled with activities, glorious golden sunlight, flea markets to explore and Halloween! The days flew by and now we are into the steady slide toward Christmas and a New Year. I refuse to start decorating until after Thanksgiving, but I guess I am in the minority. I hope you enjoy a few more days before the ground is so covered in white that green is memory...

These guys popped up literally overnight. I went out and found a cluster of them growing through the wet leaves. So beautiful, but they also must have been quite tasty because by the time the kids got home they had fallen prey to some hungry creature. I didn't see anything dead in the driveway....

I made this Peace Bird ornament awhile ago. I had a few extras, this one is available, along with companions Simplify and Hope, in my etsy shop.

Suddenly Last Summer

2007-09-27T04:33:00.001-07:00

Even though we have officially left summer behind, the temperature yesterday reached 90 degrees. It is such an odd juxtaposition to have such heat amid the tinted and falling leaves. Just enough to tilt your axis a bit. I find myself tilted quite a lot these days as if I am in some kind of endless, rolling Fun House ride.

I found this great Halloween stamp somewhere in my junking travels and thought it would make cute Halloween tags. My scanner is not working so I had to photograph them. I really need to get the hang of close up photography (or far away photography for that matter!). It seems to be a talent I can not master. So please forgive the grainy pics. I will be putting this set up for sale in my etsy shop.

Back again

2007-09-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

I find it hard to believe almost a month has gone by since my last post. With the start of school so many things change: routines, dispositions, emotions. I find it a bit like getting tilted on my axis, so many new ways, ideas and relationships that must balance with the old ways, ideas and relationships. But we all find our way-- eventually the path is illuminated.

I have been working on a few new Halloween items. I participated in the P&R Board's Halloween ornie swap again. It is my FAVORITE swap and I do love all things Halloween-y. Here is a pic of the ornie I made for the swap, along with a pumpkin pincushion. The pincushion was made from 70's vintage crushed velvet upholstery material and has a velvet stem. I bought that orange fabric one recent Saturday morning after swearing the night before I was not going to buy ANY MORE FABRIC since I'm approaching critical storage mass. How weak I am under the texture of fabric, the feel of it in my hands is as close to any addiction.

Take time to enjoy the day.

These small hours

2007-08-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain

That is just how I feel right now. All that remains of summer are small hours to be savored. School starts in another week and the mad lounging of blue skies and green grass makes way for the mad rush of quickly gulped breakfasts and new clothes. I am sorry to see this summer end. It was filled with many wonderful times, spent with family and friends. I am also glad to see it go. It was filled with a few regrets of paths not taken, of opportunities missed. In the small hours that remain, I will try and squeeze out every moment, every hug, every kiss, every fluttering bird, every good thing.

Ready to be opened.

Sock Puppet

2007-08-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite blogs to read is house wren studio. If you have never visited Charlotte Lyons blog, please take a moment to amble over. You can read all about her sock kitty. It made me laugh because I thought of the sock puppet I made for my son when he was three. I am almost embarrassed to post the picture, since the puppet is so, well, sock like. Snobbish sounding as it is, I am a bit more creative. But, it is the first thing I ever made with my son and he picked out the buttons. (Yes, there are three.) I sewed them on, but that was as far as he wanted to go. He had me play talking with it for days, then he started play talking with it. After all these years, we still keep it on display. He doesn't want to send it into the "toy archives". I think tonight I will have sock puppet give my son a kiss good night.

Show and Tell Friday

2007-08-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it out today just before a huge storm rolled in and turned the flea market into a sea market. I did manage to find this one book before everyone, including myself, ran for cover. How appropriate, I thought, that The Gingham Girl should have herself a Gingham Dog. This old children's book is just delightful, with great vintage illustrations. The story isn't a happy one, since the gingham dog and calico cat end up destroying themselves at the end. Can't you tell by the photo? If only this book had been red instead of blue....

More musings, more treasures

2007-08-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

I am officially out of the magical world. I finished Harry Potter early last week, then spent the rest of the week asking questions, discussing plot turns, wondering what-ifs with my daughter. I miss Harry already.

On toward the fall we march, even though we are at the beginning of an August heat wave that stretches out like a fiery ribbon before us. With all the green around me, I wonder if this time next week the first tints of brown will be beginning to creep in. But this morning the dew was thick on my feet as I walked outside to water the tomatoes. I left wet footprints on the deck, like little puddles.

Took a very quick run through the flea market last Friday. I was in a rush to get home but I still mananged to find a few goodies. My absolute favorite is the paper mache birdie ornament with the tarnished glitter. I already have a few of these ornaments for my tree, what makes this guy different is his head comes off! He doubles as a candy container! I was so happy to find him, he joins a proud flock. The little tins, bill file folder and hinges are going into my etsy shop. The bottles are on the window sill ready to hold some little flowers. Hope you have time to stop and smell some flowers of your own today.

2007-07-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

It is such a cliche, but Summer is just flying by. My backyard looks like every color of green in a crayon box. Blades of grass snuggled next to each other, leafy green fingernails stretching from all the branches. My favorite tree, with his little face saying hello.... I enjoy all this beauty from my window.

