All Things Pretty...

Getting organized (a bit)...

In preparation for going back to work (classes start next week)...  I decided that I needed to organize the Sunshine Room a bit.  The last few weeks have seen a flurry of projects come and go, and somehow, I don't always put everything back in it's place when I'm done ((who does that happen?!?))  It seems like I have more "stuff" at the end of a project than I had to start with

(could it be that I won't stop shopping for supplies and bringing home even more stuff?)

 

Too many little things.

So I headed out to my favorite GW in search of yet another white cabinet to repurpose.

 

It was my lucky day... I found this piece for $3.99.  Had some stains and dings (nothing some paper or lace can't cover), but was nice and sturdy and had a few cubbies.

The photo above shows the piece in the midst of its mini-makeover.  I decoupaged the inside of the cubbies; any additional dings or ugly patches received a lace cover-up...

It's amazing what some paper, lace and buttons can accomplish~

I now have lots of space to store and display those odds and ends...

 

 

The top of the cabinet gives me ample display space.

 

 

While I was in the organizing mood, I also created some little vignettes using my latest experimental projects.  Sometimes I hit a wall with a project, put it aside, then come back to it later.  

For instance, altered tins...

Ribbon medallions...

(I'm currently in love with this color combo - grey, mauve/violet, turquoise)

I also picked up a few pretty but inexpensive containers to drop left-overs in...  the little pieces sitting on your table when you are done, that are too pretty to throw out.  

This blue bird container is one of my favorites.

So there you have it... a bit of organization.   

We'll see how long it lasts!

Hope you are having a fabulous week;

can you believe tomorrow is already September 1st?  

 

Linking up to

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

"Firsts" part II...

More creativity this past weekend...  I felt like my time had run out (summer) and I needed to get as much done as possible!  Several little projects which I've been meaning to work on - all of them "firsts" for me - got started (and some were even finished!)

As I mentioned in my last post, I finally made my very first altered dominoes...  

 

 

I'm pleased with how they turned out... but realize that I'm not quite finished.  

Would still like to embellish the perimeter of the domino and maybe add a bit more three-dimensional touches.  

You know what I mean; "junk" it up a bit more (as my dear MIL used to say).

 

 Remember the glass bottles I mentioned here?  

Well, a couple of those had a bit of a make-over...

 

 

Marie Antoinette is a popular gal around Blogland; she deserves her very own bottle!  On this bottle, her image was printed on cream linen, which was applied to a metal button base.

 

And since I was on a roll with the whole Marie thing, I made a few tags as well.  Here's my favorite one.

 Well, got to go!~  I'm back to the Sunshine Room to work on more little projects!

 (The back-to-school countdown is on.... I start work on Wednesday)

 

 I'm sharing my creations  with the following parties:

I Party @ the girl creative

Blue Monday at Smiling' Sally

Halloween is in the air...

I know... it's just August...  but I've been seeing Halloween all over Blogland already!  Lots of excited Halloween lovers are ready to start celebrating; tons of swaps and parties being planned. 

I've already received my first Halloween gift of this year!  

"Bewitching" ATC from Tee at The Altered Paper .  (Thank you, Tee!)

Tee is hosting a Halloween ATC Swap; sign up is still open,

so stop by and join the fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wendy at Bliss Angels is hosting a Halloween Tin Swap (this will be my first tin - can't wait!).  You still have time to sign up for this fun swap!

 

JoAnne at Vintage Dragonfly is having a Halloween altered matchbox swap; we're also including four handmade Halloween items with our box.... such fun!

 

 

Heather at Speckled Egg is hosting another of her petite inspiration box swaps, this one with the theme "curiosities", which can include Halloween and other curious, unique items.  Sign-ups are open!

 

I've spent quite a bit of time in the Sunshine Room this weekend, working on my swap items.  Tried my hand at altered dominoes and have to admit that it's much more fun than I anticipated...  I especially enjoyed the inking of the domino process; watching the colors blend to create really unique hues.  I now want to make domino books...

