Silly Lily

I finally made another layout. These papers are in the Crate Paper Restoration collection that I just purchased. I loved the bold colors and funky patterns, and knew they'd be perfect for a layout with photos of my niece, Lily Munchkin, a.k.a. Silly Lily.

I took these photos of her when we had lunch during my birthday celebration in L.A. She usually refuses to smile for the camera, so I had to trick her into getting a good photo - hence the shots of her making silly faces.

After layering the patterned papers, I stitched a border, added the photos, and then layered on the embellishments: Webster's Pages Bloomers trim and butterfly sticker, Crate Paper journaling spot, Stella Rose label stickers, buttons, and various trim, paper, and ribbon scraps. The title alphas are Thickers and October Afternoon.
 

Lily Munchkin just started dance lessons, and I can't wait to get some good photos of her so I can make more layouts. Perhaps a mini book is in order...

Pretty in Pink

I bought some new paper and used it to make a few cards. Here are a couple of them.

This first card uses supplies from the latest Little Black Dress kit. Paper is Basic Grey and Bo Bunny.

I made another card using Crate Paper patterned paper, lace, vintage trim, and an image from Crafty Secrets. I added Stickles to the ballerina's flowers. This one is going to my niece, who just started taking dance lessons. She is the cutest little ballerina!

The Junk

I FINALLY took photos of all the stuff I hauled home from Junk Bonanza. My bags were stuffed. We went to Junk Bonanza, a barn sale, and garage sales. That's my kind of vacation! Here's the loot.

My first purchase was this pine box. I adorned it with fall decorations. I ran out of display space in my house, so it found a corner nook. I'll change out the fall gourds and leaves for Christmas pines in December.

I found a pile of sheet music, vintage trims, and millinery.

The books I carried home. The top one is actually an old file folder. I'm planning to alter it and tuck old photos inside.

Linens, crochet trim, hankies...

An old library catalog drawer with a sampling of the bits and bobs I picked up.

Vintage children's hangers, glitter, souvenir vase, rhinestone necklace, and a sampling of the old paper doilies I found. Minnesotans must hoard old paper doilies because I've never found them anywhere before, and I came home with three stacks.

An earthenware bowl and graphic lampshade. It has a different farm scene on each panel. Now I need to hunt for a perfect candlestick lamp for it.

I found just a few Christmas items, but the prices were super cheap.

And finally, this old cutter quilt that I picked up for $3. This was a fair grounds garage sale find.

My favorite find of the day was three rolls of very old wallpaper, each a different pattern. I can't believe they were sitting there waiting for me at Junk Bonanza!

As if my house wasn't already full with what I brought home from MN, we ventured out on Saturday to a local shop's fall sale. I came home with two more hats, a couple of quilt pieces, a painted trivet (to add to my collection), and an amethyst glass vase.

I also got the house decorated for fall and Halloween, so I'll get some pics and post another day.



MN Treats

Last week I shared a peek at the gifts I made for my friends in MN. Here's a better look at them.

I started with cards...

And tags...

That I tucked inside handkerchief "envelopes," filled with goodies.

I made ruffled crepe paper, and added ephemera, buttons, ribbons, and little trinkets.


I folded the handkerchief into an envelope, added a couple of small stitches to secure, and then folded down the front flap and secured with a button and pin. Easy peasy.

I need to take photos of all the goodies I brought home with me - my suitcases were PACKED!
 

Invaders

Here's a little peek at what's happening in our house:

Black crows have taken up nest wherever they can find a spot! I'm waiting for the rats and jack-o-lanterns to move in. I'll share an update when they do.

A Junking We Will Go

I am on my way to visit friends in Minnesota. We are going to Junk Bonanza tomorrow! Of course, I had to make a few goodies for them. Here is a little sneak peek:

I'll share pics when I return next week. Happy junking!
 

Fairy Friends

I finally made something with all the vintage sheets I've been hoarding - a banner to hang in my office window.

Let me introduce you to each of the girls. This first little lady is the Protector of Wings.

These two are the Flora Fairy and Fauna Fairy.

And here is the Fairy of the Wood.

Please meet the Keeper of Secrets.

And here is the Puppy Dogs and Piggy Tails Fairy.

And lastly, is our little Grumpy Fairy.

Happy Birthday Handsome

Yesterday was my husband's birthday. He claims that he "feels" old. He looks the same to me. I am always stumped at what to get him for a gift. This year, I decided to let him buy whatever electronic gadget he wanted and send him up in a small plane to go flying.

I did take the effort to make him a card.

I used a great Webster's Pages paper. I thought the numbered pattern was perfect for a birthday card. I added ribbon, lace trim, a few flowers, and a button tied with a baker's twine bow. I used a Pink Paislee stamp and Cosmo Cricket stickers to create the title. I mounted it all on a kraft paper background - one of my new favorites.

 

Travel Treasures

I had to visit a couple of antique and thrift stores when were in NJ. Here are my finds.

French fashion prints and button cards.

Vintage seam binding, flowers, and sequin waste.

An old photo and advertising cards.

I bought the photo for the beautiful image on the back. I can't believe this photo stayed in Lancaster all these years, until I brought it home to TX.

 

Jersey Shore

We spent the long holiday weekend with my family in NJ. We visited some nearby areas for playing, eating, and shopping. We got to spend every day with my niece, which always makes me happy. Here are some pics from our visit.

Playing hide and seek.

The petting zoo in Lancaster, PA.

The Ocean City boardwalk.

We ate so much junk food when we were there. I had three ice creams in one day! That's usually a month's worth for me. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to do it again.

Daydreams

I had some scraps laying on my table, so I put together an ATC. I used a watercolor background and then added a stamped image and Perfect Pearls. I was disappointed that the Pearls didn't really bring out the stamped image like embossing powder would have. But, they did give it a nice shimmer. I layered a vintage image with a stamped banner, butterflies, and a felt bird.