Plays with Paper

And the Winner of the Haunted Masquerade Giveaway is....

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:34:00 +0000

This giveaway was truly a lot of fun.

Thank you to all who participated!

There were actually 124 doll heads in that jar !! Can you believe it?
Drum roll please.....................

Checking my list, and checking it twice.....

Congratulations to Sares of Loveleigh Treasures
with the closest guess of 117 heads !

Happy Halloween Everyone!

The last Halloween pendant was mailed out yesterday.
Next up Merry Christmas!

Come Join Me at The Haunted Masquerade and One more Halloween Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:30:00 +0000

You are cordially invited

to come join the fun!

For the Haunted Masquerade blog party I wanted to do something really fun and different for a giveaway.
sooo.....

Here it is....
The Giveaway!

How many vintage doll heads do you think are in this jar?

Go ahead and take a guess. The party guest that leaves a comment with a guess that comes the closest
wins!
But oh my, my ,what do you win?

Well.............

One of my Hocus Pocus Witch Stick Dolls made with one of the vintage German doll heads,

and

Some Spooky Haunted trees to add to your own haunted creations!

I will draw the winner Monday at midnight.

WINNER
And, we mustn't forget the winner of the Halloween necklace , Halloween Chocolate, and Hocus Pocus doll box is ....

and the winner is ...
Maggi of "just add glitter and stir"!

Congratulations Maggi!

Thank you so much for joining the masquerade!

PS: Well friends , I have just completely dated myself with the song for the Masquerade blog party , LOL, but it is all in fun!

until next time.....

Hauntingly Magical Celebration !

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Welcome!

So glad you could stop by.

First off, I would like to thank you for visiting.

The giveaway is still open, and anyone who leaves a comment on this, or the previous post for the Halloween giveaway will be entered today.

The winner will be drawn at the stroke of midnight
tonight!

Our new doll from Colleen Moody . Reagan and I absolutely love her!

Halloween Tea Party

Carmel apple preparation with Grandma Jane who is visiting us from California this week . We are so happy she could join us for the tea party.

Our lovely hostess for the tea was Ms Paula.

Reagan delightfully surprised at all of Ms. Paula's tea delicacies!
Reagan and Grandma Jane hiding behind the tall towers of delicious goodies including pumpkin cheesecake.The lovely ladies in our Homaker"s club enjoying tea
Ms. Dory enjoying her soup in a pumpkin
Asparagus soup in pumpkin , how cute Ms. Paula!
I am Adding to the giveaway!!!!

This lovely vintage witch necklace has now been added to the Halloween giveaway in honor of the blog party. You can enter on this or the previous post (with the chocolate) until Midnight tonight.
Thank you for stopping in for a
Spell!

Welcome to October Halloween Fun !

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Welcome October!!

In full fall swing here!
Outside the weather is breezy , and cool, and their are signs of fall
everywhere.

I would like take a moment to
introduce to you "Hocus" and "Pocus"

Hocus has such a sweet and gentle temperament, and is very useful around the house.

Pocus on the other hand, can be quite mischievous.
And, delights in trickery .

they will be available together tonight on my Etsy.

Another Giveaway!
This year we are participating in a Halloween party on October 17 ,hosted by Vanessa of A Fanciful Twist. Reagan is so excited about this , and me too. My Mother in law will be here visiting from California that week , so she is coming to play too!
SO...........
I will be having another giveaway to celebrate . We will start off with
Chocolate of course!
I found these while out on one of my 20 minute "power" shopping trips the other day, and thought they were the absolute cutest chocolate bars ever! 3 large full size chocolate bars with vintage Halloween postcard wrappers. Yum!

AND.....

I will also be giving away this Hocus Pocus vintage doll box from Staffordshire Garden Designs.

I just may be adding more to this giveaway as we go along , so stay tuned. (I do get very excited about this time of year).

Oh , and if you mention my giveaway on your blog and link back to Plays with Paper, let me know ,and I will enter you in the giveaway twice!

The giveaway drawing will be the same day as the Halloween blog party on October 17!
Hope to see you then!

"Trick or Treat" one of a kind ,available at www.staffordshiregarden.com

Oh My Goodness, The Country Living Fair and the winner of Halloween Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:00:00 +0000

WOW!
It has been a completely crazy but wonderful last couple of weeks. I would like to now announce the winner of the Halloween Giveaway is ...............
Sarah of "Spilled Sweet Tea"
Congratulations Sarah ! Yeah!

