Sweet babies

Look at these adorable iron on patches for babies that I found, I just couldn't resist them. I am planning to use them in several projects specific to baby girls of course!!
I made a few baby girl namesakes that will go for sale locally, and of course they are full of pink cuteness.
More purple and pink.
Another one that has an iron on patch of a baby giraffe, this one is so cute and really says baby.

This is an altered travel around the world art piece I created with some vintage pieces from my various trips.
Some old maps and a post card.
I also put in some vintage images that remind me of where I have been.
I also added some ribbon, beads and one of my favorite trims with the little burgundy roses.
I took a calligraphy course and it was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. This is my new venture called Hippopotamus Lane which features Josephine the amazing hippo. She watches over Hippo Lane and keeps very busy with all the goings on. This is anther Etsy store that I will be opening soon and it will feature my artwork on Hippo Lane. This has been really fun and has brought out my inner child hehe!!
Look at these beautiful crosses that I won from the amazingly talented Sandy, she had a contest on Etsy and I won, lucky me!!Then if that wasn't enough, she made me this bootiful and sweet altered Halloween bingo card, she's a doll and you must check out her amazing blog!!

Well it's a miracle the sun is actually peeking out, the rain has been nonstop and with it, I tend to hibernate like a bear. Most of the leaves have gone, and there were some snow flurries about 20 minutes north of us, get ready snuggle bugs it coming!!
XO

Baby mobile

Wee these are fun to make, really Stephanie's dream, fabric, beads, whimsy, ribbon and baby dreams!! These are baby mobiles, but only for the girls, as they have way too much pink and girlie fun. Please excuse the crooked position, it's not like that in reality.
I really do apologize for the bad pictures, but these are so difficult to photograph especially with all the dark and dreary days we have been receiving.
These are my new favorite thing to make and since they are totally different than your average mobile, I am hoping they will add a touch of interest to any new nursery.
I am hoping to make some for my Etsy if I can get some decent photos, but these ones are going to an upcoming craft show.
Now speaking of all the dreary days, I have a few fall pics of natures wonder and beauty that do make me smile. This driveway leads to a very special place in my heart for which I will be blogging about soon.
A beautiful tree lined road.
Some more yummy antiques and I sure do love this green glassware.
This Smith Corona is a real gem, I sure hope it's not the one from the Jagged Edge!! I am sure it's seen a few love letters in it's day.
A sweet little oil lamp that would look great on a night table in a cottage bedroom.
I am still working on my brass lamp transformation, and I hope to have it completed this week, pics will be forthcoming. Big hugs and sunshine everyone!!

A bit of Lolly, this and that

Yesterday I took a few pics of our best girl in the leaves and she was a very good model, sitting nice and still. It was a beautiful day, and Lolly was so happy to be chasing the squirrels as they torment her daily. In this shot she is nibbling on some Echinacea leaves, which she really loves. I don't know why she does this, but it is a common occurrence, I guess there is something in them that she needs.
Now she is on guard duty, looking and smelling anything and everything in sight.
I have been on a jewellery making stint lately, combining vintage and new pieces to make some fun items. I really love this vintage beaded chain that I bought some time ago as it is such a lovely green. I just added a few odds and ends.
German vintage cameo.
Then I made a bracelet out of the same chain, this was really fun to make.
This is more vintage beaded chain, but made from red glass beads. I really love this chain and I really should have bought more, but I had enough to make this necklace, so it worked out OK.
Then I set up my little pewter item to hold various trinkets that are always overflowing and in need of a home. I used different cups to add interest to hold all of these items, it works great, and it even turns!!

I am really happy at how it turned out and that I did purchase it. Just another fun day antiquing in the country.
Some sweet little spots we found, and all the beautiful treasures waiting to be loved. I love this sign!!
Packed way to tight.
I love all these balusters, but we ran out of time.
Have a great day everyone!!

October Antiquing

Things are cooling off in the weather department, but as far as antiquing is concerned, well it's getting toasty. Last weekend the hus and I went antiquing in the country and we had such a great time. I just love those spots you see along the road piled high with stuff, and you just gotta stop, we pulled a lot of u turns!!

This one guy had so much stuff in his store you could barely move, and if someone was coming the other way down the main 'isle', you had to leave the store. Obviously the guy had a bit of a hoarding issue, and you couldn't even begin to survey one tenth of his inventory. Actually I believe he probably makes more money in customer breakages than sales, because he had expensive oil lamps and china literally tipping over waiting for someone to knock it down. His prices were quite expensive, hence the amount of inventory and lack of sales, but I did manage to pick up a few things.

