Vintage Rose Designs

Window into old time Paris!!

2012-02-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

As I am supposedly getting ready to move... I am decorating and preparing my new home...(all in my head I am... *smile)

I have a set of 4 windows we had pulled out of the kitchen here, when we remodeled and I held on to them but never really did anything with them. Until now!!

I finally set to work and finished the first window. I turned this one into a frame shelf.

I proudly announce that I used a MITER SAW for the first time to work on the shelf.

**Applause**

I'll take a bow... haha!!

Well here is my Old world Paris window shelf

It works perfectly with my latest treasure find, the vintage Underwood typewriter.

It even has the ribbon still in it. I love it.

The typewriter reminds me of Moulin Rouge... Christian, up in his hotel room in Montemartre, Paris typing away the story

about Truth, Beauty, Freedom and above all...LOVE

So you see... Now the window shelf and my Underwood typewriter make a perfect fit...

Moulin Rouge, Paris and the young Can Can dancer...

The elephant....

I am not hanging this shelf until I get to my new home and I cannot wait to play with a vignette including these.

Thank you for stopping by, until next time...

CREATE ON!! XO

Fairy tales and sugar plums, make way!!

2012-01-27T07:32:00.000-08:00

Warning: This is going to be an extremely loooooong post.

Seeing that I have been slacking for sometime now. Geez, where do I start...

Once Upon A Dream

in Asheville, NC

I have yet to share with you pictures from the event. Pardon me everyone for the tardiness. But its never too late to share some beauty. The event itself was magical, lights sparkled everywhere, glitters sprinkled as far as the eye can see and hues of whites and laces everywhere captured a true prairie dream. Jennifer Hayslip did such an awesome job. I must have taken about 500 photos through the weekend. Boy, where would I fit all those? Well, enough chit chat... here are my favorite photos.

Chapter I, Thursday night, welcome and vendor night

Creation by Nancy Reffle

Creation by Karen Ricucci Hillman

By Karen Ricucci Hillman

Natasha Burns and her lovely goodies

Sweet Francie from A Scented Cottage

Sparkle and glimmer every where!

Driving to Caxton farms for second day of the event, Chapter II

Love this photo of Natasha and Tiffany in the distance.

True fairy tale charm

Sign by Karla Nathan

Breath taking scenery

Sparkle and shimmer on every table

Table setting, each one with a whimsical tree in the center and tiny mushrooms.

The most gorgeous mantle

Even Laduree had a tiny play in the picture.

Paper mache mushrooms created by Karla Nathan

Oh, and there is me... =)

Photo By Natasha Burns

Me and Natasha. Long time friends, finally got to meet her.

Photo by Tiffany Kirchner-Dixon

The third day was a tour at the Biltmore estate, home of the Vanderbilt's in Ashville, NC. I have already uploaded images online of the tour. Photos of the exterior only since no photos are allowed inside. You can see those photos HERE . The tour to the estate added to the fairy tale charm. What a beautiful place.

The event is also featured in my Winter issue of Creating Vintage Charm magazine including a tutorial the this beautiful mobile that was also a project we worked on in one of the workshops.

Once Upon My Return
I got to work in my studio. I had taken a trip to Charlotte to do a photo-shoot of a friends artwork and installments in a boutique. Once I was done I figured I explore the city and there on a curb I saw a table loaded with books for free. I screeched the wheels (No I didn't... I am a very careful driver.... HA!!)
Anyway, I went to check this out and found a few very old hardback books I could use.

I have enjoyed altering books with mixed media in the past and figured I should do something I enjoy. So here is my latest pieces.

First is my Once Upon A Time
The enchanting castle

I meant for this book to be a picture frame, but when I added the picture of the castle, it just fit perfect. I glued pages together except for one section where the castle is. I had so much fun creating this!!!

I have to explain how I do like that raggedy, worn look. I don't seam fabrics, I just rip fabric and let it fray. I tea dye paper to give it more natural warm tone and old timey look. I also use antique gold paint for richness in colors.

Then it was Christmas and I was dreaming of Sugar Plum fairies and Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker so hence the reason and theme of the next piece.