We made the trek to Columbus Ohio this weekend for the Country Living Magazine Fair. My personal assistant , model,and artistic director Miss Reagan, and Web Master Mason, were with me to help all weekend and boy am I sure glad they came!

Hard at work , early in the morning before the show opened Saturday. OOPS child Labor shhh!

I met soo many lovely sweet ladies (and gentlemen too) at the show, that came to visit me. Some gave a shout out to Mason for his animated witches on the Staffordshire Garden web site.

Web Master ^

Priscilla Pocus just hanging out (sold)

("Baby 31 Witch" sterling necklace sold)

Some local crows signed on as models this year and came along to the show help out.
( witch pendants all are sold)

The Pumpkin Fairies Dance!

Pumpkin Fairy necklaces featuring vintage Frozen Charlotte Dolls (all are sold)

Pumpkin fairy peeking out of her favorite antique pumpkin teapot (Fairy is sold)

Reagan's favorite blond pumpkin fairy (available)

Side note: ( In my very silly sleep deprived state before the show, I did make up a pumpkin fairy dance for Miss Reagan who still asks me to do it constantly. No, I would NEVER EVER do it in public , no worries!)

Little Vintage Witchkins

Blond "Trick or Treat" available
Little vintage witch sticks (just a couple still available)
"Belle of the Ball" I did these very similar to the one I had featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry Summer 2009. (this one is sold , but there are 2 left that are similar)

Some of the dolls I realized when I got home, I never got a chance to photograph! They are in their new loving adopted homes now. Thanks so much to everyone again for visiting me and all of your very sweet comments. Horrible but the only photo of vintage lace angel (sold, but more coming for Christmas)

"Drink Me Potion Bottles"

"Queen of Halloween"

We made a lot of new friends , and had a truly busy but wonderful time. A couple of new friends and kindred spirits ,that were artists at the fair, I look forward to featuring in up coming posts . Reagan's favorite tent was Earth Angels which she was able to visit several times with my friend Paula (and once with me, I wouldn't miss that!). Thank you to all of the wonderful Ladies there, and to Jen for taking the time out to speak with her . She was memorized by each and every table (me too)!

2009 Fun and Frolic Holiday Vintage Halloween Giveaway and Kickoff

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:47:00 +0000

Halloween Giveaway and happenings.....

It took just a little longer than I thought to load, but "2009 Staffordshire Garden Holiday Fun and Frolic " is off and running, and I was so excited to see what my Son had done with one of my little vintage witches. He really truly made her magic! (see her here www.staffordshiregarden.com )

Other exciting news for September is 2009 Somerset Holidays and Celebrations is out on the stands. I was thrilled to be included again for the 3rd year ,in this wonderful celebration of all holidays. This year I have a Halloween witch and Halloween box included in the issue. I have already read mine cover to cover a couple times but seem to discover new creations I did not spy before , every time I open it. That is the fun of it of course.

September 18-20 is Country Living Magazine Fair in the beautiful German Village in Columbus , Ohio. Staffordshire Garden Designs will be there this year. If you are able to attend, I just found out that I will be in tent #6, (not sure what number yet) stop by to say Hello!

And Now For The Giveaway!!

In honor of the "Holiday Fun and Frolic" kickoff on the Staffordshire Garden Designs website, (and really just because I love Fall and Halloween,) I have decided to have a giveaway one of my very favorite little witches for this year

She will come to the winner strung on a 24" black ribbon, and gift boxed.
Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw the winner next Friday September 11th.

(side note : if you like the witch Mason made "magical" for me on the Staffordshire Garden Site ( www.staffordshiregarden.com , please let him know in your sweet comments . He is 16, and although he is my tech "specialist", it was his only second time working with this program. I was so excited he was able to that for me !)

Whimsical Fun and Frolic Halloween and Holiday Season Countdown and Studio updates

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:06:00 +0000

In just 5 days Staffordshire Garden Designs will be

kicking off "2009 Whimsical fun and Frolic "
Holiday Season .

