Gypsy Brocante

Latest Round of Bags listed on Etsy

2012-11-11T11:12:00.002-05:00

Hey there!

This post is specifically for the gals {and a few guys} that have inquired about the availability of my gypsy bags.

{click on pics to be directly to bag}

They are HERE and more are coming!

{click on pics to be directly to bag}

For those that wanted wholesale terms, please email me directly at:

ElizabethandWeston@gmail.com

Thank you for your patience, it's greatly appreciated.

xo,

Jill

winding down the summer fun

2012-08-20T17:15:00.000-04:00

Hello all my haven't talked to you forever bloggy peeps !!

I miss you ... a lot !

How was your summer?

I know, I know ... it's not over yet ... but what have you been up to?

Riding the waves or sitting on the beach?

Climbing super-sized trees or climbing the walls?

Snorkeling and hanging with friends?

Having fun with your fur-babies ??

Or having friends over to teach you the art of preparing a homemade cappuccino ?

Me?

I had good intentions of posting each week this summer, but as you can see from my photos most of my time has been spent hanging out with the Gypsy Prince.

Entertaining him {& friends} doing my best to keep him occupied.

... and enjoying every second of it !!

Lots and lots of new updates are planned for the upcoming Fall ... makeovers, shows, announcements, etc.

But for now, I'm going to soak up the last remaining days of sweet summertime.

Jill

Peek-a-boo where are you? ....

2012-06-22T08:13:00.001-04:00

... over here ... playing hide-and-go-seek !!

Hiding from reality and seeking out new creations.

Okay, not really hiding from reality, but trying my best to deal with it.

I don't want my first post back to be doom and gloom so let's address that later ;-)

I do hope you are enjoying these first days of summer, it's been so hot and steamy here where I live ... we've all been holed up in the air conditioning.

At least it gives me a good excuse to stay inside and play with my vast collection of vintage beads !!

This summer's collection is all about bright, fun, and lively colors in a chunky color blocked style.

All listed in my new Etsy shop "Vintageologie"

Stop by and check them out when you can .... then come on back this weekend to checkout a summer sale and GIVEAWAY !!

I hope your days are full of sunshine {and not too much humidity}

I'll see you real soon...

Now go hide your eyes ... you're "it" !!

Jill

Quiet for a bit ...

2012-04-27T19:25:00.001-04:00

How do you handle things win they spin?

Like the feeling of life spinning out of control?

Me? I retreat ... turn within and become quiet.

Maybe quiet on the outside, not much to say or share ... but so many conversations spinning around in my head.

This is a quiet time for me.

But, I'm still here ...thinking, talking {mostly to myself!}, and creating.

Reading all about your thoughts and adventures.

I'll see you when the ride is over.

Luckily, it doesn't usually last long.

Jill

I met a girl ...

2012-04-09T20:05:00.000-04:00

A fellow creative blogging girl.

Jeanne Oliver

Creative is an understatement ... and not only is she crazy creative, she's generous, she's sincere, she's SMART,she's GENUINE and pretty darn cute to boot !!

Oh and FUNNY this girl had me in stitches the few times I've been in her company ... okay, you've guessed it ... I have a huge crush on her ... I'm not ashamed and I'm certain I'm NOT the only one out here that crushes on Jeanne ; )

One of the things I like best about Jeanne is her willingness to pass along her knowledge.

She is a natural teacher.

I learned this about her during my delightful experience in her classroom, "Creatively Made" e-class.

Jeanne is a wealth of information and the amazing thing is ... she doesn't hold anything back, nothing ... her classes are JAMMED PACK with oodles of ideas,resources,know-how, and inspiration!!

I have just signed on for her latest class:

Building A Creatively Made Business

I have NO DOUBTS it will be the best money I have put towards my business yet.

I mentioned that Jeanne was generous, well I didn't really tell you HOW generous.

You'll have to head on over to her blog for ALL of her gracious generosity ... I'll tell you this, she's having a giveaway that's ending SOON.

Jeanne's giving away 10 spots.

yes, TEN SPOTS!! to her latest class
plus, a giveaway to everyone that is registered a chance to win a "Begin your business kit" valued at OVER $1,200.00

Like I said, you'll need to visit her for ALL the details to enter.

here is Jeanne's description of her business course:

"Are you a dreamer?

Do you have ideas, dreams and a beautiful product to go with it?

Have you been putting off starting your own business?

Do you feel stuck in the online business you have already created?

Do you just need someone to take your hand and walk you through the process?

It is time to take yourself and your dreams seriously.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Join me for a three week journey in building a “Creatively Made Business”.

SOME of the topics we will cover …..

