Ornaments from trash and scraps

I found an old metal strap (probably from a can of motor oil or oil filter) in the parking lot where we bought our Xmas tree.  My husband and kids are used to me picking up old metal and discarded wood. Please tell me I'm not the only one that does this!

Over the weekend I spent an hour or so with a glass of wine getting messy in the studio and used my new find. I made an Xmas tree from pieces of the strap on this small canvas.  Kara and I both made tree ornaments on canvas. The fun part is preparing the background. We covered the canvas in book pages and then used a brayer to paint on white, gold and blue onto the backgrounds. You could always use a damp towel, your finger or a dry brush to do the same. We also used distress ink and glitter. Would you like to see hers?

Her background came out even better than mine! She used some ribbon scraps to make her tree. I plan to use an eye hook to hang them both.  I displayed mine on a cabinet card project I'm working on right now.  Just looked so pretty together that I had to photograph it that way.

Hope you have a wonderful week!  I'm looking forward to sharing a new find, my bedroom redo and some dried flower projects with you soon.  xoxo Linking to:

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Thanksgiving post cards for you

Hello, friends! I have scanned a few of my vintage Thanksgiving postcards for you. I love to put these out in flower frogs or hang them from my shutters during the holiday.  I hope you can find a good use for them.  Maybe a card or tag for a hostess gift?  Just right click, save image to your computer and then you will be able to print and use.  These are best if printed on cardstock.

I posted these last year too. These are my favorites and I enjoy digging them out each year. I enjoy them almost as much as my mom's stuffing and my mother in law's sweet potatoes. 

I hope that each of you has a blessed Thanksgiving and safe travels too. So good to be back in touch.  Thank you for your inspiration, your comments and your follows.  xoxo

Holiday decor - Oh Deer!

The holiday open houses are starting around town.  This one was right down the street at Hidden Treasures. I LOVE this old wooden box.  I picture it next to the tree filled with presents.

This little wagon would look great by the front door or on the patio with a tree inside.  I've resisted so far.  By the way, pictures tonight via the Iphone...not so bad!

Love this lantern!  I tried to pick her up for a closer look but she was nice and heavy. My hands were already full.  I bet she went home with someone tonight.....I sound catty and jealous don't I?

It is not a holiday open house unless someone breaks a glass ornament, right?! lol  There were some really fun ones here and oh so pretty. Fortunately, nothing broken during our visit.

These were hilarious.  I can't believe I have not seen these before. Pink flamingos all decked out for Xmas.

And finally, contrary to popular blogger belief...not EVERYTHING looks good painted white.  I could see those whiskers a mile away! This guy was a hot mess.  lol  I have seem some really cute ones on Pinterest with glitter and bling.  This one looks like the guy at the office Xmas party you try to avoid.  Sorry, my "deer."

I'll share my purchases with you soon.  Until next time! xoxo

Vintage Crucifix and Frame...I'm still here!

Hello,old friends. I hope we can just pick up where we left off.  I've missed you terribly, and I am really looking forward to catching up with you.  All is well.  My absence has really just been due to a very busy life as a mom, wife, business owner and cheerleader for my kids' sports teams.  We go at it seven days a week right now.  I've had very little time this year to create and to think artistically.  That is okay though.  I like being needed.  I like living with purpose, and I will look back on my kids teenage years and be glad I invested the time and effort.  I may be exhausted at times, like I'm sure you are too, but I'm happy.

Kara and I found ourselves with a Saturday morning free this past weekend. We picked up my mom and headed to Adjectives Vintage Market.  This place is a real treat.  The owners have a vision to make sure that the vendors are true vintage stylists and artists.  Take a look at their dealer list here.

I've been on the lookout for so long for a nice vintage crucifix. I found this perfectly chippy frame too and decided to layer them.  I'm loving it so far.  Trying to decide if it needs a background?  What do you think? Maybe a piece of canvas covered in old sheet music? I have an old hymnal I could use.  I would love your thoughts.

