Saturday, November 30, 2013

An Upcycled Christmas

 I have always enjoyed a handmade Christmas.  I grew up with a mom who loved to sew, embroider, quilt.... She would make many of her gifts. My favorite ornaments were handmade for me by people I loved...
 I guess I am carrying on the tradition.  I try to find some fun projects each Christmas season and make them for gifts and to sell.
I also love to upcycle vintage items.
 Having the Antique booth was a perfect fit for me... This year I have filled vintage bottles, salt and peppers, candlesticks and even an old lantern with glittered trees.  I also made my ornament bottles to sell again (sorry, no picture of these)
 I made 2 new ornament wreaths. I am in love with this pastel wreath with the reindeer center.... They will go to the booth tomorrow.
My project for today is little ornaments made with vintage small  Christmas  characters, I will share when I have some finished ....
 I feel that giving something handmade has more meaning, giving something upcycled says you are trying to make a difference and to be a little selfish...it feeds the soul to create with love!
I am linking to Debra at Common Ground's "Be Inspired" linky party...stop by and see all the wonderful inspiration. I am also linking with Etsy Cottage Style's "Vintagey Goodness"

Friday, November 29, 2013

The Best Birthday ever!


 In our house, November is a busy month...
Our Anniversary is November 7th (we celebrated 26 years this year).   My birthday is November 9th and Ben, our son was born on the 7th also.
Well, needless to say...we spent many an anniversary enjoying the our son's birthday...that's the way it should be.  I usually celebrated my family birthday with him and we always had fun. But Ben is 22 now and happy to just have a simple celebration and go off with his girlfriend so when hubby asked me what I would like to do for my birthday I knew just what I wanted!
Remnants of the Past!
It is a wonderful Vintage show in San Luis Obispo, about 4 hours from our house and in an area we love to visit.
We had a wonderful Anniversary/Birthday weekend on the Central coast of CA and here are some pictures to share with you....

 The first three pictures are of Atelier de Campagne


I was in love with this Santos and the way it was styled. Don't know who owned the booth but I loved it!


Some of the Vignettes were to-die-for!

Look at these displays....

The next two photos are of my friend Gloria's space.  I couldn't get close enough inside to take anymore and she also had some wonderful vignettes...



We only spent one morning wandering the show...there was just too much beauty around us to not keep wandering....



These pictures are the view from our Bed and Breakfast in Los Osos.... just breathtaking.  It is called the Backbay Inn and it is right on a cove....




I didn't want to leave....



























This last picture was a directional sign at the end of the block where we stayed...

Can you see why I didn't want to leave?  I will be back this week with pictures of some of my creations. I have been having fun making for the holidays....  karen...

Friday, November 22, 2013

Decking the Halls

 Well, last weekend we started decorating our little Antique booth...My favorite time of the year!
 In the retail business, it is such a busy time but I just love the decorating!  And when you are working with Vintage items, you need to make it all work together. This is just the start but I am happy with the results so far....
 The sweet little cupboard above is so charming...a 1930's Hoosier style cabinet, in red no-less!



 I make many of the items that I sell during the holidays....This year, glittery trees in Salt and Peppers, Snowglobe ornaments....






A few cute little snowmen salt and pepper ornies....
Birdcages are my favorites at all times of the year!


Here are a few more vignettes....





Glittery trees on bottles too and vintage ornies on old bottles are on their way!





A vintage ornament wreath....



A poster once used in an ice cream parlor....


I hope you enjoyed my little tour... next week it will probably look even more sparkly! 
 I am joining Debra at Common Ground for her be Inspired Party...Please hop on over and join in!
 Happy Thanksgiving !  I hope you have a wonderful time with loved ones and enjoy all your blessings!  karen....