New Altered Art

Again, in lieu of having the storefront up, I have a couple more samples to share with you.

Today I'll show off my cutie little Welcome sign that is adorning my entry way. I found a metal sign holder (there is stand that extends below the part in the photo) while out junking in Oklahoma one weekend. I finally put it to use when I found this adorable image. Isn't she sweet?

For the background, I used some great 7 Gypsies paper, then started layering on distressed and inked papers and images. I made the Welcome sign by simply writing "WELCOME," and then cutting out the letters and gluing them to a scrap of embroidery floss.

My hope was to change the piece out seasonally, but she may be difficult to get out now that I've put so many layers on it. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

This last image shows off some of the three-dimensional layers. I purposely didn't glue everything down flat to give the piece more of a layered and distressed look. Before placing her on display, I wrapped a piece of tea-stained cheesecloth around the corners and draped on the base to give even more "age" and layering. Hopefully, she'll be a friendly welcome to our visitors.

Productive Weekend

I got a lot of projects completed (or at least started) this past weekend. One of them was NOT updating the website to include the "store." I did get this cute little tag made. Isn't she a sweetie?

I had previously "aged" some manilla shipping tags by soaking them in a strong coffee/vanilla/cinnamon soak, then baked in the oven until nice and dry. I made my first at attempt at using Tim Holtz's alcohol inks - they were much darker than I expected and didn't go on like I wanted. So, I sprinkled on some water and liked the effect on the back of the tag better, so that's the side I used.

Then I used one of Tim's new clear stamps from the French Market collection and added the scrap of paper at the top - the Eiffel Tower on the paper was the perfect touch. I added the vintage image and distressed the sides of the tag. Then I started layering on ribbons, vintage lace, inked flowers, beads, and an old Bingo chip. Oila! My new friend was born. She's keeping me company in my office. She has such a sweet, friendly face.

I'm hoping to have time to do a series of these tags. She was a lot of work for such a small project, but lots of fun.

Awesome Deals

I had to interrupt this lovely spring day to share some great deals I've found. You won't believe your eyes, but it's true, when you see this first deal.

Artscow.com is offering new members 600 free 4x6 prints and 600 free 5x7 prints. Of course there are some rules (100 4x6 free each month and 50 5x7 free each month). But really, who can scrap more than 150 photos a month?

I haven't ordered photos from them yet, but I am going to start. Their prices can't be beat.

For all you crafty ladies, here is a Michael's 50% off coupon good for today and tomorrow.

I came across this blog today. Celeste posts craft freebies, good deals, and great ideas. Check her out. I got a lot of fabulous info from her!

Happy Spring!

Welcome to Spring! I know some of you are still feeling winter. Hopefully this Spring garland will help brighten your day. I made it this week and it's hanging on my mantle. The photo didn't turn out too good, but I wanted to share with your anyway.

As promised, here is another peak at my jewelry. This is one of my favorite bracelets. It's all sterling: triple chain with tons of sterling charms, real seashells, glass beads. It's a stunner and sure to garner compliments!

Sneak Peak

I'm hoping to get the jewelry up this weekend, with more vintage items to follow. Here is a sneak peak of the jewelry that I make. All of these items are custom pieces, with no two alike. I do have some pieces in stock and ready to go, but most items will require an order with about a two-week turnaround. Use the Contact Us link if you'd like more details.

This bracelet was inspired by our trip to Sedona. The chain is a vintage German copper-plated steel link. The charms added include a carved stone cross, cowboy boots and hat, a ceramic cactus, copper cala lily button, and even Secona red rocks. I attached a copper-tone watch from New Mexico, because who could wear a watch AND a piece like this?

This bracelet is an example of a completely unique, custom piece. It's created with bits and bobs of just about everything - vintage buttons, lampwork beads, pearls, vintage jewelry charms, there's even a bell my friend brought me back from India. To top it off, copper-tone charms spell "JUNK." This is one of my favorite pieces. I won't part with this one, but will be happy to make one for you using my own stash of goodies, or special pieces that you already have.

This necklace is perfect for spring! It's a pewter birds and nest casting that I added bright blue robin's eggs to. It's on a pewter tone chain that's approximately 15" long, allowing the birds to rest on your collarbone for maximum adoration. (Chain can be lengthened upon request.)

Okay, I've snuck enough in for today. Are you tempted? I'll show one of my favorite designs tomorrow, then you'll have to wait for the site to be updated this weekend.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Today everyone is an honorary Irishman (or woman). My husband bought some Guiness and Irish cream to help us celebrate properly.

We took an amazing trip to Ireland last year, and I'm reminiscing about all the beautiful places we visited. We did our own "Quiet Man" tour - visiting the locations in the movie. Here's a photo of Kylemore Abbey and some friendly sheep we saw along the way. It was a beautiful, serene country and we can't wait to go back. Erin Go Bragh!

I'll leave with an Irish blessing:
May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
and Heaven accept you.

Got Bling?

I had planned to get some charm bracelets posted this morning, but I waited too late to take photos yesterday and they didn't turn out too great. So, I'll have to redo them today.

Instead, here's a peak at how I display some of my vintage rhinestone brooches.

I bought this old dress form at one of my favorite antique sales - Antique Alley in Cleburne, TX.

She looked "naked" so I dressed her in my rhinestone brooches and an antique embroidered petticoat. Right now, she has a temporary home in my dining room as we (slowly) work to redo our bedroom.

Getting Ready for St. Patrick's Day

Here's wishing you all a festive St. Patrick's Day. What plans do you have to celebrate your Irish-ness? I'm kicking off the site with a sneak peak at some of my creations. Here's one of a series of St. Patrick's Day ATCs that I created. Stayed tuned for more...

Happy Birthday to Sheila Rob!

Happy Birthday to our Sheila Rob, off celebrating on Australia's sunny beaches. We'll miss you!