 

Oops!  Forgot to mention one other fun party I've signed up for!  

The 2nd Annual Practical Magic blog party, being hosted by Frosted Petunias.  I participated last year and had a blast!  Have you seen the movie?  If not, you've been missing out on a classic; lots to see in terms of decor and fun, great story line and a fantastic cast of characters.  

 

 

Here's what I created for the event last year...  magic wands featuring two of the film's main characters:  sisters Gillian and Sally.

 

 

Ok...I think I'm done (for now).

Happy Sunday; I hope you are enjoying your weekend.

 (My last official "summer" weekend, as I start school next week.)

Nelly and the bees...

This week, I found some really unique (at least to me!) items...  not the type of stuff I usually go ga-ga over, but something attracted me to them.  

Maybe their sweet pink hues?

Like in this beehive measuring cup set :

 

 

I could tell they were vintage... and I knew they were cute.

 Other than that, I didn't know much about the maker, Menschik-Goldman.

 

 

A little research on both Etsy and EBay left me in a state of shock; as these sets are selling in the $50 to $100 range!  

That would be for a complete set (sadly, mine is missing the 1/2 cup) - but still pricey.  

They were made in the 1950's and I guess they are a favorite for many collectors.  

 

 

The more I look at them, the more I like them!  The cups nest to create a beehive...each bee a different hue.  So sweet!

 

(the doily was another fun find)

 

Then I came across Nelly, the Shell Girl...

 

 

Isn't she adorable?  You see why I had to bring her home with me?

 

She stands just under 6" and yet, all the tiny shell details are so amazing!

 

For example, her bouquet... 

 

And just look at her "skirt" with it's shelled detail...

 

But my absolute favorite is her sweet face and her bonnet.

 

 

So now I'm faced with the dilemma that many of us have...

do I keep her or do I sell her?

What would you do friends?

 

I'm linking up to Beverly's fabulous Pink Saturday party and sharing my Nelly and the bees!

 

 

Here comes the bride...

Going to the chapel....

 

Gonna' get married...

 

"I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife."

 

 

...And they lived happily ever after...

 

***

 

..A different bride, many many years prior...

 

 

... she was wearing the finest wedding gown...

 

... she looked radiant as she walked into the church... all eyes were on her

 

 

... not only because she looked so lovely, but because the Groom had left her at the altar!

 

Alas, a not so happy outcome.

 

I'm sharing my brides with

White Wednesday @ Faded Charm

Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home

 

 

"Firsts"

It has been a creative summer for me.  It was the "first" time ever that I had a whole summer to myself... time to treasure shop, junk hunt, create.... shop some more.... create.... re-arrange the Sunshine Room because I brought home too much "stuff"... shop some more (because I now have room)...and in between all this, take some time to blog..

You get the picture.

It has been the best, cheapest therapy ever! 

Nothing beats the sense of joy and fulfillment I get when I complete something I've made with my very own hands (and sometimes, a few helpful tools).

I've had the delight of visiting many new blogs and making new friends... joined a few fun swaps, some of which required that I create something new/different, which I had not made before.  For those of you who have been blogging for a while - these are no biggies - but to me it meant "creative exploration and adventure."

For example, I made my very "first" fabric book!  It was for my swap partner, Cami, for The Vintage Dragonfly's "Grandma's Attic Altered Matchbox Swap."

 

 

...  Grandma's brag book, full of pics of the grandkids...

 

 

 

It accompanied my altered matchbox

(not a "first" but only my second one ever)

 

 

I made my very "first" ATC!

Unbelievable - that I've survived this long in Blogland without having made one!  

They are quick and fun and addictive...

 

Created for my partner, April - for Tee's "Lady in a Hat ATC Swap"

 

Another "first" was incorporating "new" charms into my work...  I've always embellished with beads, jewelry, ribbon, lace, things I already own... but had never actually looked for and purchased  a "new" piece to use in my creations.  