The Nutcracker's Dance of the sugar plum fairy

The whole time I worked on this I kept hearing the chime in the Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies

Both books are already sold. The latest book I worked on is a journal in Rococo theme. Go figure!! I love rococo era art I just had to do this one.

The Swing by Fragonard

Well, this is probably a recap of Fall and Christmas together. I also took a trip to New York City with my oldest son. We had a blast. It was my son's first visit to the big city, while I haven't been there since 2000. I especially enjoy visiting around holiday time, looking at the pretty window shops and all the Christmas decor. You can see pictures HERE

Oh Yes!! I had to go to Laduree's. How could I not? Their macarons are sinfully delicious.

I think I took you all over with this extreme long post but I needed to catch you up. May as well spill it all out while I'm at it. I stay busy with the magazine and I also have to mention that within the next two months I will be moving with my 3 kids to another state. So my studio will be getting packed up, as the rest of my house as well.

Until next time,

CREATE ON!!!!

Relaxing Milk Bath Tutorial

2011-12-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

Relaxing Milk Bath gift box

Last November I had created a post about Homemade Foot Scrubs and it was a hit. It is the time for gift giving again so why not share another gift tutorial!

Today as I was trying to come up with a small gift for my son's teacher... I remembered to look up a Relaxing Milk Bath recipe I came across in one of my Betty Crocker recipe books. This recipe is from Betty Crocker's Celebrate and is very quick and easy to make and packaging could be fun to create too. Its a great gift for family and friends.

What you need & how to do it:

For each gift box mix together 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup salt and 1 cup nonfat dry milk.

To use, add 1 cup bath mixture to warm bath water. Can be stored in airtight container up to 1 year.

I had a paper mache box in my stash, so I am putting the mix in a plastic bag, inside the box.

After I poured the powder bath mix in the plastic bag, I used a twisty tie to close the plastic bag.

A pretty tag to indicate what the mix is "Relaxing Milk Bath"

Pretty ribbon to tie the tag to the bag

And decorated the lid with pretty paper, creppe rosette, jewelry bits and flowers. W for Whertmann... teacher's last name.

Other options would be to pour mix in vintage glass jars or a pretty decorated brown paper bags (plastic bag inside to seal freshness of powder). Include a small scented candle with the gift and receiver will be able to enjoy a relaxing bath in candlelight at home.

Nothing says this is just to give as gift, you can probably use some relaxation too during holiday season so go ahead and try it out!!

Enjoy!!

Dreaming and counting the days!!!

2011-10-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Biltmore Estate

Not much longer now, and I will be packing for my short road trip to Asheville for the

Once Upon A Dream... event hosted by Jennifer Hayslip.

My studio looks like a staging for a movie scene right now... ruffles, tulle and antiques scattered all over the room!!

My last project was a Ballet pointe shoe I transformed into a Fairy enchanting slipper. It is meant for a swap, Fairy Slipper and will be going with me to Asheville. I had soooo much fun working on it. Sweet Heidi from Sugah Beez sent me the shoe since she had a pair of her daughters worn ballet slippers. I thought that was very sweet of her to share. These shoes are even more special because they had been used, and danced and twirled in. Can you imagine a little girl practicing her pirouettes?

I thought the wear on it adds to the enchantment... again, they have been twirled in...

A fairy wore this shoe....

I added a note/story that adds to the charm, as if its an enchanting fairy tale page ripped from on old book and dusted with fairy dust... *sigh*

I had so much fun working on this... got me even more excited about the trip....

a week from today, 7 sleeps...........

....................

Breakfast IN Tiffany's ;)

2011-09-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

It's just a play with words...

I meant you are going to have your champagne and macaroons breakfast in my Tiffany's slippers

This week I bid farewell to my Music of the Night inspired slipper as it is now on the way to Arizona. I had many ask if the shoe was a pair and if it could be worn. Well, it wasn't. It was only meant as a display piece. But I had imagined how wonderful it would be to create a PAIR orf slippers that could actually be worn and enjoyed!! Maybe even shown off!! ;)

I hunted for a nice pair of slippers to decorate and I found these polka dot slippers.... perfect!!

I wanted to add enough to them to transform them into chic and sassy, while at the same time take in consideration comfort and durability.