Setting up your business

Websites

Social networking

Promoting your business

Pricing and staying competitive

Photographing your product

Setting yourself apart

Growing your brand

Markets and shows

Manufacturing

Reproducing your work

Keeping the books

Balancing home and creativity

I will share my journey

I will talk honestly about what worked and what didn’t.

I will talk about growing pains and when you will know it is time to expand.

I will talk about all the things I wish someone had told me before I started to manufacture my clothing and bags (all the mistakes I made too).

Each week you will hear from other guest business owners and they will share what they wish they would have known and give you their best piece of advice.

You will have access to a Facebook group so you can connect with other business owners (or dreamers) in the class.

Each week we will have a live chat where you can ask questions.

All sessions are recorded and available as videos for you to watch at your convenience. You will learn at your own pace and around your own schedule.

Growth, dreams and possibilities begin April 16^th."

I told ya, sounds good??

I can feel my J.O. crush growing by leaps and bounds !!

{I've even created a pinterest board dedicated to her and her talents ... too creepy? ... who cares ... I HEART this girl, big time!}

See All of you in class,

Jill

Okay maybe I was foolin' ya ...

2012-04-02T10:14:00.001-04:00

.... just a little bit ; )

I have extended my No Foolin' sale for the entire week !!

At my newest Etsy shop:

Elizabeth B. Weston

Just didn't seem right to let it run for such a short amount of time.

50% off EVERYTHING makes the prices

CRAZY CHEAP !!!!

use code FOOL50

when checking out

There are many lots of frozen Charlottes

Brown and white English ironstone transferware

A pretty spring toleware tray

Silverplate soup spoons

...and SO MUCH MORE...

Plus, I will be adding NEW items throughout the week,

starting today.

... so check back often!

For more shopping fun, head on over to Debra's linky party:

You're bound to find something you just can't live without ; )

Jill

50% off Sale today only ... NO foolin'

2012-04-01T17:13:00.002-04:00

No fooling around today.
It's my BIGGEST sale yet!

ALL items in my etsy shops are half price !!

Use code: FOOL50

when checking out to receive your April fool's day discount

Sale is TODAY ONLY !!

shop here:

Elizabeth B. Weston

and here:

Happy April 1st to all you shopping fools ; )

Jill

Where have you been?

2012-03-24T08:34:00.002-04:00

I've been nesting ...

Literally.

Nesting.

Nesting with my son's "Green Team" ... a group of children helping to change the earth ... one child at a time.

This year's big project was adopting an Osprey, building a new perch, and installing it.

The installation took place last week in the marshes of Avalon, NJ.

This is the old nest that had to go ... it was standing on one leg.

Scoping out the new location across the bay with dad ...

and then ...

the kids were sent out by boats on a mission, to take down the old nest and put up the new one!

a little exploring on the marsh ...

It's disturbing to see all of the trash, especially PLASTIC that is removed from the old nest.

Dads and teachers carrying in the new nesting platform.

Kids,parents, and teachers together built the nesting platform a few weekends before.

The platform goes up with a giant game of tug-o-war.

Mission accomplished !!

These birds are very territorial ... they will come back this year in search of their {old} nest ... and will hopefully build a new home on their new nesting spot.

We'll make a trip back down later this summer to check on their progress.

I'm so proud of the students! ... and thank the parents and teachers that make the time for such worthwhile projects for our children.

It was a great day of learning and spending time together ... not only with my family, but also with our school family ; )

Wishing you lots of time learning and enjoying the outdoors with your little birds this weekend!

Jill

Photo editing ....

2012-03-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

Thank you Claudia!! ... we've all heard about Picnik disappearing next month ... well just look at what fellow blogger Claudia has found, iPiccy!!

As soon as I read her latest post I ran on over to the site to play around a bit ... girls, you'll love it!! So similar to Picnik, with some new things to explore.

I pulled the first pic off my computer and started to play ... take a look ...

Original photo ...

"Artist Portrait Painting"... special effect

"Gritty" effect ...

"Old Photo" special effect ...

I couldn't resist.

The "Wanted" poster effect ...

Something else "New" I'm playing with Facebook.

I swore I would "NEVER" be on Facebook ....

Well, what do they say? Never say never?

Hope you are having some playtime this Sunday, if not ... go check out iPiccy for yourself.

Thanks again Claudia ; )

Jill

Anyone know where I can find a market?

2012-02-23T12:12:00.000-05:00

I'm getting ready to go !!

The first itching for Spring I get is the longing for the open air flea market ... and since the temperature is going to be in the 60's here in NJ today and since my favorite flea is held on Thursday, well let's just say I got the bug good !!