Halloween is one of my all time favorites. The site will be full of handmade one of a kind Vintage Halloween
goodies and "treats".
Last weekend my son both surprised and delighted me, by adding the flying witch to the front page of the site! (see here) www.staffordshiregarden.com
I can't wait to see all of what he is planning for Tuesday. I can hardly wait myself!
I will be starting things out on Tues Sept 1st. with a Vintage Halloween giveaway here on the playswithpaper blog.

Just for you

In the Studio...

I just received the new issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry, one of my favorites. So many wonderful pieces , I was honored to be included.

Hand Dyed Soft Fall Colors

How often does this happen all in one spur of the moment shopping trip!

6 vintage purses, including 2 doll purses !
Needless to say I was tickled to death. And this was true power shopping (as most shopping is with me), with just 35 minutes to peruse an entire 50,000 sq ft antique mall in Ohio.
All of these need some love , which is exactly what I have been looking for . They were at great prices, and perfect for some projects I have had in mind for a while.

Some Reasons I Love Kentucky, and Studio Happenings

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:49:00 +0000

A few reasons I love Kentucky....

unreal shades of green

How my mind pictures "the road less traveled".

Random wild flowers

Gorgeous gym with no monthly membership fees!

because I just like to look at it.

WHAT THE??????? OK, so it totally gave me the heebee geebees just to photograph this for you. I cannot get used to the prehistoric looking bugs that I randomly see. This caterpillar like creature also swims!
Really Don't want to know what he's going to be when he grows up!

Reagan and I have been going out with Mason while he practices running for the upcoming cross country season, and this is a 122 acre public park one mile away from our house. The trails ,are updated from old 1800s logging trails. There is a 210 ft descent into the park , which is why Mason runs it (for the hill work).

On to the studio.....

offered now on Staffordshire Garden Designs site
for Make Mine Pink Friday
"Seaside Cottage" theme
and

2009 Halloween Witches Sneek Peek (SHHH)
backed with mysterious magical vintage mirrors....

coming soon.

Home From Pasadena Bead and Design Show

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:05:00 +0000

"create the journey" bracelet

I have been home for a couple of days , trying to catch my breath a little, and getting back on Eastern time!

It is so easy for me to get stuck on western time. Now I am up until 2:30 and 3:30am ! Oh well, whenever I get back from a large show , I am always compelled to go completely through the studio, and do a very thorough cleaning and organizing (since I left it in such a frenzy it looks like tornado damage!)

I taught 2 workshops while I was at the show, and could absolutely KICK myself for not having my camera for them to take pictures of everyone's wonderful work!
I had brought all of the supplies for the class down to the booth from the room in the morning ,(this case weighed about 100lbs,one shocked gentleman actually asked if I had a body in my huge case , and I do think sometimes it was actually pulling me rather than the other way around!) and went straight from the booth to the class both times.
These lovely ladies in both workshops worked so hard and had such beautiful results.
If you read this
Lynne, Diane, Susan, Kirsten, Helen,
Heather, Judith, Lora , Robin ,
Elena, Cindi, and Nancy please send pictures of you fashioning your beautiful creations, and I will post them
on the blog. You all were so amazing! I was nestled between 3 beautiful glass bead artists as my neighbors this show.
The first was the talented Kirsten Peters McGrath www.kirstenpmcgrath.etsy.com
As it turns out, she is from where my family used to live, in central California, and is my BFF Barbara's Dad's next door neighbor! (There is a Bacon factor in there somewhere I'm sure).

Kirsten was always working on wonderful creations all weekend and I loved watching all of her fabulous "travel tools"!
My absolute favorite was her glass birds!
And all of the amazing colors.
On my other side was sweet Pamala of Bondi Beads
Wow! amazing detail.
And, across from me this time, was the always lovely Becky Caraco www.beckysglass.com and www.beckysglass.etsy.com

I love her beads, and her finished pieces where she mixes in with wonderful vintage elements like vintage keys. Beautiful!!

just me.

Next up...

I will be at the Country Living Magazine FairI am really looking forward to this show. I attended last year just to shop, and it was wonderful. It will be in the same beautiful little repurposed village again this year.
If you get the chance, it is a great experience with both artisans , vintage, and wonderful food. True fall experience in the Mid West. I love it!

A Tea Party for Reagan

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:11:00 +0000

So so much to do yet before I leave for California, but I wanted to share a little of someone's magical day yesterday.

So....

come along with us
to tea!

