A Bit of Heaven

Reflecting on Christmas 2014

2015-01-11T22:21:00.001-06:00

Looking back, remembering the blues, silver and sparkles that were part of my home for Christmas 2014.

The other part, brights with shades of red.

Missing it, already.

Ele

paradox

2015-01-09T13:02:00.001-06:00

It's this time of year when decorating, for me, seems to become a paradox. A mix of winter (and I mean ND winter), with planning for warm trips. It's the conflict between beautiful crystal trees, shimmering snow, brisk temperatures, vs. seashells, warm sand, and the heat of the sun.

As this conflict of nature surrounds my soul, it amazes me how the two can have qualities that are the same: beautiful clear blue skies, the calming sound of the ocean/wind, and shimmering sand/snow. Sameness in the midst of conflict.

So how does this work in decorating my home without it looking messy? Calm the conflict by finding common ground. In this case I drew on both color and texture.

Silver crystal-like starfish and crystal branches= an interesting paradox that brings sameness to conflict.

To glitter starfish use spray adhesive and shake on silver glitter or glass glitter. Use a glitter tray from a craftstore. It will save you frustration and glitter!

...and may you feel God's blessings in the New Year,

even when they might not be right in front of you.

Ele

Thanksgiving

2014-11-27T19:34:00.001-06:00

Joining Inspire me Monday. http://www.create-with-joy.com

On this Thanksgiving Day, I hope that you are able to find thankfulness. If this holiday has been one of trials, I hope you are able to venture through the lonliness, sadness, pain, and/or frustration to a place of calm, love, and thankfulness.

At my house, on holidays, vintage items make their way from the cabinet, to the dining room table. Worn treasures that were once loved are still loved. Some items have belonged to my loved ones, others carry the mystery of their existence in their cracks and crevices. I can only wonder whose table they onced graced.

But for now, they are on my table, spreading love to those who broke bread with us today, and reminding us, that we have reasons to be thankful.

Blessings and God's Peace,

Ele

Rhinestone Broach Wreath

2014-11-14T21:30:00.001-06:00

Black velvet and rhinestone/pearl broaches come together in a circle wreath. My original plan was to make a Christmas wreath, but I feel like this could be carried through past the Holidays.

I'm really pleased with the black sparkle velvet I selected. It provides a nice contrast with the rhinestones and pearls, and the light blue of the wall.

Rhinestone and pearl broaches circle the wreath, but center

stage is a large blingy rhinestone flower.

If you're wondering how I made this, I used a spool of holiday ribbon (30ft. but didn't use all of it), and wrapped it around a white dense stryofoam wreath (not the green type). I secured the very last end ribbon with a decorative pearl pin, (in the back). Another ribbon piece acts like a hanger, (also secured with a pearl pin). Broaches were attached with their pinback stuck straight into the foam. A few pearl pins were used to further secure the broaches.

Rhinestone and pearl broaches in a classic circle wreath.

Blessings, Ele

Adding Lace & Crochet to your Home

2014-11-02T23:10:00.000-06:00

It's everywhere. Lace adds texture, warmth, and a layer of depth. It pretends to be the background of the canvas introducing the focal point, but it really is the star of the show. A little lace around my home, paired with vintage items, directs your eye to the object and then back to the lace again.

Ready for some serious lace, a lot of lucite, and a whole lot of stylish juxtaposition?
Let's just say, I'm in love. A girl can dream about this design by Jennifer McGarigle. It runs about $3,000.

My favorite lace item, in my house? My baptismal gown, also worn by my daughter.

This lace is beautiful, sheer and delicate.

Lace is even finding it's way unto lampshades on www.ragsrescue.blogspot.com . I'm impressed. Like I said, it's everywhere. Oh dear, we've only begun!

Have a fabulous week!

Blessings,

Ele

Inspire Monday Link

Fall Banner

2014-10-21T09:18:00.003-05:00

Banners immediately say, "there's a party going on, or something special is happening." I usually have one or two up around the house, and why not? Life is special. One of my banners usually relates to our Midwest seasons or holidays.

Polka dots and owls, in Fall shades of oranges and browns hangs on my kitchen window.

To make this banner, or one similar: 1

1) purchase chipboard base pieces, (the ones I found had the notch-v already cut out of them).

