Valentine Vignettes

When Christmas is packed up and put away for another year, I start counting the days 'til I get out my decorations for Valentine's Day.

Some of my favorite romantic themed collectibles are: vintage valentines,

old chocolate candy tins,

heart shaped candy boxes,

and vintage wedding cake toppers.

Do you enjoying collecting something special for Valentine's Day?

2012 Year In Review

WOW!  It's hard to believe another year has passed.

At the end of each year, I enjoy looking back through my blog posts and pictures reminiscing about the fun projects and events that took place throughout the year.

2012 was a fun and eventful year.

Lots of hours were spent in my studio, creating.

Two successful local shows and more online sales than ever, 

make me one very thankful and blessed girl.

14 fun-filled sunny days in Maui with my family, was a huge highlight too!

Here's to 2013!

Looking forward to what's in store and wishing you all the best.

Happy New Year!!! 

 

"Hot Chocolate Is On"

Growing up, my Great Aunt Gerta, who had a cabin next door to ours, 

would occasionally fly a flag decorated with a coffee kettle.

When that flag was flying, people knew

the coffee was on and all were welcome to stop in for a visit.

   

Well, if I had a "hot chocolate is on" flag, I'd be flying in now,

'cause the milk is hot and y'all are welcome to stop by!

 

Our hot chocolate station is a new family favorite.

One that will forever remain a tradition during the holidays.

So, what's it gonna be?

Milk, mint, or dark chocolate?

I chose dark chocolate and it's mighty good!

Something Grandma Always Made With Vintage Shiny Bright Christmas Balls

My Grandma started putting these cute ornaments trees together in the 40's.

They're something she always had on her dining room table, at Christmas time.

They're quite simple to make.

All you need is a 14" knitting needle, 28 various sized Christmas balls, and a vintage tree topper.

Start by stringing 4 of the largest ornaments on to the knitting needle.

Next, string on 4 more slightly smaller balls.

Continue to layer on more Christmas balls working your way up the needle.

Depending on the size of the ornaments you use, you may use less than 28.

*Note - I stacked a couple layers together with the same sized Christmas balls 

since I only had 4 varying sizes to work with.

To finish: top with a vintage tree topper or a unique ornament turned upside down.

Super easy, huh?

Well, I'm slowly getting all my Christmas decorations up.   

Usually, I'm done by now!

I've fallen behind, since the lights on two of my trees decided to not light up this year. Ugh!

If only there were Christmas light fairies to do the job and string on the lights for me - *sigh*. 

Non-lighting Christmas lights are the worst.

Wishing you all a blessed beginning to the Advent season!

Scarf Season Is In Full Swing

 Wow!  I can't believe it's been way over a month since I last posted.

October kept me busy with a local show, and lots of Etsy sales.

Currently, I'm right in the midst of my busy selling time.  My 4th season of flower scarves!  

Hoping I can continue to keep up with the demand,

which I'm forever grateful, exists!

 My girls love wearing their own cashmere flower scarf. 

Theirs are scaled down from my adult size so they fit proportionately to their size structure.  

Since I receive so many requests, I'll be offering child size scarves in my Etsy shop soon. 

Such a cute accessory for any age, don't you think?     

Thanks for stopping by today!

Joy

It's not to early to be thinking about Christmas, is it?

My dad replaced a section their fence recently, so I had him save me some of the old boards.

Last week I made a few blank canvases with the wood, so I could paint a few signs.

Here is one I just hand painted.

I saw something similar on Pinterest a few weeks ago.

If you're interested, and want instructions to make your own, you can find info here.

Treats For Their Lunchbox

Yesterday was Back to School for us.

Although the girls were excited to go, I was a little sad to send them back.

We had such a fantastic summer together!

I already miss 'em hanging out with me...

Now, as I try to get back in the swing of things, besides making my hubby's lunch, 

I have theirs to make again too.

Since everyone in my family is big on homemade treats, I try to keep them satisfied.

My mom has used this Peanut Butter Bar recipe FOREVER - one of my family's favorite.

They're pretty much a homemade version of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

 Try 'em, I know you'll love 'em

and I bet you can't, just eat one...

Peanut Butter Bars

2 cubes (1 Cup) butter (melted)

1 1/2 C peanut butter

2 packages graham crackers (crushed)

1 pound powdered sugar

1 package chocolate chips (melted)

Mix melted butter, peanut butter, graham crackers, and powdered sugar.  Flatten mixture in buttered

 9 x 13 pan.

Spread melted chocolate chips over top.  Refrigerate for 20 min.  Cut into bars.