I think it may be even worse this year because I am so excited to use my "new" cart.

Last month I found this vintage basket at the thrift store for a VERY low price ... at home I had some leftover canvas drop cloths. I used black acrylic paint to stencil my cloths with some French lettering and numerals {which so happen to be my birthday!}

I sewed everything together, included some inside pockets for my small treasures and added simple ties.

I didn't bother to mend any of the holes my cloth already had ... I think they add a touch of authentic character to the liner!

I still want to add some more details but basically I'm ready to roll with my new vintage wheels !

Have a great weekend everyone ... maybe I'll see you at the flea?

Jill

some parties I'm participating in today, stop on by:

Savvy City Farmer

Common Ground

From My Front Porch To Yours

Delightful Order

The Brambleberry Cottage

HoH

Beyond The Picket Fence

Porcelain whites ...

2012-02-21T16:58:00.000-05:00

Happy white Wednesday everyone.

This time around I'm sharing a few of my favorite

white on white pics ...

I can never get my fill of these little German beauties.

Although they are all exactly the same ... they each appear so individual and unique .... how is that?

Have a wonderful Wednesday, I'll see you at Kathleen's place !

Jill

Finding the lovely ...

2012-02-17T07:43:00.000-05:00

... at Ikea?! ... Yes!!

Last Friday night we had the best "family date night" surprisingly at Ikea !!

We had been out all day looking at materials for kitchen counter tops ... pretty exhausted but pushed on to try one more spot. It was dinner time so we hit the Ikea restaurant first ~ we hardly do dinner out anymore, due to money constraints, but the prices here are excellent and we "splurged" for the $3.99 Swedish meatball dinner. The dinner bill for three people ... UNDER $12 bucks ... we ate with our maps of the store and made a plan ... even the Gypsy Prince got involved.

The store is huge !!

It was a lot of fun looking at all of the displays set up ... I could have moved right into a few of them ; )

The little guy did get tired after the first hour but was revived with an hour of play in the drop-off (supervised) play area ... yeah! FREE babysitting for an hour of uninterrupted ~~shopping~~ browsing.

... and the best part, I FINALLY found what I'll be using for my new kitchen counter tops!!

{source}

I'm linking up my little slice of lovely at Jeanne's today, stop on by.

Jill

{ps.who knew? ... meatballs and free babysitting could make a girl so happy?}

Gathering the goods ...

2012-02-16T15:54:00.000-05:00

These past few weeks I've been hunting and pecking around the house ...

finding lost and forgotten treasures tucked away for another day ...

well, that day is right around the corner ...

a new Etsy shop is on my horizon ...

and I need to make space for the upcoming flea market season !!

It's time for my previous finds to make room for my new finds. Make sense?

I'm linking and sharing today over at Debra's place,

Common Ground, for her weekly linky party

VINTAGE INSPIRATIONS

Jill

**just added ... I've found a great giveaway over at Savvy City Farmer ... plus a link party ; ) ... I'm playing, why not you too??

Sweetheart SALE

2012-02-13T12:22:00.002-05:00

FYI ...

I've just {like 2 minutes ago} announced a 40% off sale over at my Etsy shop !!

If you're interested in some sweet savings click HERE to check it out.

Sale will last for 24 hours beginning now until noon tomorrow.
{e.s.t.}

Have a sweet Monday girls ... and while you're at it why not treat yourself?

Jill

Finding the Lovely ...

2012-02-10T07:01:00.000-05:00

Another week has flown by, seriously just like the blink of the eye it's Friday!

I'm playing along again today with the new party "Finding the Lovely" hosted by Jeanne and Kimberly {thanks girls!}

Since I've been working a lot this week ... like last week, I'm rummaging through my older photo files looking for something to share.

What is challenging about this party for me is finding myself "present" or "in the moment" or "having fun" !!

I tend to hide behind the camera and take the photos ... I do NOT like to have my picture taken ; )

I found my "lovely" for an entire week last spring in the paradise land of Costa Rica in Central America.

This was the first ALONE trip my husband and I took since our honeymoon ... we explored a bit, but spent the majority of the time lounging poolside. Oh, and eating and drinking ... this was also our first ALL-INCLUSIVE trip since our honeymoon ... yeah, I came back a few pounds heavier than when I left and the weight wasn't in my suitcase!

The country of Costa Rica was gorgeous and so diverse.

Beaches

Mountains

Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Rain forests

Jungles

And the wildlife was a sight to see...

Tropical birds

Iguanas

Crocs

Monkeys

Dolphins

All of this plus the friendly local people and the new friends we made ... made it a trip of a lifetime!