My friend Miss Paula of Teaberry Cottage gave this tea for Reagan.
First, we greeted all of our friends.
(Thank you miss Jamie)
I made "Cracker Dolls" similar to the ones I did for Somerset Holidays and Celebrations last year, but I adapted these a little, and they worked really well as tea party favors/ place card holders for all of the girls, with goodies Miss Paula put inside!

Miss Paula fixed all of Reagan's favorites , delicious scones with Devonshire cream, PBJ teapot shaped sandwhiches , mini quiches, strawberries in white chocolate, sugared grapes mmmmmmm! and so many more different breads, and sandwiches, and sweets, and new things we all tried.
Miss Reagan eying one of the special tiny fairy dust covered cupcakes Ms Paula made.

All of the girls gave their very best effort in trying new foods they might not have tried before .
Unfortunately, we were so busy we forgot to take our group photos until later on , and a few of our guests had left us.

Reagan decided that she would like to make masquerade ball masks at her party, so each friend made her own bejeweled mask creation!
And then....

Had lots of good silly fun with them.
Reagan with her teacup fairy wand.

Happy 8th Birthday to Miss Reagan
So much fun we had!
Thank you so much to busy Ms Paula of Teaberry Cottage for this wonderful tea party, and magical day!
And also thank you so much for all of the special help from Ms Heather B, Ms Heather H, and Ms Jamie.

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Such a hard little worker! I wish he could help me out in the studio.

I felt so lucky that we just happened to pass by
Reagan's flower at the same time! Watching him work his magic made my day.

Some peeks from the studio this week....
If you "fancy" this style , and are going to be in the Pasadena California area July 29-Aug2, I will be teaching the "Vintage Broken China Jewelry Workshop"
follow this link to sign up for this fun class on the web site:
Staffordshire Garden Workshops
or just email me at contact@staffordshiregarden.com

More sneak peeks...

I did this one for my dear friend Paula's birthday. She is doing a wonderful " tea" for Reagan's birthday next week (so excited!)

"Through the Looking Glass"
Alice and Wonderland series
#1
"Time is a Journey"

This collection comes directly from my 1898 Lewis Caroll Alice and wonderland book, with the beautiful illustrations of John Tenniel.

Back of pendant features aged vintage looking glass.

Front features my favorite character- oh, ever so concerned about the time.
The bottom reminds him that time is the journey.
Fresh out of the studio, and have not listed him anywhere yet.
Inquiries at contact@staffordshiregarden.com

Hello Friends , a Peek at what's been going on...

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Hello Friends...

Just wanted to show you a little of what was going on in the studio this week.

Also, I have been working on a new July kit for Creer Avec Moi , www.creeravecmoi.blogspot.com . It will most likely be late next week when it is posted.

"The Button Fairy"

SOLD

Once upon a time there was a tiny fairy with a passion for buttons! She collected them wherever she roamed.

The "Button Fairy" bracelet features this fairy's entire collection of vintage Mother of Pearl buttons, along with snippets from her favorite ribbon dresses that were hand dyed in vintage creams. All of the buttons have been attatched to a sterling silver bracelet , with sterling rings and sterling clasp. The sterling has been given an aged vintage patina.

The button fairy has also etched her own self portrait into a solid brass center focal piece, to watch over, and protect all of the precious buttons in her collection.

Little Details: The sterling chain is adjustable. The center focal piece measures approx. 2 1/4 " x 1 3/8" . This bracelet is a signed one of a kind piece,100% handmade here in my studio. The purchaser of this bracelet will receive it gift boxed, ready to share with a loved one , or enjoyed personally !

SOLD

The "Button Fairy" bracelet may be purchased on the Staffordshire Garden website

www.staffordshiregarden.com

"Paris Princess "

OOH la la! This necklace destined for the girl who loves everything French. The"Paris Princess"

Necklace features Brass Etched "Paris Princess" focal pendant , with a repurposed vintage brass rhinestone bail and vintage prism drop. All chain , wires, rings, and toggle closer , are sterling silver that has been treated with an aged patina and rebuffed by hand, to keep with the vintage feel.