So I sewed everything on by hand with Golden thread!!

The sole is left intact! Since... these are meant to be worn, they need to be comfortable.

And awhhhh!! Feathers!!... I just have to add feathers!! For me that feathery flow adds to the whimsy and elegance so I tend to add feathers to most of my creations

So if you are lucky and wear a size 6... You could be wearing these fancy, sassy and chic slippers to your next cocktail party.

Now Listed in my Etsy

I have to say, I am enjoying getting creative with shoes. This comes from a gal who's always in sandals or chucks or what nots... But I dream.... I love fashion and beautiful shoes... I always tend to go to casual but every once in a while, we would love to be in that ball or champagne party... wearing shiny rhinestones or beautiful pearls.

Music Of The Night!!

2011-07-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

Hey, you remember me??.....Do You??....

It has been a while yes. Its a shame, really!! If you haven't followed me and my magazines, then when it comes to artwork, you haven't missed much. I was afraid even, that I have lost my creativity somewhere. My studio has been sitting there untouched and got replaced by a computer screen. Ughh!! Not good!! I love working on the magazine but I need to start putting it aside at least for a day to let my creative juices flow too.

So once again, I let the phantom and his music take me away...

I created a shoe, for a night at the opera... and perhaps a masquerade ball after wards!!

I have to mention too, I had bought a nice and nifty camera a few months back. Its "new" to me, cos I bought it from a pawn shop. Don't you just love ebay?? I do!

So since, I have also taken to photography. I LOVE it and enjoy it very much. And unlike everything else that I get into, that ends up building pressure and putting a lid on my creativity. I am leaving photography, as a hobby right now.

I have been sharing my photos, like these above on another blog. It is my OTHER blog and so I named it Sonia's Other Blog. Clever name huh?? Yea!! I really wasn't trying and geez, what could I call it and I wasn't in a brainstorm mood I guess. =) But thats ok. You can visit and follow if you like...

http://soniasotherblog.blogspot.com/

Creating Marie Style is now available!!!

2011-06-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

I would have to consider this issue my masterpiece.

I was pinching myself after I flipped trough my proof copy for the first time.

I am honoring our brave and fashionable queen, Marie Antoinette with a magazine issue dedicated to artwork inspired by her.

I especially want to thank everyone who contributed artwork and features to help produce this beautiful magazine. My dream wouldn't have come true without your support.

THANK YOU!!! xoxox

In this issue; ~ Featured Artist, Cathy Scalise ~ Shop at the Versailles Market, pretties and ideal gifts from various artists and designers ~ Tutorials by Terri Gordon and Debi Huntsman and Melanie Hall ~ Marie Cut-Out images by Cassie's Creations ~ Framing Prints by Sonia Crouse ~ Featuring Paulette Kinney, Dawn Shotton and more....

Copies are being sold here: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/200911

If Marie and Rococo is your thing, then be sure to get your copy. Yes I also included TWO 8x11 printed digital collage art prints for framing, glittering or anything frou frouey you may want to use them for. I hope you all would enjoy!!

Love to all!! xoxox

2011-06-03T03:58:00.001-07:00

Creating Vintage Charm Issue 4:

Creating Marie Style

By Sonia Crouse in Women's

Marie Antoinette Inspired Arts and DesignsIn this issue; ~ Featured Artist, Cathy Scalise ~ Shop at the Versailles Market, pretties and ideal gifts from various artists and designers ~ Tutorials by Terri Gordon and Debi Huntsman and Melanie Hall ~ Marie Cut-Out images by Cassie's Creations ~ Framing Prints by Sonia Crouse~ Featuring Paulette Kinney, Dawn Shotton and more....

Calling fellow artists, Creating Marie Style!!

2011-03-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

A special publication presented by Creating Vintage Charm magazine, is in the works.

Creating Marie Style is the printed magazine featuring
Marie Antoinette, rococo era / 17th century, style, fashions; inspired art and creations.

So if you are an artist or crafter, designer, digital artist, etc... and you would like to submit articles, tutorials, how-to's, photography and/or artwork, please contact me at sonia.crouse@yahoo.com.

All articles and photography are credited accordingly to providers.

