Prize Ribbons

As mentioned earlier, I joined the Prize Ribbon swap hosted by Tabitha at Creative Wings Boutique.  My partner was none other than Tabitha herself, and I was a little nervous about making something she'd love.  Her favored colors are pale pink, turquoise and white.  I had several ideas, but ultimately went with this.

Since Tabitha's blog is Creative Wings, I thought the little lace wings were just the thing.  I used vintage lace, seam binding, ribbon and velvet cording for the streamers.  Since she hosted this and the Very Merry Unbirthday Cake swap, I sent along a few hostess goodies.

I wanted to make some kind of container for the things I was sending, and had read about using clear Contact Paper to create a sort of "fabric" with paper.  I decorated a couple of pages from a music book and then covered those and an undecorated page (for the bottom and sides) with the Contact Paper.  I then cut it to size and sewed it all together.  The flap is a pale rose-patterned fabric, also covered with Contact Paper, with a vintage millinery rose attached. The post card graphic is from GalleryCat on Etsy. 

Tabitha seemed pleased with what I sent and sent me the sweetest e-mail.  Her package for me should arrive tomorrow, and I can hardly wait to see. I'll be sharing that in an upcoming post, of course!



For the Love of Dog

Anyone who knows me knows I'm crazy about dogs - mine in particular, but I just love dogs in general.  Jackie Peters taught a cute dog journal class recently at Paper Crown, so of course I HAD to sign up.  The journal is made from a file folder with a mini-binder insert.  Jackie had lots of cute vintage dog images for us to use, along with dog-related quotes, pretty papers and ribbons.  I also won a door prize during the class - a cute little beach-themed journal.  Here are my two books.

For the dog journal, we stamped the inside of the folder, added a pocket, then vintage images, quotes and washi tape.  We then added the binder and decorated our pages.

I used vintage images on the front of my pages, and pics of my babies on the backs.

I've added a couple of pages since the class and plan to add a few more.  Yet another fun Jackie project!

I've been collecting a bag of beach-themed vintage photos and ephemera for a while, but didn't have any particular ideas for a cover.  The little beach journal I won will be perfect.  It has blank pages ready to embellish.  I've made a few additions already, and will use the photos and papers from my stash to finish it up.  Here are a couple of things I've added so far.

I'll be posting soon about the last round of the Paper Cowgirl's Summer Travel Postcard Swap, and also Creative Wings Boutique's Prize Ribbon Swap.  Hope you'll check back to see!



 



A Class and a Project Day

Dina Wakely was in OKC recently for four classes.  Because of scheduling conflicts, I was only able to take one of the classes - Dying for Dylusions.  We made this vibrant little tag book using Dylusions spray inks, modeling paste, stencils and stamps.  The book is a single folded sheet of paper.  The tags go into pockets formed by the folds.  

The class I most hated to miss was a "Dear Self" encaustic tag book.  My friend Chris was able to take all four of Dina's classes and being the nice person she is, she invited Kerry and me over last Sunday to make a tag book.  She had everything ready for us, but of course we brought a ton of supplies anyway.  I wish I had taken photos of their books because they were both amazing, but bad blogger that I am, I didn't take my camera so my book will have to suffice.   

 

This is one of my favorite things I've made, not only because my self-esteem can always use a boost, but I just like the whole idea of how the book is made and the endless possibilities for this format.

Dina was a great teacher and I'd encourage anyone to take her classes, but I have to say that Chris was a pretty great teacher, too!

A Very Merry UnBirthday Cake Swap

Finally I remembered to charge my camera battery so I could show pics of the beautiful cake I received from Kimberly for Creative Wings Boutique's Very Merry UnBirthday Cake Swap.  We both chose the "vintage dirty" color scheme. The box Kimberly sent has scalloped trim with vintage buttons, and don't you love that little banner?  The vintage millinery rose is beautiful, nestled atop a bed of organdy roses.  I would never have thought to paint and glitter one of those little pink plastic ballerinas, but it is so pretty!  You can see Kimberly's photos here and here.

Inside the box were lots of goodies - vintage lace on old clothespins, tiny vintage millinary flowers, a doily, a little jello mold, a doll head and arms, and lots more.  I love it all!  Thank you so much, Kimberly!

This was my first faux cake and it turned out a bit more Victorian-looking than I intended but I was happy with it overall.  I covered a round box with lace from a vintage table runner, then added a row of pleated trim from a 1940s lampshade.  For the top I added a couple of extra embellishments to a Jolie's Boutique flower. It's all bit more "dirty" and not quite as white as it looks in the photos.

I filled it with a doily, lace on tags, Scrabble tiles (great minds think alike, right?), a little tin full of buckles, buttons, and other little goodies.  I also made a tag using a Character Constructions stamp, a bit of vintage velvet ribbon, and a piece of my favorite vintage lace.  The last thing I added was a flower made using Rebecca Sower's tutorial from Etsy.