Tiny details: This necklace is completely one of a kind, hanmade here in my studio. The purchaser of this necklace will recieve it gift boxed. Ready to share with a loved one, or enjoy personally.

to view on the web site follow link Staffordshire Garden Designs

Studio Projects, Disney, Workshops, and Happenings

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:08:00 +0000

Our "magical trip"

We our back from our trip to Florida, relaxed and refreshed. I am still working on a pile of emails to catch up with, but
if you have placed an order while I was gone, it has now been shipped and is on its way to you! Thank you so much friends ,for your patience while I took this once a year brake with my family.

Miss Reagan, and Mason (official technical adviser for Staffordshire Garden Designs), enjoyed that we could see the monorail from our balcony.

We saw characters.....
(Ok, in my hair's defense, we had just gotten off "Splash Mountain" and were completely soaked!
My Dad came out from California to join us. He did not escape Minnie's clutches.Mason was kind enough to take his sister on Dumbo, which of course as a mature teenager , he did not enjoy one little bit (wink).

Big brothers, oh bother.

teenagers ...need I say more?

Reagan and I had a special Mother Daughter Tea at our hotel one afternoon.
And then, all to soon it was time to go.
Shop till you drop, literally!

Some new things going on in the studio......

This is a "Broken China Mosaic" piece I have just put up on my Etsy store.

Very Vintage Style Brass Etchings.

Etched brass pendants. Available on my Etsy , www.staffordshiregarden.com website, and Lollishop and Make Mine pink boutique! (side note.... it may take until Monday to get them up on all the sites.)This pendant is available for custom orders with your monogrammed letter on it.

California Workshop
Broken China Jewelry Workshop
August 1st 2009
5-9pm
Location: Pasadena Bead and Design Show
Pasadena Hilton , Ca.

Sign up page available here Staffordshire Garden Designs

Well, that is all for now.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Enjoy!

A Few New / Old Things

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:54:00 +0000

A few things Reagan and I picked up while at the Antique market .
Some more tiny shoes for my ever growing collection.

The more worn the children's shoes are the more I like them.
Because I like to imagine they were well played in, and all of the fun they must have enjoyed before it was time to retire them for a new pair.

These we found at the last minute, and I was so excited.Beautiful Vintage czech glass stays and lots of beading remnants.

Ooh the Halloween ideas are brewing now.....

But, they will have to wait,
because I have a date with a mouse!
Yes, that's right.
We will be attending the ball,
and tea,
and will have all sorts of magical "tales" to tell when we return.she will be available on my etsy store

I will be back on the June 17 th ,
refreshed and replenished with my "magical fix" for the year.

Today's goings on, and Broken China Jewelry Workshop News

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:23:00 +0000

The computer and I definately have an ongoing love hate relationship .

Today it almost lost out. It found itself in luck that the trash man , recycle guy, wasn't due to come by.
I do love that through the computer , I am able to see all of the wonderful images people post. I love that so many of them are vintage in nature, or just created completely by hand.

These are two things that stand in stark contrast to this heap of mass produced wires and motherboards. (sneak peek at my article in Belle Armoire Jewelry summer issue pg 122-124)

Handmade with love,care, and detail. Made with love care and detail 100 years ago. All of this I am able to look at and enjoy, and sometimes even able to purchase , on this mass produced machine. You can also meet people who share the same passions. Across the country, or even across the globe. Wonderful people that would have never found you without this contraption.

I am not quite sure why I cannot approach the computer with the same amount of patience as when I am making something .
When I am trying a new process, tool, or chemical I have not yet used ,( I often say I have enough different chemicals now to probably make a bomb! LOL .

Just kidding : ), I probably just triggered a lot of bad stuff with that word. ) Oh well, we mad scientist/ mixed media artists understand. Anyhow, if I make a mistake , or the outcome isn't what I wanted, I go back to the drawing board and try again. Sometimes , not all is lost, and I can take a different direction with the mistake that was made.

However, when it comes to the computer I become impatient. Why so many processes, steps, and so many ways to the wrong outcome? Type send , Type send, that's what I would like. No disconnections, server interruptions, accidental closings, cannot complete task, file not found.

I can spend a solid week with no sleep on a project , or a month on something else going back from time to time , but if I cannot type something and cut and paste from one document to another in an hour my brain is fried. I often call 16 year old in, (my computer "guru" ) and just say, "Please just make it do this ", like it just wanted to be disobedient somehow to spite me.