I welcome any ideas and interest in the publication.
Issue expected to release May, 2011.

Just me!! Dammi un Baccio!!

2011-02-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

Yeah, there you have it... That's me...

In a dressing room on a Sunday morning playing around with frilly dresses.

I have not shared that many photos of me on my blog. I think these are the silliest photos, but this is just me being myself so why not!!??

I never did buy that dress because it wouldn't zip up all the way (have to loose a couple more inches I guess, wink* ) but I am SOOO regretting it and I am yes, contemplating going back an hour drive to the city to get it!! Yeah...that's me...

Give me a Kiss, Dammi un Baccio (in Italian)

Growing up, these heavenly kisses were a threat on Christmas!! They come from Italy and are made by Perugina. Perugina in Italy is like Ghirardelli here in US. They have a nocchiatella (hazelnut) and whole hazelnut filling covered in dark European chocolate. You can find them in World Market stores, especially over the holidays or special occasions like Valentine's.

I love Perugina.

Wrapped inside with the chocolate, there is always a sweet sentiment like this one below. Translated in 4 different European languages, Italian, French, German and English.

Some say,

Love without kisses is a night without stars

I love this one,

When you kiss me, without uttering a word you speak to my soul.

Beautiful

By Order Of The Crown!!

2011-02-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure you have seen this poster lately. The message reading Keep Calm And Carry On has now spread like wildfire in the last 5 years especially after Rachel Ashwell acquired it as a decorative item.

I bought my copy of course recently and as always I get intrigued by history. I love history. It is fascinating I think.I did get a small paper slip with my poster about its history and I also Wiki'ied it and I wanted to share what I learned.

By The Order Of The Crown

In The spring of 1939, during the beginning of World War II, The Ministry of Information in Great Britain commissioned a series of propaganda posters to distribute throughout the Country to strengthen the morale during the war. Two previous posters were, "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory" (800,000 printed) and "Freedom is in Peril" (400,000 printed) .

Two and a half million copies of Keep Calm And Carry On Slogan posters were printed but remained unseen by the public. They remained in reserve, intended to use only in times of crisis or invasion. Very few found their way onto Ministry Office walls.

Thats until more then fifty years later- In 2000, a copy of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster was rediscovered in Barter Books, a second-hand bookshop in Alnwick, Northumberland. Since Crown Copyright expires on artistic works created by the UK government after 50 years, the image is now in the public domain. The store's owners, Stuart and Mary Manley, were thus able to reprint copies at customers' requests, as did others, inside and outside Britain. It has inspired ranges of clothing, mugs, doormats, baby clothes and other merchandise from various vendors, plus a book of motivational quotations.

Designers of this poster are unfortunately unknown. We owe to them the credit to these uplifting words.

I hope you find this bit of information as interesting as I did. And while I am talking about British History, have you seen 'The King's Speech'?

I think Colin Firth is a remarkable actor and he did a great job in this movie. Again, piece of history. Malta was still a British colony at the time of King George VI's reign.

So here is my movie recommendation for you. If you love movies like I do, then you should see this one.

I have been hosting movie nights for my girlfriends for some time now, its a lot of fun. We have seen a few great movies and love to talk about what we saw. I couldn't believe it, my girlfriends have NOT seen MARIE ANTOINETTE..... Shockingly taking in a long loud breath!!

So, thats it!!Bring your popcorn ladies, I'll have my tea and soda... no cheese nachos sorry. But tomorrow night is Marie Antoinette night at my house....

I serve tea a lot in my house. No one in town can serve a good cup a tea, like I do!! Trust me!! I treat everyone like royalty and pull out my fancy china.

--------------------------------------------

Before I go, I had to share with a sweetest blogger sent me this week on Valentines.

Sharon from My Life at Pansy Cottage Garden, agreed on an impromptu sweet little swap with me for Valentine's Day. She received my little mini Rococo journal I blogged about here. I had to put pictures up because I was so happy to find some time to create that I couldn't wait to share.Her package is pictured in the previous post.

Here is the package as I received it!!

She knows me very well.... Chocolate, Pink Roses and Sweet smell of French soap. A box filled with love right here!! I LOVE the apron! Thank you so much Sharon for everything!!