For Karla's "BirdSong Tag Book Swap" I found these charming bird charms on Etsy and knew they would be perfect for my tags!

 

 

...of course, I had to embellish them a bit with some gold German glitter...

.... I love how the tags turned out!  

 

I learned not to limit myself to what I have on-hand, that it's "ok" to seek out new things if the need arises (or the whim inspires).

 

This weekend, I made my "first" pendant necklace!

 

 

My daughter's friend, Liz, is flying off to Amsterdam (today!)  to complete her Master's degree and Bianca wanted to give her something special...  Liz is a skilled pianist, so I wanted to use that as my theme.  I found this sweet art in my vintage sheet music stash....  added some German glitter and some fairy wings... a few vintage rhinestones for bling (every pianist needs her bling, right?)

 

...  I didn't like how any of my chains looked with the piece, so I tried the crinkled ribbon and vintage lace and loved it!  

I am very pleased with how it turned out (smile).

Hoping Lizzy will love it also!

And there you have it friends, a summer of "firsts."  

(I'm on a "try new things" spree!  Signed up to do an altered tin swap and altered bottle swap, both of which will be "firsts"   yay!)

I'm sharing my "firsts" with the following parties:

 Made by You Monday at Skip to My Lou

Blue Monday at Smiling' Sally

The Inspiration Board at Homework

Swap spoils...

I participated in my 2nd altered matchbox swap recently...  the theme was "grandma's attic" and it was hosted by the creatively fabulous JoAnne at Vintage Dragonfly.  

As the theme implies, we were to fill our boxes with vintage items that you would typically find in grandma's attic...  

Here's the lovely box I received from my partner, Victoria

 

...she must have known how much I Iove roses!  

 

...and how much I love lace...

The box was packed with treasures from "grandma's attic"

 

 

... full of fabulous PINK accents...

 

...  I already have a few projects planned for these...

(how about a pink and black Halloween theme?  just wondering...)

Thank you so much, Victoria, for my beautiful pink box!

 

I'm sharing my pinks today with

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

Glass endeavors...

My kitchen counter looks a bit like a bottle shop right now... I've been buying old and not so old (but with personality) bottles (and a few decanters) recently because I want to try my hand at altering them.

 

There are so many variations out there to the "altered bottle" theme; anything from Victorian and shabby chic, to rustic and western. I even saw one recently that had skeleton bones in it! Not my style exactly, but you get the point - anything goes! To give myself lots of options, I've gathered bottles of all sizes and shapes...

 

I've also been on the lookout for glass stoppers and tops; a bit harder to find,

but well worth the effort.

 

 

The etched glass pieces are my favorite... (note to self: make sure I don't cover these details when I alter/embellish).

 

I even ran across this votive holder that has a bit of bling across the rim... not old, but still lovely.

It will be my inspiration piece for my altered bottles.

 

(... this rim reminds me of a crown or tiara... )

 

Can't wait to get started!

Wish me luck!

 

I'm linking up to these fun parties:

White Wednesday @ Faded Charm Cottage

Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Delicious, nutritious, PBP...

Happy Monday!

Today I'm joning my sisters at Bloggerette Sorority for a Recipe Blog Party...  don't forget to stop on by for some fabulous recipes and yummy photos... it looks like we all have a bit of a sweet tooth because I see lots of desserts!

The recipe I'm sharing is one of my all-time favorites -  peanut butter pie!  

I am a huge fan of peanut butter;  my daughter Bianca found this recipe onlineabout 4 years ago.  She modifies it to make it "healthier" and a tiny bit lower in fat  (she substitutes with brown sugar and organic products wherever possible).

 

 So let's get started, shall we?

Gather all your ingredients.

1 cup peanut butter

 1/2 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup low fat milk (skim may be used)
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup total of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips
1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust  (also yummy with chocolate crust)

 

Directions:

 
Beat egg whites until white peaks form.

 

 
In a second bowl, beat together egg yolks and sugar (until pale yellow)

 

Mix in peanut butter, vanilla, honey, and milk.