Oh well, without it I know I would be lost.
Lost without all the beautiful blogs , and web sites, and Flickr (I do not even want to know what a Twitter is so don't tell me). My house might be cleaner, and my studio more organized , and everything would run like effiecient clockwork around the house, but what's the fun in that really?
Our relationship will go on , and I will try to be better and more patient on my end of it.

But, there better not be any funny business! (funny business)

On a completely different note....

3D Shadow Box House Pendant

I am excited to let you know that I will be teaching 2 workshops at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show this summer.
July 30- August 2

Vintage Broken China Jewelry Necklace Workshop

You can sign up to join me for these workshops on the Staffordshire Garden Designs website, or call 859-801-6622. Email at contact@staffordshiregarden.com .
We're going to have a whole lot of fun!

Guess what was in the mail today!

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:13:00 +0000

Excitement!......

Guess what came in the mail today...
One of my favorites yeah!,
And, I am in there too somewhere ( LOL).
I will be up reading all these wonderful goodies all night!

I finally retrieved the photos from my phone of the "Let them Eat Cake" workshop ( I let the phone live, just barely), taught by the wonderful Mica Garbarino of Garboodles.
The pictures came out really blurry and icky , so Mica was gracious to let me borrow some of her photos from her blog.

This is wonderful and sweet Mica and Lisa, and me at
Convenzione 2009.

The class!

Mica taught this wonderful workshop called "Let them Eat Cake"
These are the fabulous creations of Kathleen and Diane , 2 of the three sisters of Papertons.com. I had workshops with these fun ladies both days.
This is Lana whom I actually met the first night, and was lucky to enjoy the workshop with her the next day. She is a wonderful lady and hilariously funny.
The official line up!

Now this lady is home, and she is now and forever Reagan's lady. I don't think Reagan has officially given her a name yet, but she loves her very much. Thanks Mica!

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Who do we have here....?

Today I would like to introduce you to Priscilla.

Named after the Roman Empress (and because her parents are particularly fond of the letter P),Priscilla Pocus is the middle child of 5 sisters. Her birthday is May 13 which also happens to be her favorite number, coming from such a large family of witches.

Among her favorite pastimes are making innocent mischief, and taking tea. Usually in that order of preference.
She ususally likes to be out and about in the world, but when at home, she loves to play in vintage jewel boxes , and admire vintage jewelry , of which she is an avid collector herself.

Priscilla is currently being offered as one of a kind, on the www.staffordshiregarden.com website.

I am still trying to retrieve the photos from my wonderful class with Mica "Let them Eat Cake" at Convenzione from my phone. 16 year old tells me I need a special driver . ???? ok,
we will let him handle that one, and hopefully I will have them by this weekend.

There is still a little time to enter the drawing for the Marie Antoinette Canvas Book kit on Creer Avec Moi . Sign ups for the drawing end at midnight tonight, and the winner will be drawn tomorrow! Yeah!
There are only 3 kits left available for purchase. Remember that if you purchase one , and then win the drawing , I will refund your entire purchase including shipping!

For those who do not yet know, Creer Avec Moi is my new blog , on which I am adding really fun vintage inspired mixed media kits for you to create with every month. There is also a Flickr group to post photos of what you have made with your kits, your art creations to share with everyone. I am excited about this fun group, and anxious to see everyone's fabulous creations!

Also , Sweet Deborah of www.starrynightimpressions.blogspot.com
is having a wonderful givaway with all sorts of wonderful things from Convenzione 2009. Give her a visit and leave a comment on her blog to enter.

Return From Convenzione 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Ok, I am back in body if not in mind quite yet from Convenzione 2009 that was held in Pleasanton California.

I had so much fun!

The first workshop I took was talented Mica Gabarino of Garboodles
"Let them eat cake."
I loved this class!
But, I forgot my camera this day and had to take pictures in my phone.

Apparently, shaking the phone and demanding, "Come out come out wherever you are!" does not work on this sort of application. So the busy , and highly in demand electronically, 16 year old is going to get them out of it for me over the weekend . I will post them as soon as he does. I took this class with the wonderful Lana, Diane , and Kathleen. If you have pictures ladies I would love some!This is my BFF Barbara ,( whom I worked to death all weekend ) but I think we laughed for 5 days straight!
Also many new friends like Deborah from "starrynightimpressions.blogspot.com"

and Jill of "jillzwhimzy1@blogspot.com"

This is the sweet Heidi of "Birds of a Feather", and wonderful Ruth Rae
(I just can't wait to get reorganized, and all caught up, so I can sit down and watch her new DVD!)
Goals , light at the end of the tunnel....
Julie Bergmann and Heidi. Don't miss Julie's wonderful article in new Somerset Studio just out.
Very funny and sweet Lisa Kettell
Lisa's new book is "Altered Art Circus"
Lisa~ sorry I don't know how to photo shop us with a super fabulous tan! I
will have to leave that expertise up to you.Too Fun Fun Fun!!