Cannot forget the coffee, I have been chugging it down by the gallons (exaggerating of course). Yes I have been needing it to pull the nights I have working.

Of course, when I am walking around the house snapping pictures, This sweet face, keeps popping up in front of my camera saying "Chhheeeesseeeeee" Isn't he the cutest chums!!!

Well, I think I am caught up for now so

To Do Loo!!

Go create something beautiful today and if you are anywhere near the south east, I hope you are enjoying the sweet sunshine and somewhat warm weather we have been having.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you dear blogger friends

I treated myself to a dozen pink roses from the market and I had fun taking some pictures.

I hope you have a day filled with Love.

Sweet Valentines, my heart sings again!!

2011-02-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Creative is a state of mind for me. And it has just not been lately. Way too much on my plate for my creativity to kick in. My etsy store is momentarily empty except for the magazine. I want to be free to create when I want and what I want and without questions or stress whatsoever. I just want to be able to enjoy it. I want to inspire creativity with my magazine, but I also want to save time for me to create too, let me heart sing again.

I have worked on more surprise thingy things for dear friends on blogland. I cannot tell who, you may be the one reading this... and I won't spoil your surprise. Packages may end up being late, but better late then never I always say. I simply have to remind them that I am thinking of them and I appreciate their friendship. Nothing big either, but its the thought that counts.

What better time to show love and appreciation then Valentines Day?!!!

Even if I haven't got enough time to make cazzillions of these for everyone... I want you to know that I Love you too!! Thank you for making time to come visit with me!!

Little Somethin' somethin' for someone......

2011-02-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Ah, we had been having gorgeous spells of sunshine the last couple of days and my studio was calling my name and I stepped into it today. Even if its something small, I just had to create something pretty and this is going to be a surprise gift for someone...

Even more the motivation...

Its a mini journal with lots of pretty ruffles!!

*Sigh* I cannot wait till winter is OVER for good. There is something about spring that inspires my creativity!! Hmmm, think its the bright shiny days!! =)

So what do you think?

Have you created pretty today??

My version of French Macaroons!!!

2011-02-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

I have been drooling over Laduree's pictures of their French macaroons for weeks and weeks now. I have thought about ordering a dozen off the internet but realized, Laduree only takes orders by phone. Hmmm, my French is very Very poor and I doubt that an order by phone is that easy to get across. If I am going to buy macaroons from the internet, I want the real thing!!

Maybe someday I will make it to Paris and not only devour in Laduree Macaroons, but also get to sit in their oh heavenly decorated tea rooms.

Enjoy a nice hot cup poured out from their silver teapots and served in fine china. ~~I'll take the paper napkin home with me, thank you very much.~~

Stare at the beautiful and remarkable design of their Menu. I tend to pay attention to those details a lot for some reason.

And hmmmm, stare at the rest of the place

Doesn't this tearoom remind you of Versailles and Marie Antoinette, surrounded with all that mouth watering goodness!!??

Well, having shown all that, I am afraid I have put whats to come in the lime light!!

But I am proud I managed to domesticate myself enough on Sunday afternoon and concentrate solely on my task and challenge at hand.

I finally decided to make my own Macaroons. I had come across several recipe versions and I finally settled with Martha Stewart's

Martha's French Almond Macaroons

Martha has actually made the recipe on the Today show a LOOOONG time ago when Katie Couric was still in the show. The link shows the segment and below is the recipe!! And here is what I made out of it!!

Strawberry, chocolate with strawberry filling and lemon flavored macaroons

I was so stoked about the results. Only problem I had was grinding my own almonds to make almond flour and it didn't turn out quiet as fine as flour. I cannot find almond flour in local stores anywhere. Holly Abston on facebook suggested I go to Amazon.com for it. I have never bought groceries online before. It didn't even occurred to me to try that.

Anyway, hence the not so smooth look of my version. Mind you, the flavor though was Hmm

Hmm mmmmmmmm!! They were crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, which as I have read, is the way they should be.