This little pewter item was $3 and believe it or not I have cleaned it many times, but the rest of the black stuff won't come off. I don't know what it is, but I am planning to put tea cups in the holes and fill them with beads, buttons, thread etc. I just have to find the right sized cups, and it should be really cute. If you guys know what it is, I'd love to know.A very sweet little silver sugar bowl for more goodies, and it sure did polish up nicely.
Then we found another shop, and this guys prices were fantastic :-))))))) Some lovely keys, I have big plans for these which involves soldering.I am not sure what these are, maybe part of a dresser pull, but I think I might try and use them in my jewellery.Look at these sweet little wooden spools, I really have a thing for these cuties and this guy sold me the bunch for $3, how nice!!
OK ladies start your engines, this is the most treasured item that I picked up, a beautiful lamp. This little darling is solid brass, has a crystal base as well as many dangling crystals, the grand total for this was $12. When I asked him how much, I really thought he was going to say over $100 because of the way it's made, so when he said $12, I nearly kissed that man.
A close up of the base, and this thing is so heavy you wouldn't believe it, along with the fact that it is 3' high. Once it's cleaned and has a new shade, the difference will be amazing, pics coming!!I really do have a thing for antique lamps, and my sweetie did not want me to buy it, but I knew it was a steal and would look great in the studio. As I am writing this, memories of the hoarder are starting to haunt me. Is my studio getting to that stage? Yikes I might be on my way. OK Lolly can still fit in, yeah that's definitely a good sign, yep that's good, OK move on.

Now this is an old tin cereal box, just really cute and will hold more fabric scraps.This is the roof, and gee it's so cute.
OK my sweeties I had better dash, as I have a long list. I will be back soon and I wish you all a super weekend.
Big hugs!!

La de da etc

Is time ever zipping along, October already? It must be, because there is so much Christmas stuff out in the stores!! Actually there were Christmas items at Michaels in August, this is insane. As I entered the Christmas isle, one of the girls asked me how I liked the display, I gave her a dirty look, I was disgusted!!

Anyhoo, I have been involved in many different things, collecting, crafting, creating etc. Some of the cute things I have purchased over the past several months are as follows, this adorable cup and saucer set made by a young artist. I loved the colours and how the glaze runs through these pieces, it is so pretty.Then this uber cute vintage radio in pink, I love it beyond words.
A vintage Godey print from 1867, it's so feminine and pretty.This is a cute little lamp that I altered and it's in my studio to add some fun. Right now this space is so packed I can barely fit in a toothpick, but somehow I seem to find space for little bits and pieces.Buttons, scraps, stickers, and more.More scrapped watches, these are super fun to make, I really can't stop!!They have beads, buttons, ribbon and fabric and lots of love:-)
These are some little scrapped doll dresses made from paper, fabric, buttons and again they were so fun to make.I am not sure when I will use them, but for now they are just hanging out.
It's been a fun and busy few weeks and I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Stay crafty my friends!!

Goodies for the girls

I have been working on some commission pieces, and they are finally done, so I thought I would show you what I have been up to. Starting with a scrapped belt with fabric and ribbons along with buttons and other bobbles.
I made this belt so it sits low on the hips, and it's casual and easy to wear. I spelled out the word inspiration because it's a wonderful thing to have in your life.
Of course it's got lots of colour to keep it young, fresh and fun.


These are little bracelet cuffs, all with a message on them. They have rough edges and stitching because it adds lots of texture.They are tied with a built in ribbon, making them easy to put on.

This is a watch bracelet with beads and more scraps to keep every girl on time!! It also has a chain sewn in with embroidery floss for strength and added colour.
It's 2:05 girlie, don't be late hehe!!

I finally managed to get some shots of the difficult model wearing her little scrapped collar, not the greatest, but they kinda show what it's all about, it looks like a ruffled clown collar:-)
These were lots of fun to make and now I'm onto some new projects. Have great weekend everyone filled with lots of sunshine, see you next week!!

Loving the fall, and scrapping along...

Hello everyone, I sure have missed you. I am glad to be back, and with new projects, ideas and energy. It really is quite remarkable how quickly time goes, summer is a distant memory, and with it brought fun, rest, work, and play. I have been doing lots of work around the house, and have accomplished many overdue projects, which is a great feeling.