I have been holed up reading Harry Potter. Whenever I can steal a few moments between driving, cleaning, errands, cooking, etc. Gone are the days when I had 24 hours of time to my disposal, to read, uninterrupted by well, life. Growing up in the days before constant electronic entertainment, I spent my summers doing chores in the morning, then reading the rest of the day until dinner. Then after the kitchen was cleaned up, reading until sleep. All those books, all those days. I am trying to savor this last book, but it is so hard. How can I read slowly when every page urges me on?

So please forgive me if I don't write more. That book is truly magical. If you haven't read this series, do yourself a favor and start. It is a journey that will stay with you.

I'm Just Wild About Harry!

2007-07-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, I was at Barnes and Noble at midnight to get myself a copy of the last installment of the Harry Potter saga. I had to wait until my daughter finished it. I started it yesterday. This is so bittersweet, I can't believe it is the end! I don't know how I am going to manage to get through it without sobbing.

But I'm breaking away long enough to post a few new things to my etsy shop. Please take a stop by and check out all the things that I am cleaning out!

Hearts in a row

2007-07-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

I put this little bench on the table by the front door to remind us all that even though we leave and go in separate directions, we are always together, our hearts nestled near each other in love.

I opened my etsy shop yesterday and was happy to get my first sale right away. I will continue to list items in it as I go through my huge destash.If you need any trim, buttons, the odd bit or bob, please stop by. I also listed two of the cute pom pom Halloween cats I made.

And I have been working on an altered art piece inspired by a snippet of poetry I read on Joanna's blog Moss Hill Studio: "Let us thank Him for both, let us take the weights as well as the wings." I have a vision of how I want this piece to look, but finding just the right item has been keeping it from progressing. I hope to find some nicer wings soon. But until it is done, here is a little preview.

Why I love my sister

2007-07-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the length between posts. Summer + 3 kids = NOT ENOUGH TIME. The days just rush away, much like the waves at the beach. Running after them, getting knocked over by them, gently floating among them. Life salty and sandy.

My sister and I have both been having some family goings ons. Nothing major or catastrophic, but keeping us both busier than we would like. Also keeping us more serious than we would like. Since we hadn't been able to get together for a few weeks, we planned a movie date to see Evening. Now it isn't a happy movie; it is a movie about regrets, choices, death, love, basically what if I took that other path. But it is the kind of movie my sister and I both love and one that our husbands hate, so we knew if we wanted to see it on the big screen, this was our only chance. So off we went to the theater. Okay, have you ever seen the Seinfeld episode with the Pez dispenser? Remember how Elaine couldn't stop laughing and had to leave the piano recital? Imagine that happening to us at the beginning of this movie. We laughed through 1/3 of the film before we got control of ourselves back. How very inappropriate we are! And that is why I LOVE my SISTER. Someone to laugh with when all else is falling around, someone to be inappropriate with, someone who knows and still loves me. The best part was that our dinner that night was popcorn, peanut M&Ms and licorice.

I have been slogging away at my destashing quest. I was going to wait until I was finished to list it all, but since there is so much now, I think I will list a few things each day. Starting tomorrow you can check it out in my etsy store.

Don't you just love the hunt?

2007-06-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

In between all my cleaning and sorting, I can not deny the call of the hunt. Especially when the days are so balmy, the skies so blue, and the clouds so puffy. Everything looks so full of potential, from the stained roll of baby rick rack, to the white ironstone butter pats. I also found a shoe box full of old cotton pipe cleaners and more vintage fabric. I only had a few spare dollars this weekend, but I managed it well. What treasures did you find this weekend?

Inspiration

2007-06-21T14:24:00.001-07:00

What I love about all the blogs on the internet is getting to see all the creativity, imagination and projects that go on in the worlds of the many artists' sites I visit daily. What I hate about all the blogs on the internet is seeing all the creativity, imagination and projects that are going on.... Yes, I am easily swayed by the pretty fabric, the beautiful paper, the vintage ribbon. I'm always so eager to try a new craft or technique that I have seen that I rush out to get the supplies. Like most of you, my intentions don't always result in a finished project. My craft supply closet can attest to that. Why do I have a coffee can filled with walnut shell halves? Were they for some long ago Girl Scout project? I don't even know at this point. So, the next few days I will be sorting, trying to get a handle on the great mountain of craft items and then listing them in my etsy store.
But, before that, let me show you what I was inspired to make after seeing the oh so adorable pom pom bunnies made by Jennifer Murphy. Bunnies aren't my thing, but I do adore all things Halloween. So I improvised the pattern a bit and made my own vintage looking pom pom scary cat and pumpkin. Hope you like them!

Staring at the blank page before me….

2007-06-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

I really love that song Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. My favorite part is:

No one else
Can speak the words on your lips
drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten.

What a wonderful philosophy to live by! Each day a fresh start. When the days are warm and sunny, it is easy to embrace. I wish each of you wide open arms full of all good things.

And since everyone likes pictures, a few treasures I found over the weekend.

Some will end up in the etsy shop I hope to open soon. I will be destashing in an attempt to make some room and sort out supplies. Like so many of you, I have enough things to create from now until the end of time. So, I hope you will stop back often!