2) Select heavy scrap paper in a pattern you like. My favorite paper is two sided. Even though you will not see the opposite side, it makes the paper stronger. 3) Trace the shape of the chipboard unto the paper, and cut out. 4) Punch or drill holes in upper right and left hand corners of each chip board. 5) Brush on a thin layer of glue to the chipboard, (can also use a good glue stick) and attach paper. 6) punch through paper where chipboard hole is located by using a paper punch, or sharp hole punch tool. 7) Cut foot long pieces of ribbon, and thread through holes by pairing up two chipboard pieces at a time. Tie these two pieces together with knot or bow. 8) On the ends of the banner, attach a longer piece of ribbon for hanging purposes. 9) trim up any paper.

Easy Peasy, right? Enjoy!

Blessings, Ele

Details

2014-09-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

Minimalism can be fresh and clean, but it's the fine details that draw me in, make me get closer, provide interest, and make something truly worthy of more then just a glance.

A little rhinestone, crinkled ribbon, paper flowers, buttons, a piece of jewelry, a splash of glitter, and some words of truth are the details that I am loving today.

XOXO, Ele

Why I Love Fall

2014-09-24T20:34:00.000-05:00

Colorful leaves, cozy socks, sweaters, boots,

and many more reasons to love fall!

Have you tried chalkboard markers? Tons of fun for Fall!

XOXO, Ele

Coral Wedding

2014-09-19T17:45:00.000-05:00

Coral, emerged as a popular 2014 summer wedding color. That perfect blend between pink and orange produces a hue that is fun and flirty. Throw in a little gray and oodles of crisp clean whites, and you have just mixed up a concoction of fabulous.

My little crew and I clocked in a gizillion hours for a June 2014 coral wedding. Working with an eclectic mix of decorations, a fabulous bride, and a coral and chevron theme proved to be a time of smiles and giggles.

How could we not smile watching the faces of the bride and groom, as they saw this for the first time:

I expect coral to be a "go to" wedding color for awhile. It just makes exudes happy.

XOXO, Ele

FAll is in The Air

2014-09-14T12:36:00.000-05:00

The changing of seasons is very dramatic in the midwest. Warm days turn into chilly evenings, and chilly evenings tease of frost at night. Flowers and gardens are covered with blankets to keep them warm, to save them from demise. A blanket; a protector, a shield. For my family, this was a summer we would like to forget, but living with the loss of a loved one daily, does not allow. Cool evenings, covered with a warm blanket, holding on to those who are so dear, helps us forget...for just a moment.

So, I have never been more ready to show signs of changing seasons in my home. It was time. Time for the pumpkins to arrive.

Gone are the days of the indoors orange plastic pumpkins. Pumpkins come in all types of textures, shapes, and colors. My favorite, velvet pumpkins; luscious and dramatic just like the change of seasons. It oozes warmth.

Peacock Blue Velvet Pumpkins

Caramel Colored Pumpkin

Visit www.etsy.com for some great handmade pumpkins.....and take time to snuggle with your loved one.

xoxo, Ele

Vintage Plates

2014-09-10T18:35:00.002-05:00

A gallery wall of plates adds a little variation to the traditional "picture" gallery wall. I do say, I love my vintage plates. Some were gifts, a few were special "finds" while others hold memories of relatives.

Plates need to be hung with some type of symmetry in mind. A large plate can be balanced with two small plates. Let your eye do the work. My arrangement in the picture right, is actually not finished. I'm still hunting for just the right two plates to put on the bottom row. When it comes to formulating a design, it is easiest if you first arrange your display on the floor or a table. A good tip is to place the plates on a large sheet of paper and once you are satisfied with your arrangement, draw around the perimeter of each plate. There are many plate hangers available. Measure down each plate, where the nail should go and make a mark on your paper. Now, 4 easy steps: 1.Position and tape paper on the wall. 2. Nail on the designated mark (through the paper). 3. Tear off the paper 4. Hang your plates!

Some of my plates are hand painted, some are transferware, (wet ink is transferred from paper to porcelain through heat). There are also very pretty reproductions available. Flea markets, antique stores, big box stores, and even online shops are good places to acquire beautiful plates.

And you never know, a gallery of plates, might just be found in your kitchen cupboards!

Many Blessings!

XOXO, Ele

July Wedding

2014-09-04T15:37:00.000-05:00

Summer weddings were a time for family, friends, and of course LOVE. This glamorous July wedding started with an incredibly beautiful black and white appliqued dress by Allure, and this bride had exactly the right personality and look to pull off this complete package of gorgeousness.

Photo credits: Studio Kyra & Louise Marie Photography

Dress: Allure, Mary Me Bridal, Minot ND

Colors of black, white, and red, along with a wine glass theme helped this reception sparkle.