I yielded a lot of them, about 25 I think and there was no way I was going to eat them all by myself so I opened my home for an early tea or coffee on Monday morning and friends came by. They ate and even had take out Macaroons. It was a lot of fun. I love tea ware and have quiet a few pieces so I like to take the occasion and use them every once in a while.

They put a smile on my face for sure and so on everyone who tasted them.

So now I know what they taste like. Though I still dream of visiting a Laduree Tearoom but at least for now I can have fun perfecting my own.

Off to get back to work now, Spring issue of Creating Vintage Charm awaits.

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T08:01:00.000-08:00

My White Christmas Tree!!

2010-12-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas is past but festivities are not over yet. Saturday will be the first day of the New Year 2011. My my!! How time flies!! This past year has been one that I may always remember. I had to learn to adjust, I gave birth to a new baby girl (now 7 months old). New doors opened for me, a new magazine was born. I started the year in a somber way but I have to say, I am VERY thankful to be ending the year feeling much happier and proud of my accomplishments, proud for standing back up on my own two feet and move on.

I do not want to forget to thank YOU all for standing by me through all of this. Many of you who stuck with me through the highs and lows, thank you for your kind, encouraging words. Every single comment meant a lot to me and made my day. So THANK YOU xoxox!!!

For the first year, I have put up a 4 ft tall White Christmas Tree. The tree itself was a thrift find for 99cents. Don't you just love those finds? It is my all sparkle, pink and aqua tree. I was having fun yesterday taking random shots of the tree, trying to catch the sparkles and glow, playing with the pictures and I am going to share them with you.

Vintage Tags are created by Kirstie from Adeline Country Cottage. Her work is just gorgeous, down to every detail.

I created this Marie ornament. I was meant to make more, but could never find the time. I love the way this turned out though.

Better picture of my Marie ornament.

I did put up a real nest in the tree and nested a glittery bird. Love the ballerina slippers.

Yeah, you can see me in a funny mirror reflection on each silver ball... =)

I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year

Creating Vintage Charm: Merry Christmas to all!! We have a Winner!!

2010-12-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Creating Vintage Charm: Merry Christmas to all!! We have a Winner!!: "It's almost here, the day must of us look forward to every year. The kitchen is filled with spicy and fruity smells from all the baking an..."

Homemade sugar foot scrubs!!

2010-11-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

First time I was introduced to sugar foot scrubs was through my local MOPS group that I go to. We do some small crafty projects every month and this was one of them. I love the homemade body products. You know what is in the product cos you made it, and it does not include harsh chemicals and usually serve the purpose much better then anything processed anyway!! I am a flip flops and barefoot chic and you know what that does to your feet. Mine get really dry but this scrub really works, leaving my feet soft and moisturized, not dry and flaky.

All you need is 1 part (or 1/2 cup olive oil or almond oil)

2 parts sugar (or 1 cup)

A drop of soap or food coloring (any color you prefer)

A drop or two of your preferred essential oils scent

Combine everything in a bowl and its ready to use.

I soak my feet in warm water and scrub with sugar scrub, until sugar is dissolved then rinse off with warm water and pat dry my feet.

I looked online for more recipes and there is tons of them. One recipe used one cup of sugar and two tablespoons of lotion. If you're anything like me, I have tons of lotions around my house, some that I buy and a LOT that was gifted to me. More then I can use before it can go bad. So using it as a scrub is a way to go through your lotions faster.

Here are some sites I found with some nice recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-sugar-scrub-recipes/

and http://naturalnailcarerecipes.homestead.com/handscrubs.html

If you want to jar some Sugar Foot Scrubs as gifts, here is a page I found that gives ideas about extending shelf life for your products. http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/library/preservatives.asp

One of the ingredients that extends shelf like is Rosemary oil extract.

So the last batch I made I put in a jar. I save glass jars and bottles.

I spray painted the lid in white then I decoupaged it with Rosey tissue paper I have received from my dear friend Debi at Life in my studio. I didn't have the time to, but you can go a step further by adding a pretty tag or label to the jar.

Doesn't that look like a neat idea for a gift?

Go ahead and make your own.

Enjoy!!

Once upon a dream, coming to NC!!!

2010-10-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

Sweet Eye Candy Creation's Jenn is presenting this wonderful event, coming to Asheville, NC in October of 2011. Click on the image above for more details.