I started doing some fun scrapped projects using many different ideas. If you do any kind of work with fabric, you know you will have lots of scraps left over, and these are a few projects I did to use them up. First of all, I altered this old chair from my childhood. I used some apple green fabric to recover it, and added a scrapped border all along the edges, and voila, it's fun and full of colour. I also added some letters to the back that say 'Create Art', which gives me daily inspiration. I used everything I had, from beaded and plain ribbon, to every colour and texture imaginable, it just seems to work, and is so fun to put together.
As you can see there is no pattern, and very little thought goes into this process. All I do is use a foundation piece of fabric or ribbon and just sew scraps onto it, works like a charm!!
This is a little pillow I made for back support, and I love the contrast of the polka dots with the scrapped edges, it's really comfy too!!Now this is something totally different, and it turned out to look kinda cool. It's my version of a scrapped Eiffel Tower, which is a very special place to me. Believe me this was more of a challenge, and my original idea was to sew it onto a t-shirt, but I am not sure how well it will hold up in the wash. I might just frame it in a shadow box and hang it in my studio, but for now it's just hanging out and looking cute.This is a close up of the bottom which was tricky to say the least.
Oh yeah I can't leave Lolly out of the equation, I made her a little scrapped collar. This looks way cuter on her, but my model was very uncooperative today and wanted nothing to do with my picture taking, hence the dog-less collar!! I can't tell you how many comments I've received on this, because it's totally unusual and full of colour. It's also fun for Lolls when the strands are long enough for her to have a little nibble. It washes really well and frays even more after each one, giving it more character. Oh Lolly I really need you for this pic, oh well it will have to do, she's in SNOOOOOOZE mode hehe!! I hope some of these ideas will give you cause to use up your little scraps of treasure to make something cute for your space.

A little break

Hello my wonderful bloggies,

I just want to let you know that I am taking an extended blogging break. There are some personal issues I must take care of, and I will return once everything is sorted out. In the meantime I will miss you all, take care.

I found her, again!!

How lucky am I? Lucky, girl and very happy!! Another fruitless cottage search on Friday led to no new prospects, but I was able to purchase THE LAMP, my beautiful lamp that I have been dreaming of since that first trip to the BARN. Here she is in all her sweetness, dust and dirt, but look at her beautiful lines.
Honestly, I cannot wait to revamp her and bring her to life again, I know how beautiful she will become. That shade is what did it for me, it is just too darn cute for words, and is oh so feminine. I also picked up a few more things and I was very good, and only bought a small amount of stuff. Peter really kept me in line, which was great because I really don't need anything right now. It was nice to have some time to go through the barn, but on the second trip I came to the conclusion that most of her items were very overpriced, so it was a bit disappointing.

So now it's onto the garden, and all the joy it brings. I took some pictures of the shed that Reno and Eddie made and it is really getting a beautiful patina.
I love it more and more, especially now that it is getting all aged and gray. The cedar roof is so pretty and I definitely think it was the right decision. The windows are to die for, I love all the ripples.
This is a little bench I put together, the frame came from Peter's Dad, which he was very glad to donate. It's all rusted and worn and I thought it would make a great little potting bench. We just cut up some wood that was hanging around and presto, a sweet little bench for this and that.
Little ducky to keep watch.
OK another year of cleaning out the pond scum, it looks good now.
Now this idea just came to me out of the blue. I had all these broken pots and didn't know what to do with them. Last year I planted some hostas and the grass kept creeping in, a real pain in the behind!! I thought, why not use the broken pot pieces and lay them in between to keep the grass down and add some interest? Voila it works!!Once the hostas fill in a little more, you will see bits and pieces of colour, and it should look pretty cool. Although I do see some grass peeking through, time to get busy. This is a great way to use up old pots and broken china, which I also used.
This is the sweetest little shed around, thanks again guys, you are the best!!
Have a great week everyone!!

This n that

Gee it's been a long time coming, sunshine and flowers. I finally was able to get some sweet little darlings in, and it feels great to see some colour in the garden.

The pansies are doing really well because it is still quite cool at night, they are calling for frost tonight, WHAT?
Some pics of a few purchases lately, these are not very old, but I really loved them. They have such a pretty scalloped edge on the bottom, and these are always great for holding more STUFF!!