Photo credits: Studio Kyra & Louise Marie Photography

Decorating: A Bit of Heaven

Cake: Lalee Cakes

Over 100 wine glasses became pillar, votive candle holders, and cake stands. Along with the glasses, crystal vases, and glittering rhinestone broaches, a whole lot of love brought everything together to make this one glamorous wedding.

Photo of bride: StudioKyra &

Louise Marie Photography

Bridal Bouquet: A Bit of Heaven

There will be more summer wedding recaps, so I hope you visit again!

xoxo A Bit of Heaven

Hello February Mosaic

2013-01-30T20:59:00.000-06:00

A few of my favorite creations, (some with hearts), to welcome in February!

Blessings, Ele

linking to

http://www.domesblissity.blogspot.com (th)

http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com (th)

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com (th)

http://www.livelaughrowe.com

http://www.seven-alive.com

http://www.seventhirtythree.com

Black and White Photos

2013-01-23T16:35:00.000-06:00

It's my favorite wall with some of my favorite people. Faces watching over me in my office.

Black and white pictures make a statement when grouped together, and yes, that is me in the lower left hand corner.

Blessings,
Ele

Sewing Pattern Paper Flower

2013-01-20T15:21:00.000-06:00

The sound of the sewing maching, the feel of fabric, and the texture and transparancy of pattern papper. It's part of me. Imprinted upon me as a baby, I'm sure. Listening to my mother's sewing machine,(and my grandmother's), all while being wrapped up in a quilt sitting in a rocking chair. Simultaneously rocking, watching, and listening. Comfort.

It's no wonder that I love to sew, and I love vintage patterns. I use them in my collage pieces, and recently spied a lovely flower made of pattern paper at Vines Vintage; a store in Fort Collins Colorado.

It was a steal, and it has gracefully become a belt for the

mannequin.

How cute would these flowers look as part of the decor in a vintage style wedding? I visualize them used on banners, candle holders, etc. The uses are endless.

Repurposed and recycled into something lovely, and for me, lets me reflect a little on my past.

Hope you enjoy.......
Happy Creating,
Ele

linking to:   http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com           http://www.etsycottagestyle.com
http://www.lisaleonardoonline.com           http://www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com     http://www.thecreativegirl.com
http://www.itssoverycheri.com          http://www.sumossweetstuff.com

Dress Form & Broach Bouquet

2013-01-12T14:38:00.002-06:00

Dress Form + Rhinestones + Hydrangea Flowers = Major Swoon

ENJOY!

Planning to show you a Pearl inspired Bouquet Next!

Jewelry available on my side bar!

Linking to Mondays: Keeping It Simple Crafts Etsy Cottage Style Craft O Maniac Boogie Board Cottage Blogspot
It's So Very Cheri DIY Home Sweet Home The Girl Creative Sew Can Do This Gal Cooks Keeping It Simple Crafts
Sumo's Sweet Stuff I Should Be Mopping The Floor

Have a beautiful weekend,

Ele

Baby Girl Mixed Media Ornament

2013-01-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

The baby girl ornament I created was for a four month old named Olivia.

2012 was year she was born and experienced her first Christmas. Again, I used mixed media; ephemera from an old Dick and Jane book, an O positioned in a charm for Olivia, rhinestones, glitter, pretty papers, and more charms all for princess Olivia.

Blessings,

Ele

linking to

http://www.theartsygirlconnection.com (th)

http://www.domesblissity.blogspot.com (th)

http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com (th)

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com (th)

http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com (th)

Mixed Media Baby Boy Ornament

2013-01-06T17:29:00.003-06:00

I was asked last month to make a 2012 ornament for a little baby boy due in January 2013. I pulled out some of my favorite supplies and this is what I created:

There isn't a name yet, so BABY would have to do!

A story book puppy, and kitten, and hanging from blue and white gingham ribbons; a teddy bear, and toy car. It says 2012. The year this little boy's mama felt him grow and kick.

The final creation.

I also made a girl ornament for this customer's granddaughter. Stay tuned as I reveal that to you next time!

Blessings,

Ele

linking to: Craftomaniac

Happy New Years and Two Birds of a Feather

2013-01-01T16:52:00.002-06:00

I have learned that when someone says to me, "I just had to get this for you because it's soooo you," it's a good thing. Even better.....when they say, "oh, and this isn't your actual Christmas present." Score. I know, selfishly loving self indulgence.