Doesn't it look dreamy, a true fairytale event (sigh....!!)

Dreaming of Christmas filled with ribbons and feathers!!!

2010-10-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about the holidays as you can see. If it wasn't for the kiddos, I would have skipped Halloween all together and starting working on the Christmas tree. I started decorating for Halloween yesterday and I am almost done. And I know that compared to many, I am very mild on that particular holiday decor.

And how could I not be excited about Christmas, there's the magazine I am working on, bursting with eye candy and I received a package from Kirstie from Adeline Country Cottage all the way from Australia. She is sponsoring my Creative Challenge for Creating Vintage Charm. I will be posting pictures on the magazine blog, of what is going to be included with the Prizes.

I also have been on the hunt for ornaments for the new tree I bought. Yesterday at the thrift store I found a box of these creamy vintage white ornaments and after kiddos went to bed, I starting playing =)

I don't know about you, but most of the time, I start with an idea in my head but it almost never goes that way as soon as I start working and find that this doesn't work, or that will work better. But that the creativity at work right?!!!

I started stamping and glittering the ornaments, like you see the one with the crown. I love it but I wanted more pink so then I pulled out my stashes of ribbon and trims and ribbon roses.

I just had to add the touch of white feathers!! I love feathers floating on the tree.

Well, it may be that all you will be seeing from here till Christmas, is any more ornaments I will be coming up with. Time is very limited and what time I have is going to be dedicated on filling the tree. Thats my plan anyway. Like I said, who knows where creativity will direct me!!!

Have I ever shown you the little Marie Antoinette Birdhouse?? Its a beauty and I received that from blogging best friend Debi from Life in my Studio in a swap in the Marie Antoinette Mail Art swap.

Well, two year old prince wants to read stories with me so... I will go read the Little Engine that Could and I hope you are inspired to create something fun today... Todolooo!!!

A little bit of tinkering and a package at my door!!!

2010-10-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

Working on a Christmas magazine got me all excited to create a little something for Christmas. In fact, I am excited about the whole holiday season. I get to actually enjoy it for a change. It's looking up so far =)

I was also lucky to be thrifting and found that white Christmas tree, 4 feet of it for 99cents... owh, had to come home with me. I rinsed it in the tub with little dish soap and it could as well feel like its brand new to me. So now I want to pretty it all up for the holidays. I will try and work on some ornaments when I can.

So I got started with creating a little birdhouse ornament with a little shine and sparkly. The wooden birdhouse, was also a great find at the dollar store. They rarely have them so when I did see them I snatched a few of them (I = Hoarder)

I covered it with music sheets then for the roof I used actual cotton and sprayed a little glue on it then cover with clear glitters. Added a few ribbon roses and sparkly pipe cleaner thingies and some crystal beads... Stamped the greeting on a small banner and sprinkled that too. Perched a bird all cozy at the door and viola!!!...

Do you remember my other post about the Masquerade Ball Mask? I showed a Ball mask I created for a Marie Antoinette Mail Art group swap. My partner was Mary from The Damsel of Distress blog.

Well, today I got my beautiful package from Mary with the Oh, SO Gorgeous mask. We did get to tell out partners what our favorite colors are and I did mention, pinks and pastels!!!

So here is what I got today!!!

She also added a few lacie goodies which I'm sure will come handy in any of my creations soon. Thank you Mary!! =)

I love the mask Mary, thank you for being my partner in Marie crime!!

Thank you for coming by and make sure to hop on to my other blog and check the creative challenge post, with chances to win gorgeous goodies, a free upcoming holiday copy of Creating Vintage Charm and an opportunity to GET PUBLISHED!! See you there!!

Or here!! ;)

Revamp It Party 2010.

2010-09-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Natasha is hosting the Revamp It Party for the second year. I wasn't a part of it last year but it was a huge success and a lot of fun. Everyone's revamped projects were wonderful.

As I was driving to the grocerie store on friday, I passed a thrift store and they had this chair sitting outside for sale. I do not know why I love chairs. I place them around the house to catch whatever... Purses, clothes, bags or well, I guess to sit on... =) But I told myself, Oh no...this one will go in my vendor booth downtown, I can Revamp It and sell it. In the mean time I use it to prop pillows I sell on it... So low and behold, it ended in my trunk.I got it for $5.