These are some of the lovelies that I purchased at that amazing BARN, everything is very scattered because I was in serious panic. A sweet little boot, it holds my pens!!
Look at this darling little s/p shaker, it's as sweet as can be!!
I had to have this glass lid, I really have no purpose for it now, but my thinking cap is on. I would like to hang it on the wall and hang ribbons over the little button top, I just love the way it looks in the sunlight.
This bottle is really cool, but who knows what was in it, some veterinary tonic for sore muscles, hey I could use that!! I am going to hang it with ribbon as a collection once I acquire more. For now it's sitting on my window sill looking pretty, I love the patina!!
This is my little beading desk, messy, but a lot of work is being done here!!
These are some little banner triangles that I made up, totally random, no measuring, just pure fun.
Some of my favorite colours. These are also a great way to use up your scraps.
This is another little purse I made, the fun never ends for me!!
A little summer charm bracelet.
This was really fun to make, and I just adore the vintage West German glass cameo, it is truly beautiful and in perfect condition.
Ahh that was fun, tomorrow I will be without a car as my Louis is going in for service, yes he has a name, he's my buddy!! I have many chores to do, including finishing the pergola roof and lots of yard work, yipee!! Have a wonderful day tomorrow!!
XO

Oodles of fun

I have been a busy little girl with my trusty sidekick Lolls helping me non-stop, he he!! It seems to be a very common theme that spring brings inspiration, and I've been bitten by the spring bug. I made this little embellished wooden purse, these are so cute, just enough space for your cell, keys, lipstick and a kiss from your hubby!!
I have become this little decoupage freak, it's so much fun brushing away, and adding this and that, gee I need help!!
These lovely images are complements of my dear friend Robin, I love the way the ladies dressed back then, so elegant and very formal. They are great images in so many ways and the possibilities are endless.

Now onto another project, my little glass soldered pens, these are very feminine, girls only!! I have been working on soldering some jewellery, lets just say it's a work in progress, and takes practice. I am really having so much fun making these pens, and they are now available in my Etsy shop.
They all have big yummy flowers at the end and look really pretty on your desk.
Pretty paper and glitter inside, and words for whatever inspires you.
A new wall hanging, with my little girl Izzy, she is a new creation and is very sassy, kinda like Lolly, only not quite as cute!!
She has lots of goodies, and she is also available in my Etsy.

I found these silver purse handles in Michaels and I am totally in love with them. They are very cool and have a twist off hanger so you can add beads etc. It's really quite embarrassing the things that amuse me, I dunno what to say.

Have a wonderful day and big hugs my little darlings.

A huge surprise

So often you come across these wonderful places totally out of the blue, and in reading many of my friends posts lately, they have been in the exact same boat, very interesting. On a trip up north on Friday looking for our place in the country, I came across this absolute piece of heaven, I couldn't believe my luck. On our way to the last property, we drove past this place, and I thought to myself I have to pop in on the way back, and I was very glad I did.
To be honest I was totally overwhelmed and didn't quite know what to do. Way too many treasures, a huge barn to scour, very little time, and a heartbeat that was in the critical zone from a self confessed antique junkie. This place was incredible to say the least, and I didn't know where to start, because there were literally millions of treasures to go through. As I scoured through with my quickening heartbeat, I was inquiring like a madwomen about the prices, and was quite worried that she might think I was totally cheap (I am), but what the heck, I needed to know. To my total horror, she kept leaving the barn, I don't know why, but this was bad news for me. All I needed to know were prices, and if she had anything to put my goods in. Please don't leave a crazed, vintage fanatic, who is cheap, time pressed, tired, hungry, has a barking Lolly in the car, and wants to know prices so I can buy as much stuff as possible, yikes. I did manage to buy some cute things, but nothing compared to what I wanted or needed. I wasn't too worried because I knew I would be back on Sunday as the last property was amazing and I wanted Peter to see it. My darling girls, my fellow antique lovers, you would have gone crazy in this place. We could have locked ourselves in that barn for a week and lived on water and antiques, no problem, sighhhh another time.Unfortunately I have sad news, the agent phoned last night and the property has an offer on it and since we didn't want to be in any kind of competition, we didn't end up going. We will have to wait and see, but I believe I have to go back because there is a lamp with my name on it. I am in a total panic right now, with both the property and the barn of heaven, but I have to return, Sandy are you up for this? I will keep you posted.So last night I couldn't sleep, I had so much stuff on my mind and so much stuff to do. Thank goodness I have my sweet little green spot to go in times of chaos and do all sorts of creating. I made this random little scrap sign to go on a watering can that will hold that very thing. Scraps = art, so true!!
Lately this has been one of my obsessions, and it is quite fun and very useful. It has enough space to hold a significant stash and should keep me fairly tidy for a week or two:-) The only negative in dealing with scraps is the rather large mess that seems to scatter everywhere, note to self, keep vacuum close.A wee peek inside the watering can, and I see a large stash already, that's OK, I have a pillow on my mind.
Keep smiling, Lolly says WOOF!!