 This was one of my favorite swaps, both for the fun of making the cake and for what I received.  I'm doing Creative Wings Boutique's Prize Ribbon Swap next and will have photos to show later in the month.

Swaps and Crafting

The second round of the Paper Cowgirl Summer Travel Postcard swap is complete. I was fortunate to be partnered with Betti for this round.  She made a beautiful geisha card with an additional greeting panel.  It's hard to capture the dimension and gilttery loveliness in a photo. Wish you could see it in person!

My card was made using a couple of images from old advertisements on the front, embellished with a little gimp trim and some vintage millinery flowers. The little lanterns on the back were cut from vintage wrapping paper.  The cards I sent Ms. Betti and Cindy at Paper Cowgirl had oriental faux stamps in the corner instead of the doily. 

This swap group is off to the circus next, and I'm excited to start on that one.  I have a 1931 magazine ad that will be perfect!

There was a "baby party" Saturday for my friend Kerry.  She's already received so many cute clothes, I decided to get her "necessities" so she'll be prepared when little Miss Lizzie arrives. That said, I couldn't bear to give just necessities, so I made her a couple of baprons (see info here) and a sweet little pair of Mary Jane's.  Those are necessary too, right?

I'll be posting later this week about Tabitha's Very Merry UnBirthday Cake swap. You'll want to see the lovely cake and "treats" I received.

Thank you, Fresh American!

A few months ago I read (on someone's blog, sorry, can't remember whose) about a blog that sounded interesting - Fresh American.  It's by designer Annie Selke, whose home remodel I had followed and enjoyed in House Beautiful magazine.  That got me hooked, but they were also hosting daily giveaways at the time.  I'm one of those people who had only won a couple of things in my life - small things - but I signed up several different days never expecting anything to come of it.

I was shocked and delighted when I was contacted and told I had won a Dash and Albert rug! The giveaway rug shown on their blog was white and grey with a pattern I loved, but I was told I could choose any rug in the same size range. Since we have three dogs, I decided something else might work better for our home. I was extremely happy to find that Dash and Albert had a rug I saw in a magazine a while ago that I absolutely loved. It's called "Cat's Paw," and here it is!

The dogs aren't that impressed, but I love it!

Georgia modeling

The rug also comes in a light blue background but, again, probably not the best color choice with dogs, and with our newly-blue walls, it would have been too much.  I think the brown is just right, and I love all the bright colors.  It looks modern and fun, and I'm so happy to have it!  A huge thank you to Annie Selke and Fresh American!

Lace and Froth

When I decided to sell vintage on Etsy, clothing wasn't at the top of my list. I love the look and construction of vintage clothes but what I had found in the past never fit.  The only vintage clothing I owned was a cute swing coat found at a Salvation Army thrift store, and I only wore it once because it kind of overpowered me (I'm 5'1".)

Now vintage clothes seem to find me.  A few weeks ago I spotted this beauty at an estate sale.

One of the sale staffers told me, "Everyone has been looking at that dress."  It has some minor issues, but I can't imagine why no one purchased it before I arrived mid-afternoon.  It's rather tiny and tea length with an attached lining and crinoline, 3/4 length raglan sleeves, and a dropped waist.  Its simplicity would make it perfect for an outdoor wedding.  There are no holes that I've found.  It does have some discoloration, but nothing that would stop me from wearing it if I could only fit into it.  I'm going to work on it a bit, but will be listing it no matter what.  It deserves to be worn.

At another sale I found the perfect Doris Day-era frothy pink peignoir set. It has double layer puff sleeves and a ruffled hem.  It makes me happy just to look at it.

At the same sale I found a couple of half slips with that lovely tiny pleated trim.  I'm crazy for these, even though I've not worn a dress for at least fifteen years and am basically a jeans and tee kind of gal.  The pleating detail gets me every time.

All these will be going on Etsy as soon as I've had my fill of staring at the lace and froth.

Summer Crafting

We had our bi-annual family reunion this past weekend, with a couple of my sibs and their kids and grandkids here from Texas.  We met with aunts, uncles and cousins on Friday evening and Saturday evening. We had a great visit but the time went by too quickly, as always.

It has become a reunion tradition for family members who craft, sew, etc. to make something to donate for a silent auction with the proceeds going toward reunion expenses.  Others donate purchased items and lots of us bid.  I had a few things in mind for this year but ended up making just a couple of patriotic decorations.  I was inspired by Jackie's recent class at Paper Crown (see her blog post here.)  I wasn't able to attend her class, but borrowed the idea.  Sorry, Jackie!  But I'll be there for her mystery class later this month!

My sweet sister and sister-in-law were the winning bidders on these, so a big thank you to them!

I was the winning bidder on this cute bag made by my sister-in-law.  I love the combination of suit fabric and ribbon, and check out that great lining and all those pockets.  She originally made it to carry to Canton but we had to cancel our trip, so the bag went to the auction.  Lucky me!  It's perfect for junqueing.