Please join me at the party today ... I'd like to see photos of what your "lovely" is.

Jill

ps. The wild pig I'm petting in the one photo is not dead ...

she was enjoying belly rubs from all the tourist ; )

Finding the Lovely ......

2012-02-03T07:22:00.000-05:00

I'm up waaaaayyyyy too early this morning .....

I'll be asleep tonite by 7pm {on a Friday!}

Anyway ... as usual, I grabbed my first {of four} cup of coffee and settled down at the computer to check out my favorite blogs.

I always start at my blog roll that I have posted on my blog and the first one up with me this am was Jeanne Oliver and she was already wide-eyed, bushy tailed, AND launching a NEW party ... she really knows how to kick off a weekend!!

I LOVE the concept of this new party ... it's all about finding the loveliness that you are surrounded with day in and day out ... plus, you need to catch yourself in the moment....HAVE FUN...and share them here at the party each Friday.

Since this is the first week, Jeanne suggested going back thru some photos you may already have and share those.

I have so many things that I have documented and wanted to share here with you ... but have never gotten around to doing so. Then, I always feel when I do have the time it's too late ... like who wants to see summer vacation pictures in the dead of winter {if you want to see them at all!} ... I've been wanting to "catch-up" on some things that have been going on around here ... it's not all business ... I do stop and PLAY.

So, for today's link-up I made a little collage of my sweet Gypsy Prince experiencing some of our highlights this past year together and some of our plain ordinary days spent at the playground.

When I'm relaxing with my family and hanging out with my Prince is when I'm truly "finding my lovely" ...

We had a year full of "Firsts" ......

first day of Kindergarten

first ride on a pony

first lost tooth

first cooking class

first year of soccer

first time tubing on the lake

and more.

These are all such wonderful memories for me ... thank you for allowing me to share them with you ; )

and thank you Jeanne for hosting the latest and greatest {as is your usual style!}

Have a wonderful weekend ..

Finding your Lovely!

and make sure you visit HERE to share today.

Jill

Porch of theMonth ....February

2012-02-01T08:38:00.002-05:00

Hello all and welcome back to Porch of the Month ... a monthly feature of inspiration for your porches!

I've missed posting this feature for the past few months ... but I'm happy to share with you a sweet and romantic porch this time around.

This month we will explore not only ONE but, THREE spaces in the "Blessings" household. That would be Polly and Steve {and family} of the "French Cupboard"an on-line shopping site and Polly's own blog "Counting your Blessings".

First up on the tour is the upstairs sleeping porch.

How sweet are these vintage apron 'curtains' hanging on a clothesline?

{all photos courtesy of homeowner}

Polly has creating the most charming space on the second floor ..... cheerful vintage country quilts mix with brightly painted old schoolhouse furniture ... a perfect place to nap high up in the tree tops.

I can imagine sleeping here all night listening to the crickets and feeling the summer breeze.

Heading downstairs ..... behind the French doors you'll find the second sleeping porch or sunporch... actually this space that is located directly off the dining room has amazing light and is used most of the time as a creative haven for Polly and her family. It's also used as a staging area when Polly is getting ready to attend a large show to sell her romantic farm inspired wares.

A very special spot to design and test out new projects on antique and vintage mannequins !!

Wouldn't you love to play?

I know I would!

Notice the pretty paper garland used as a valence above the windows? Polly shares her tutorial HERE.

Creative spaces are tucked around each corner ....

... to work on pretties such as this sweet Valentine's tussy.

Even a space carved out to sew.....

And third, outside on the ground level ... how about a deck/porch made completely of pallets?

I hope Polly will share more of her pretty pallet porch this spring or summer ... until that time you can check out how she and Mr.Blessings did this project HERE.

I've enjoyed sharing the "Blessing's family" porches with you ... stop by and say hello to Polly and Steve and to spend some more time surrounded by their creative talent!

Love you two!!

Jill

French Inspiration ....

2012-01-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Have you worked on a French inspired project recently?

Have you been inspired by something French you've seen lately?

Have you cooked up a delicious French meal?

If so ... please join our "Voila!" party over at the French Cupboard site and share with all of us !!

I would LOVE to see what ooh-la-la you've been hiding up your sleeve.

Here's what popped out of my sleeve last night.

French inspired hearts ... a simple but festive addition to my kitchen hutch.

Don't be shy come on over and share the LOVE.

Jill

Winter Whites .....

2012-01-24T17:14:00.000-05:00

It's a wrap for the Philly home show ... I've been recuperating from moving furniture by SITTING at my sewing machine.

Pure bliss! ...

and what great satisfaction I have from completing the first in my "Winter Whites" gypsy bag collection.