 

Fold in the egg whites.

 

Evenly distribute the chips on the bottom of the graham cracker crust.

 

Pour filling into the crust, decorate the top with chips if so desired.

 

Bake at 350 degree F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until the pie is mostly set throughout.  (It will look golden brown and not completely firm.)

Let cool for at least 30 minutes

(the cooling will allow it to set and get a bit firmer).

 

Enjoy!

...as you can see, I like to enjoy mine with a bit of chocolate sauce...

 

We discovered GrownUp Kidstuff's chocolate sauce during a recent trip to Chicago; it is decadent!

 

 

((Recipe is based on Patricia's Peanut Butter Pie on allrecipes.com))

Thank you to my daugther, Bianca, for being my chef! 

 

For Charlie... with love...

Today is another special day...  everyone has gathered in Blogland to honor a very brave, special little boy named Charlie.  

 

 

 

Please join us by visiting participating blogs and leaving your comments.

Here's how you can help...

 

It's a Miracle Makeover Party! When you stop by Design Gives Back, you will find many links to the web and Facebook that you can use to leave your comments, which equal donations for Charlie and his family. 

 

Also, you can visit Beverly's Pink Saturday party at  How Sweet The Sound, where bloggers are  sharing inspirational stories, prayers and photos. If you leave a comment there, it will count as a donation also.

 

Thank you for helping.

Don't forget to leave your comments here, also!

My lacy corner of the world...

I can't believe it's the middle of the week already!

Is it my imagination, or are these summer days lasting less than 24 hours?!?

Since I'm panicking a bit, realizing summer is almost over and I haven't finished the items on my "to do" list, I had a (sudden) creative burst of energy and completed a few projects!

This particular project was inspired by my visits to the amazing studios of bloggers who participated in the 3rd annual Where Bloggers Create party... if you haven't visited yet, make your way over!

I noticed and took note of the many clever ways these bloggers have utilized their space... and the creative, original ways they have organized their materials. That area always seems to be a challenge for me, as I keep accumulating more and more materials and supplies!

For example: lace. I have it in boxes, folded, rolled, in envelopes, spools, etc. When I am looking for a particular type of lace to use in a project, it takes me 4ever to get my hands on the perfect one!

There has to be an easier way.

That's where this little guy comes in (good bones + bad style = $1.99 price tag):

(( b e f o r e ))

The perfect find for what I had in mind... a lace hanger!

Here's his new look:

 

(( a f t e r ))

 

Not bad, right?

 

 

 

The little drawers/cubbies got decoupaged with lovely toille paper.

 

A pretty handmade lace rosette now adorns the top.

 

... the hardest part was deciding which laces were going here...

the one drawback my new little hanger has is that it is too small

(I need 15 more just like it!).

 

 

I opted for odds'n'ends pieces... the ones I need at a moment's notice.

The inexpensive stuff (dare I call them "common" ?)

Lace. Lace. Lace.

How I love thee.

Now it sits prettily in a corner of The Sunshine Room.

My very own "lacy corner" of the world.

 

 

 

It's happy; I'm happier.

 

 

I'm linking up to these fabulous parties:

White Wednesday party at Faded Charm Cottage

Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Sweet vintage baby...

What is is about vintage baby gowns/dresses that we find so appealing?

For me, they bring back sweet memories of childhood; being a little girl in Cuba in the 1960's, living out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by fruit trees, sugar cane fields, and in our front yard -  tons of wild rose bushes.  

My mother, Nancy,  always insisted that my brother and I take naps after lunch.  Upon awakening, she would bathe us and dress us in our "nice" clothes for the afternoon/evening.  We weren't going anywhere, or expecting company, but she felt comfort,  pride and joy in seeing her children in their handmade finery when so many things in our lives were lacking.    Her children would not be seen running around the countryside barefoot and dirty!  (Trust me, I tried)

 An amazing seamstress, she made all of our clothing (and in some instances, our shoes!) out of scraps saved from the sewing jobs she took on.  