The white fabric was dirty and a leg was a tad loose so I tightened and glued the leg, removed the seat and sanded it down. I have to be honest, I take short cuts when I refinish furniture because when I have a picture in my head of what I want it to look like, I cannot wait to have that picture alive. I can also call that impatience.

Anyway!! After I sanded it to where the gloss was removed I primed it, then primed it again...

Then I painted it and sanded it to smoothen the paint and painted it again...

When I do the final sanding, I like to go sporadic and uneven. I just love the way it looks.

As for the seat, the fabric I really loved to see on it was the Rachel Ashwell's blush rose.

Hmmm, big mistake... or was it?? My daughter's bedroom has the matching fabric balloon shade.

I wanted to take pictures of the chair so I took it up in my daughter's bedroom... It never made it out of there. It so happened that a couple of plush animals were laying on the changing table and I couldn't use it... But, now I can because I have a matching chair to put the plush toys on. Love it!!

I hope you liked my quick Revamp project. Please hop on to Natasha Burn's blog for other Revamped projects.

Sandy Foster on CBS tomorrow morning!!

2010-09-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the pleasure of connecting with Sandy Foster from My Shabby Streamside Studio. A wonderful person and one gorgeous studio in the Catskills in NY.

Tomorrow morning she will be appearing in the Nate Berkus show on CBS. Check showtimes for your area here. It is definetly a segment not to be missed.

As she says on her blog post, grab your prettiest cup of tea, relax and watch the show.

Her furry friend Zuzu, is just too cute. He's a Maltese dog =) Sandy loves my birthplace for that reason.

She will also be featured in the Christmas issue of Creating Vintage Charm.

Don't forget to purchase your first issue of Creating Vintage Charm now on sale. Get it right now while at a discounted price till the 30th of September.

Paper Faces on Parade!!!

2010-09-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well perhaps this post comes a little late in the year then it should but the Marie Antoinette Mail Art group organized a swap that I couldn't pass. And I will show you later what I have created but while working ... again in my dream world while working, I went across the Atlantic ocean back to europe... Venice, Italy to be exact. What we in US call as Mardi Gras, in europe its the Carnival. I was brought up celebrating carnival in Malta.

Thats me dressed as the Spanish Dancer =) Cute eh!!?? Hihi!! Malta's carnival is much like Halloween without the trick or treating. We dress up and go to the city and watch the parade

Lots of bright floats and mariachi bands.

In Venice however, or across the rest of Europe perhaps, Carnival is more misterious and elegant.

Can you imagine? Carnival is the day, that doesn't matter who you are and what you look like, you will wear a mask and no one will know for a day. You will disguise yourself with a beautiful mask go to the ball and dance with?? Well, you don't know who!! Until its time to reveal...

And speaking of Masquerade Balls, I can't help but remember my favorite musical... Yes, I was LISTENING to the music while working.

Sure you have noticed by now The Phantom of the Opera. Like Marie Antoinette, this movie is very inspiring to me when it comes to costumes and props and everything else. ~~Let's no forget to mention Gerard Butler but I'm not gonna go there~~

And after all the day dreaming and beauty... let's go to what I was doing.

Ah, yess!! For a swap in the Marie Antoinette Mail Art group, there was a Masquerade mask swap that I COULD NOT pass. And you can see why above.

My swap partner is Mary from The Damsel of Distress blog.

I hit a creative mental blog last night... maybe I was very tired but after a night's sleep I was able to pick it up and finish it and I am very happy with my creation. Well, I hope Mary will be too.

The mask is covered in velvet and well, glitters of course!!

I added the butterfly and pretty feathers.

The back is covered in Pink and Roses fabric and the mask is worn by a ribbon that ties in the back of the head.

What do you think??

Well, that's it for today. I hope you join me in my other blog and celebrate with me the launch of my new venture, the printed magazine Creating Vintage Charm, with a Launch Party and a Giveaway.

PS. I just noticed how I do say 'Well' a lot... hmmm, Oh well!! =)