 

I have to admit that it was my trip the store that really convinced me that I needed to get back to my blog. I'm sure many of you have seen pics of the store on other Central Florida bloggers sites.  If you haven't, stay tuned. I'll take you on a tour.  My creative juices were flowing when I left.  Now, I just need to find the time and energy!  I have picked up a few fun things recently and will share with you over the next few weeks. I love to share my holidays with you too, so add me to your reading list again.  Let's reconnect!  Hope all is well. XOXO

Party at Becky's Part Deux

Remember Becky's fantastic party from my last post? Well, let me introduce you to the talented ladies that I shared the day with at Becky's. From left to right starting top row (photo courtesy of Cassandra below):

Iva from Iva's Creations

Me

Becky - Let's keep encouraging her to start a blog!

Shelley of Sweet Pea Home

Cassandra from Artful Adventures in Photography

Jessica of Stellar Junk

Carol -Another fun and crafty gal but no blog yet

Anna Corba from Anna Corba studios

At each of our place settings, Becky had a bag chock full of goodies to play with during our "crafternoon."  She also shared so many supplies with us.  She is such a gracious and generous hostess! The idea is to make a little something while we are sipping cocktails and having delicious hor d'oeuvres.  It doesn't get any better.

 There were so many beautiful things that I had a hard time deciding where to begin and what to craft. I decided to alter a cone or tussie mussie using my bag of tricks.  Here are a few shots of our creations. I didn't manage to get them all. Sorry girls!

I want to be sure to thank the vendors and artists that Becky's shops and uses on a regular basis to style her wonderful parties, her home and her creations. Many of the goodies in our bags came from these wonderful artists/shops.  Be sure to visit-

Petite Michelle Louise

Freckled Laundry
A Little Bit French

Now let me introduce you to my new favorite word - "Craftermath"

Could not be any more true!  I need to frame this and hang it in my studio.  If you read this blog, I know you can relate.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  I appreciate your visits and comments so much.  More to share soon...until then xoxo

Prepare to Pin! Party at Becky's Part One

 No one throws a party like this beautiful and talented gal, Becky Rourk.  Somehow I'm always lucky enough to get an invitation.  Thank goodness we live so close!  This occasion was dubbed, "Cocktails, Crafting and Corba" in honor of Becky's special guest, artist and friend, Anna Corba. That's Becky and I amongst the "craftermath" we left on the dining room table after our wonderful afternoon. Let's show you just how gorgeous this table looked when we arrived.  I'll let the pictures do the talking in this post.

Can you believe this was my place setting?! Becky sets the most beautiful table and adds so many touches to personalize each guests' seat. The bags are filled with all kinds of goodies from various artists and shops that we all frequent.  Each guest also received a copy of Anna's new book, Doodling in French.  I needed someone to pinch me. This was so fun and Becky is just way too generous. So much love goes into her creations, the planning, and the beautiful decorations.  This is her passion and it shows.

Are you ready to eat, craft and meet the guests?  Well, come on back by this week for Part Two of this post. I'll have more photos of this fabulous party.  We had so much fun at Becky's "crafternoon."   I'm looking forward to introducing you to some new friends, sharing the delicious food and of course, the projects.  See you soon! xoxo

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Roosters to share!

 I'm finally getting around to sharing a few presents from my bday in late April.  My friend, Kim, found this awesome 1950's folk art platter.  I need to get things organized and fine a good spot for this.

I'm guessing these were sold in department stores?  Seem to be plentiful. My kitchen has the same colors so should be fun to display there.

Kim also gave me this great Happy Birthday postcard.  I promise to scan and upload this week to share with you along with a few more images I've collected.  This sure is one you can use over and over again.

Kelley also slipped a little rooster into her gift.  This guy know hangs on the shutters in my kitchen.

Funny thing is that I never collected roosters until I started this blog.  I think most of my readers assumed that I had a rooster collection when I started the blog, but really the rooster is a symbol of the community were we live - Oviedo, Florida.  Our town is very suburban but we are known for the chickens that roam our streets. They even roost at our local Popeyes Chicken among other businesses.  You can read more and see more of the infamous Oviedo chickens in one of my older posts here.

Thanks for visiting!  I have some projects in mind to share, and I'm cleaning the studio. It is so fun to find things you forgot you had.  More to share soon! Linking up to -