The lovely Iva, of Iva's Creations ,and the lamp I made in her fabulous class."Queen of ZNE"
I think we were both pooped at this point, but Chel looks great.

So many wonderful creations to be seen everywhere you looked!
I just want to say ,"The wonderful fabulously talented" should go before each and every one of these ladies pictures, as well as the ladies I did not get the opportunity to meet at Convenzione. I could see all of the amazing make and take classes going on, but I was vending and did not get the opportunity to take them. I wish I could have taken every one! I am glad I was able to attend this year.

This I was excited to receive this creation just before I left for California . It is from sweet Wendy of

wendy-hue.blogspot.com

We were partners in Maria at Junkdrawer's Marie Antoinette swap. Thank you Wendy!

Exciting News!

Last but not least exciting news!!!!
I am excited to let you know that as promised, -and on time -(yeah light pat on back)
The "Creer Avec Moi" blog site is now official and live!
www.creeravecmoi.blogspot.com

This is a blog for super fun vintage inspiration mixed media kits that I will be listing every month.
Come check it out and have fun
Create with Me!
Ps: Giveaway Alert!
In honor of the first post for Creer Avec Moi, (and just because I love giveaways,) I will
be giving away one of the vintage inspiration kits. Simply leave a comment on the initial post of
Creer Avec Moi
and I will draw the winner next Friday May 15.

Artful Mess Going On

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:11:00 +0000

Convenzione 2009 is almost here!

Right now at this moment , the studio is in complete utter chaos as I get ready to do all of my shipping today for Convenzione in Pleasanton Ca. Trust me, you do not want to see this, I was just barely able to find my way out to take a short lunch break here at the computer.
So instead I will put some pretty little pictures of some new broken china jewelry pieces I have done, and are coming with me.
Of course we all usually put our best foot forward when blogging our photos , but I find today extremely ironic and humorous as huge boxes , bubble wrap , tissue, and clutter have surrounded me all morning.
The Art Paperie and Pleasantries sale will take place at the Alameda County Fairgrounds May 2-3
Don't miss this one if you are in the area.

Click on the above icon for more inormation on this wonderful event and who will be there!

Here is Comes :Convenzione 2009 Pleasanton California

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Ready or Not
It's almost here
Convenzione 2009
Pleasanton California

I will have lots of fun limited edition kits, and oodles of vintage goodies at the show on Sat and Sun.
May 2-3.
Come join the fun!
Can't wait to see everyone there

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Happy Easter!

It was a much busier March than I anticipated, but I am now working hard on the kits for Convenzione 2009 in Pleasonton , Ca. I am so excited!

Click on the icon above for more details about the event. The "Art Paperie and Pleasantries" is open to the public Sat and Sun. May 2 and 3.
This weekend is about family , and I am taking this short break to share with you, but otherwise staying away from the computer for the weekend. Jeffrey is home from U of L, Mason came home Friday from spring break in Florida with the church youth group , and Reagan has big plans for baking a "Bunny Cake" today that we make every year, and my Mother used to make f or me.

This week , Reagan and I got the new Somerset Life magazine, one of our favorites. Since we had our egg dye out nice and handy, we decided to try our hand at dying the beautiful ribbons that Connie Govea Stuart did in the magazine.
This is a sampling of our efforts.
I honestly think that Reagan's came out much better than mine. She is more daring in her experiments, and had the best results with it.
I can't wait to use them on a project!
Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

Vintage Sunday Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Alice in Wonderland 1898

Ever since we moved to the mid west, the first Sunday of March
has meant the beginning of Antique show shopping season , after a long winter of going without.
The outdoor show season ends on October here.Some wonderful handmade Victorian Lace collars, dress pieces and trims

Now there are indoor shows if one is willing to drive a little ways, but for me this one has meant the start of a new year for eight years now.