I love my pre-Christmas present Christmas gift. I call them, Two Birds of a Feather, (they are actually Christmas ornaments). Check out their curly feathers, silver glitter beaks, and....

beaded bellies.

I'm not packing these beautifies away with my other ornaments. They are perched on a nest with silver glittered eggs made by a friend. After all, curly fluffy taupe and blue birds with beaded bellies are perfect with real silver glittered eggs.

Happy New Years to all of you, and may you have happiness and love in 2013.

Ele

2012-12-23T14:07:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas from our home to yours! Have a Blessed week! Ele

December Heavenly Bits

2012-12-10T13:48:00.003-06:00

It's Heavenly Bits time at a Bit of Heaven!

My artists this month recived a WONDERFUL AMAZING packet of ephemera from http://www.etsy.com/shop/sigridstudios.

Seriously, sigrid Studios=AMAZING. Mixed media arts are rejoicing at this very moment because of Sigrid Studios. Thank you Tanja. You were very generous with donating these packages to each of my artists!

Now, please visit these artists to view their creations!

Lisa Fulmer/ lisalizalou.blogspot.com

Nicole Fogarty/coleycraftingcorner.blogspot.com

Nan Harrison/ uniquelynan.blogspot.com

Jennifer Morris/jenniferspetalpalace.blogspot.com

Later this week, I will show you what I have created!

Have a fabulous day,

Ele

Vintage Fabric Christmas Stockings

2012-11-30T13:17:00.000-06:00

Children, and Kittens, and Puppies...oh my!

I love vintage reproduction fabrics. Sewing with vintage or repro fabrics warms my heart.

Children, and kittens, and puppies AND yo yo's..OH MY!

These Christmas stockings have many uses; hang on a tree, tuck in a gift (or gift card), pin to a ribbon and hang across a window, hang across a mantle.....the list goes on.

If you live in my area, I will be at the Jingle Bell Show (Sleep Inn) tomorrow!

Blessings, Ele

linking to

funky junk interiors

Vintage Christmas Suitcase

2012-11-28T15:59:00.000-06:00

I'm digging in the attic and pulling out boxes, (and a pretty darn cute suitcase), of good stuff as Christmas decorating has begun!

Santa beware because I got this vintage suitcase last Christmas, and it was upcycled by my darling niece from DARLING STEWARDESS!

Santa just might lose his job if Darling Stewardess keeps making cute stuff like this!

Off to dig some more in the attic, but had to show you this cutie first!

Ele

linking to

http://www.theartsygirlconnection.com (th)

http://www.domesblissity.blogspot.com (th)

http://www.katherinescorner.com (th)

http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com (th)

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com (th)

http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com (th)

2012-11-25T16:14:00.002-06:00

Thankful for laughter, and love this Thanksgiving season. From my home to yours, I hope that you can feel blessings from God, even if at times you feel there are few. Before the Christmas decorating commences, a few sights from Thansgiving.

Have a great week,
Ele

Coffee Filter Gift Bag

2012-11-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

I seriously LOVE coffee.
Not just any coffee; french press coffee made by my husband. For some reason I have stacks of coffee filters, and we my sweet husband does not use coffee filters when making french press coffee. I decided to recycle/upcycle those filters on gift bags.

For this DIY project, I started with plain Jane brown gift bags.

I used oven safe paper bakeware for the base of the flower, (pic. below). One side of the paper is shiny, the other is matte.

I crumpled up each paper tin, and flattened it out again. I positioned the paper shiny side up, matte side down.

For the next flower layer, I used a coffee filter. I decided to dye them green. I put a stack of filters (abt.25) into a glass bowl, added a few drops of food coloring, and a couple of tablespoons of water. I waited a a minute or two, drained the water, and squeezed the remaining moisture out of the filters with my hands. Then, I dabbed the stack with a paper towel, to remove any remaining moisture.

I didn't wait for them to dry because the bottom layer (white paper tin), is coated with the shiny wax finish, so it won't absorb the wetness of the coffee filter. Then, I pinched the center of the fiter, turned it into a point, and used tacky glue to secure it to the paper tin.

Ideas for center embellishments are endless such as: fabric yo yos, rhinestones, flower petals, and jewelry pieces.

Need gift bags for all of your Black Friday purchases? Add a Christmas themed center, (from your local craft store), to the flower.

linking to:
The Empowered Momma (t)
Learning the Frugal Life (t)
Sensational Creations (t)
Todays Creative Blog (t)
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia (t)
Sugar Bee Crafts (t)
Not Just a Housewife (t)

It is now time for my coffee,
Ele