I remember many of those dresses she made for me...  my earliest memories were of a very pale yellow cotton dress with embroidered roses in peaches and pinks along the collar.  My mother can't believe I remember that little dress, as I was a mere 3 years of age when I she made it!

When I'm out and about shopping for vintage, I'm always attracted to vintage baby items - especially the handmade clothing.  Last weekend I was lucky enough to find a stash of them at a local estate sale...  it was the 3rd and last day of the sale... actually, the last hour of the sale!  I could not believe that those sweet gowns were still there!

 

 

... many of these vintage gowns have lovely tatting...

 

 

 

... see the little rose? The ones that I remember being on my dress were JUST like this!  Made out of embroidery thread, my mom called them "capullitos" (which translates into the chrysalis stage of the butterfly's metamorphosis)...  I always thought that definition was so creative!

 

My palms were sweating when I picked up this beautiful christening gown...  it was not in perfect shape, but that just made it more precious.

 

... the photos really do not do it justice!  It has so many details!  The fabric is deliciously soft and luxurious.

Even the cuffs are sweet...

 

 This is another christening gown... much simpler, less "flashy",  but still very pretty.

 

 

 

Another incredible find was this bonnet...

 

 

... love them lacy ruffles!

 

It was a delightful trip down memory lane.

 I was tempted to keep all of them, but alas, have decided to part with a few (which are now for sale in my Etsy shoppe).  

Happy Monday and enjoy your week!

 

The porch is blooming...

I've been working on re-doing my porch... not a major project, just a cosmetic, low-budget makeover (the major projects, like stripping and repainting the entire porch - floor and beams - still need completion before summer ends!)

My white wicker was looking a bit tired, so I decided to paint it all black ("Black?" my husband asked with some trepidation), cover (the no-sew type of "covering) the old cushions with vintage matelasse, tablecloths, throw a few floral pillows (love how the florals looks against the black!)... and there you have it.

A new look with minimal cost.

(the most expensive items were the 5 cans of spray paint!)

 

I purchased used floral pillows and shams from local thrift shoppes (the beautiful one above is a Ralph Lauren sham)...

 

 

 

The new color scheme required that I come up with some coordinating accessories...

This little lamp ($3.99) is perfect - the black/white stripes look great with the "new" wicker. (It looks like it might be a Tracy Porter lamp...)

 

 

I had an old frame which I had decoupaged a while back and was just sitting in my studio... I stapled a fabulous sateen in black with roses... hung a cream vintage plate from some black ribbon... a few seashell flowers.

 

Some fresh-cut flowers always add instant ambiance...

(yes, I'm still cutting armfuls of hydrangeas!)

 

 

I have a collection of vintage bunny planters and doorstops that come out to play every summer. Some have a nick or two, but I don't mind! I like to "hide" them among my flowers and plants for an unexpected surprise...

 

And recently, I've been buying "bird" planters and doorstops...

(the bunnies need a little vacation)

So far, I'm pleased with the porch makeover.

 

(still have a few little projects to complete before the final reveal).

 

I'm sharing my porch makeover with the following parties:

Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Unexpected gifts...

A rather large box was sitting on my doorstep on Monday afternoon...

Don't you love receiving packages that you were not expecting?

The package came from my sister-in-law, Stephanie, who found all these fabulous "things" she thought I would like. A belated birthday gift - and what a gift! Stephanie had read my post from last week where I talked about the need for a change.

As I opened the package, a wonderful scent filled the room; the smell of the ocean...

...seashells...

 

... in all shapes, sizes, colors...

 

 

... they look perfect in my new (recently acquired for $1.99) glass jar...

 

... there was also some coral...

... I couldn't get over all this beauty from the sea...

 

 

... but there was more! She also included a fabulous old shoe form and some scrapbooking items...

 

The most perfect gifts!

 

 

...I already have some great ideas for my shells...

 

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

I'm linking to Faded Charm Cottage for their White Wednesday blog party;

won't you join us?