It's been a while since I joined "the party" ...

I'm looking forward to visiting with you at Kathleen's place ; )

See you there?

Jill

Philadelphia Home Show

2012-01-17T10:16:00.000-05:00

How was your long weekend?

I hope you did something fun and relaxing!

Me? I'm pooped!!

Beth and I have spent the last month or so preparing to sell our gypsy wares at the Philadelphia Home Show ... the biggest show we've done to date.

Here's a little video I put together to show you our trip over the bridge to Philadelphia and what we did with our space at the show ...

Untitled from JIll Harris on Vimeo.

Today?

I'm fighting a new cold/sore throat and taking down the Christmas decorations ... and resting up for next weekend which will be spent at the home show as well ... what are you doing for fun?

Jill

Have you been looking for something?

2012-01-10T20:52:00.001-05:00

Have you stopped by on the first of each month looking for something here on my blog?

Only to not find what your searching for?

What the heck am I talking about?

I'm talking about Porch of the Month !!

Remember?

Well, if you've missed the monthly feature, I do apologize ... however you won't have to wait much longer for it's return. Porch of the Month will sprout back up on the first of February.

Fresh new inspiration will be coming your way with a FANTASTIC romantic porch slated for next month!

In the mean time, sit back, curl up and head on over to Debra's porch for a little mid-winter porch makeover.
There is a lot more to see!!

All of the photos above are courtesy of Debra and they are just a little tease to get you in the mood {so to speak} for next month ; )

Thank you Debra!
xo
Jill

2012-01-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

I couldn't think of a better way to begin a new year ... by enriching {maybe even discovering} your creative mind and soul with

an art class {or two} !!

Here are my two of my favorite artists that will be teaching this month, Jeanne Oliver and Jennifer Rizzo. I've had the pleasure of getting to know both of these extremely talented {and really nice} artists over the past year ... lucky for us they will be sharing their in-depth knowledge and creative skills!

First up is Jeanne Oliver's Creatively Made on-line class.

No excuses for not making it to class {actually it's classes - plural} ... you can do this one in the comfort of your own home at your own speed!

Only one catch ... TODAY, JANUARY 9th is the LAST day to register.

Skip right on over to registration, here , to save your seat and learn all about Jeanne's classes!

and next, check this out ...

Yeah, I know ... how much fun is this? Hanging out with Jen and making jewelry! Sounds like a perfect girls night out to me ... and you'll learn a new skill or build upon one you have ... plus, you'll bring home a custom piece of jewelry created by you! Okay, once again you need to register NOW ... seating is limited {only 15!!} ... hurry ... to register send Jen an e-mail at:

THECRAFTYHOME@COMCAST.NET

Happy New Year everyone! I wish you a year full of learning and enjoying your creative pursuits ; )

Jill

Just a wee bit more ...

2011-12-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

A bit more decorating took place this past weekend ....

The tree finally has it's ornaments, here a few of my favorites

The little village took it's place in the dining room ... I think the Gypsy Prince likes the village better than the Christmas tree ... he's rearranged it a few hundred times already ... maybe it's the fact that it's a great place to hide your Lego mini-figures?

A little sparkle for atop the dining room chandelier

The nutcrackers have taken their position on guard over the fireplace in the living room ......

While the nativity rests peacefully on the sofa table.

The stockings have been hung on the staircase this year ...

I'm really lovin' on my new French inspired stockings this year!!

Okay that's all for today ... not sure if time will allow me to post more home pics ...

There are still presents to make and wrap..

cookies to bake ...

and Christmas movies to watch!

Have a happy day and thanks for visiting with me!

Jill

A slow start ....

2011-12-16T07:55:00.002-05:00

I had all good intentions of finishing my decorating this week and sharing with you ... well, sometimes "life" has a way of making it's own plan! I have made a lot of progress and will have a lot more to share ... however, for today I'm posting a corner of the foyer - facing the back door.

From this angle you can also see a portion of the staircase leading to the second floor.

Okay .. I wanted to make good on my word that I would have SOMETHING to show you this week!

I'll be back!!

Wishing you a fun filled weekend ; )

Jill

2011-12-12T08:11:00.001-05:00

I'm joining up today with Jen Rizzo's house party ... a holiday home tour.

I'm sure a lot of you had a peek at the awesome homes she featured through out the week last week ... now it's our turn! You can see my post HERE ... it's a previous post from a few years back.

My plan is to do a little "before" and "after" tour this week ... and today is the "before".

Check back for the "afters" and in the meantime check out all the holiday homes on the link list over at Jen's...Enjoy!

Jill