Pink Roses

How could I not bring these pink pretties home with me from the grocery store?

Today I'm enjoying their beauty reflected in this perfectly aged antique plateau mirror.

 Just lovely.

 

Show & Tell - Vintage Valentines

Collecting vintage valentines is something I've be doing for many years.

If I come across one at an estate sale, it'll always come home with me!
Most I have collected are from the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's.
Some were made in Germany, but the majority were made in the USA.

My favorites are those that are "mechanical" in some way.

I love how the sweethearts eyes and drink change by tugging on the pull tag - precious.

A favorite, just 'cause the little cutie reminds me of my own baby.

Old valentines with honeycomb details are so beautiful to me.
This one from Germany is especially nice, since it hasn't faded over the years.
The red is still so vibrant!

Flocking (on the heart) is another detail that can make vintage valentines extra special.

Googly eyes get me every time! With a swing of her arm, this cuties eyes move with such expression!

Cards of the past are so adorable and full of charm.
Oh, how I love those rosy cheeks!

My mommy and daddy have always given me something extra special for Valentine's Day. 

For the past several years they have been adding to my collection of valentines.

This year, they found two, they knew I would love!

Isn't he the cutest bellhop ever?

I was shocked when I opened this sweet card.

It is by far, my most favorite now!
"Hawaiian themed" valentines are not easy to find.
I love how her hips sway and her little admirer comes peeking out behind the bush. 

The saying, "they don't make 'em like they used to" is so fitting, in regards to today's valentines.

It kinda makes me sad...
But... I'll happily keep collecting and preserving the old beauties I find from the past.
How could I not!?

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!