We were so busy this weekend , but I was determined to start my vintage shopping
calendar year out correctly .By the time we got done with the Girl Scout "Around the World Tea Tasting", we had a 40 minute drive North, and then a total of only 40 minutes to shop the whole show before it closed. (ahh panic! )
It was definitely the ultimate vintage power shopping! (Focused and onward!)

I collect vintage shoes , so I was thrilled with the child's and lady's pair that I found together.
The Alice book from 1898 with the original illustrations I just loved. I also discovered some stunning Victorian dress pieces and trims like the one in the picture below. Look at all of the handwork!Not too shabby for 40 minutes, but practice makes perfect, and I am ready for the season to start!

Hopefully, I will get a chance to play with my little treasures soon.

Flea Market Friday Happy Pink Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:01:00 +0000

Happy pink Saturday Ladies!

Today we are off to a track meet at 7:am

Tomorrow we are off on an adventure to Michigan, to pick up some wonderful antique storage
for the studio. I will be sure and post pictures when I return. So excited!

I have been making full necklaces out of the "Alphabet Girls" lately, all done with sterling chain and vintage "pink" beads.This necklace will be available on my Etsy
tonight when I get home from track meet ,and picking up girl scout cookie orders! (first things first of course )
Each letter has pink monogram on one side,
Adorable vintage girl on the other.

For Flea Market Friday enjoy free shipping on website

www.staffordshiregarden.com

I will refund your shipping charges through Pay pal as soon as you place your order .
Sale for Saturday and Sunday only.

Have a great day!

Flea Market Friday Pink Saturday, French Farm House, and I am back

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:37:00 +0000

I am Back from Tucson

I had a wonderful busy time.
Below is me with my wonderful friend of almost 20 years

Carole. She and her husband spend their winters in Arizona , so they came to visit me and helped a ton. I think the first night I worked poor Carole to the wee hours of the morning! This was taken on the last day at pretty much the end, so I am completely
pooped out!
Now on to catching up!

Pink Saturday

For this weeks pink Saturday , I get to show you some pictures of some of the absolutely fabulous goodies I received from my swap partner Eileen of Starsfault.typepad.com for the Year of Color Valentine Swap.
I was so excited to receive all of these goodies!
.... and all packaged so lovely
Of course we all know this is a picture of a quickly emptied box!
This little handmade book is just precious, inside and out.

Snippets and trinkets and oodles and oodles of things to play with.
It was so nice to get to know Eileen during this swap. She is both a very sweet and very talented lady.
Thank you so much Eileen!

....and of course the greatest "Valentine Peeps!"

Flea Market Friday

This is the fun loving , and outgoing Juliet.
Juliet is a ribbon doll, and one of my new studio models.She and her sisters were kind enough
to help me out, and accompany me to Tucson. Of course being the Divas
that they are , they took up most of my suit case leaving only small flaps and side
pockets for me.
Today she is modeling a vintage sterling silver one of a kind "Gathered Gracefully" necklace that I have just added to the Staffordshire Garden Designs web site for the
"Make Mine Pink " French Farm House theme. see website for details
So silly Juliet!

Flea Market Friday , Pink Friday, Pink Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Shari Replogle) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 06:41:00 +0000

Flea Market Friday
and
Pink Friday
"Winter Whites"

The theme for this Pink Friday is "Winter Whites"
this fun vintage inspired necklace is one of a kind and was just listed on my Make Mine Pink Boutique.
Staffordshire Garden Designs Pink Boutique

As you can see, I am putting the antique Czechoslovakian velvet millinery flowers I posted about last week for you, to use already. I just couldn't wait to start playing with them.
They feel so fabulous!
I still have plenty to bring with me to the show though.

By clicking on the pink shopping bag above , you may visit the other Make Mine Pink Boutiques that are participating in this " WInter Whites" theme today.

I'm afraid this will have to be a rather short posting today , as I have to get my first shipment of to Tucson Arizona for the Bead show next week.
I will have so many fun things to play with.
Please stop by and see me if you plan on attending.
The Tucson Bead Show

PINK SATURDAY

Happy pink Saturday, to all my new Pink Saturday friends.

These are beautiful ribbon trims that are coming with me to Tucson.
(actually being shipped off today).Each one has 6 yards!
I will be adding them to the website when I return. on the 10th.

Have a great weekend!