She sells purses, hats and other things at art and craft shows occasionally, but I think she needs an Etsy shop. She's a great artist, too, and does lovely paintings.

Tabitha at Creative Wings Boutique is hosting a Very Merry Unbirthday Cake Swap.  I've joined in, so I'll have a cake to show you in a couple of weeks.  The Paper Cowgirl Summer Travel Postcard swap continues and I'll soon have a couple of cards to show you from round two.  Here's the "Africa 1914" card I received from Debbie.  It even has a little pocket watch.  Love!  Thanks, Debbie!  You can see my Africa card and a link to the swap Pinterest page here.

Summer Means Car Shows

The DH and I went to the Knights Car Club show in Shawnee, OK a couple of weeks ago.  It was hot, hot, hot.  I have to admit to rushing him along a bit, but I did manage to photograph my two favorites.  This first one - a 1950 Chevrolet convertible - belonged to a lovely gentleman from Kansas.  The color was almost exactly the same as our newly-painted walls.

We spotted this next one at a show a few weeks ago, then again in Shawnee. I absolutely love it.  It's an Auburn, made sometime in the 1930s, and is the pefect cartoon car.  Can't you just imagine it racing down the road with Roger Rabbit at the wheel?  It looks like it's about to pounce forward.  Not sure who owns this one, but they're very lucky.

No photos of the DH's favorites, because they're ALL his favorites!

Latest Edition - Terry/Terri Swap

After a few delays due to Terry's busy life and my procrastination, we've recently completed our latest swap.  We didn't decide in advance on a theme.  I went with Paris because she and her sweet husband went there for their 10th Anniversary earlier this year.  She chose a pink theme for me, which was perfect as I've been into all things pink lately (and I hadn't even told her!)

Just after her trip she sent me the cutest tote bag from Paris, adorned by a sweet little pink pig, along with some lovely French candy.  Ooh la la!  Then this month she sent me a beautiful canvas she created in a Julie Nutting class.  It's lovely.  She says it's me.  I say, "In my dreams!"

She also sent this lovely vintage lingerie box, which is in pristine condition.  It was packed full of  the most beautiful pink trims, blingy buttons, velvet ribbon, silk-covered snaps and other treasures.  I especially love the vintage pin cushion, crocheted, woven with ribbon and topped with a tiny rosebud.

 

Don't you love every little thing?  Each one is more lovely than the last.  I have several ideas for all trims and buttons, and that little bar of soap is making my craft room smell wonderful!

Terry had posted a photo on Facebook that was taken from the window of their Paris hotel room.  I used that photo to make a little canvas and matching tag for her.

I found some Paris-related ads and images in some old magazines and used those plus a lot of other ephemera and images from The Graphics Fairy to make her a little book. I tried to leave a few spaces so she could add some things from her trip.

I rounded up a few little goodies to include, either Paris-related or her favorite colors - black, cream and white.



We haven't decided yet on our next swap date, but I'm working on some ideas!  I'll bet she is, too!

Oops! Almost forgot.  I also sent Terry this dress form I bought and "foofed" up a bit with some lace and a glass finial. The starfish and driftwood have nothing to do with the dress form. It was just the best spot to take a quick pic!

A Most Wonderful Surprise

When my friend Laurie told me to be on the lookout for a package from her, I assumed it was something to do with a swap project she's hosting or that she was sharing a little packet of goodies.  When the package arrived, I was overjoyed to find that she'd sent me one of her beautiful fabric books! 

Of course, I have to share every page, because each one is more wonderful than the last.  The cover is a beautiful 70s print with a sheer overlay.  It's trimmed with the loveliest shade of seam binding. The little pink daisy ball is a darling addition.

The second page has a pocket made from a beret label from French General and trimmed with beautiful vintage tassel fringe.  Tucked inside is an ornate vintage initial form.  The third page has lovely embroidery and is trimmed with crocheted lace and flowers.

Pages four and five feature lovely flowers, buttons and lace trim.  I love the cottage print, and the flowers on the opposite page tie in nicely. 

Page six has a delicate fringed doily with tiny flowers embroidered in the center.  The opposite page has beautiful pink trim (sorry you can't see it better in the photo) over a pretty floral print, topped with a gorgeous vintage millinery flower.  Love!

Just look at this beautiful varigated peach doily. I love how Laurie filled the spaces with buttons.  The next page is patchwork with lace, buttons and even a tiny steamboat - so cute!  She also tucked in a card of pretty buttons.

 The back cover may be my favorite.  I love the combination of the delicate daisy lace, the melon-color plaid with the tiny embroidery, and the blue and white rick rack trim. 



You can see better photos on Laurie's blog, Indulge Your Shelf. 

I've only made one fabric book (for a swap, seen here.) I had intended to make more but other things came up.  Now that I have this beauty in front of me for inspiration, I'm anxious to pull out my stash of linens and get to work!