Blast From the Past

These are some things I found last week at an estate sale. They remind me very much of the ornaments my mom lovingly made when my brother and I were little. It upsets me more than a little that they consider such things vintage. My mom generously split the ornaments with my brother and I. Sadly my half got lost when we moved from Tennessee and the packers didn't get the Christmas decorations from the attic. My brother's half got lost when one of the crazy women in a long line of crazy women he got involved with, wouldn't let him have them upon termination of their relationship. I felt like I owed to my family to buy these.

This old basket is just perfect for my studio. Can you believe I balked at paying $10 for it? Upon further reflection, I have no idea what I was thinking.

I love the colors in this picture, they are perfect in the studio. Plus we had just seen the Nutcracker the week before so how could I resist?

 

Treasure hunting has been very good to me lately. I was pleased with my purchases, but the best thing I got that day was free. I received a box from my mom that was filled with my great grandmothers buttons and a stack of old pictures. I love old stuff but my old family stuff is just priceless to me. Thanks Mom!

Fear Less=Fearless

I tend to let fear slow me down. I want to try new things, have new experiences, make changes but I sometimes get so intimidated by the process or the idea of failure that I don't do it. Here's a little something I've realized this past year. So what? So what if I fail? So what if I can't do something? So what if I embarrass myself? Why be afraid of fear? Why not let fear propel me?

There have been countless times this past year when I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Some things are bigger, like the BHG challenge, finally doing our mudroom, driving hours away to meet a new blog friend, deciding to move to the Village. Some things will seem small and silly to you like finally casting fear aside to make a Christmas stocking, trying a new creative technique or after months of wanting a new blog banner, finally just trying to see if I could do it. Guess what? I did it and I love it.

The thing I need to remember is if I don't ever take a risk or try something new, I will fail every time. If I put myself out there I will fail some of the time and succeed some of the time too. But even when I fail, I will hold my head high because I know I tried. I didn't let fear get the best of me. That's a lesson I always want to remember.

My Christmas/Birthday/Valentine's/Anniversary/Mother's Day/Just Because Wish List

Since my birthday falls just 5 days before Christmas, I get to make a bigger wish list. To be honest I will not get much off of this list as we are trying to limit our holiday/birthday spending to $100 each. I'm sure that seems like hardly anything to many of you but there have been many years when we have spent much less. This list will probably just serve as a reminder to me all year of things I would like to pick up when I can. Except the big Canon camera. That's what we in the business call a pipe dream.

 From Etsy: $28 The Elsie Felt Brooch

 Heather Bailey Felt $2.25 per sheet

 The following 4 things are all from French General Of course I could be happy with anything from there.

 

 

 

  

Because I'm a bit obsessed with ampersands. Who knows why? $36 from French Larkspur

 

From Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate maker $100

 

For doctoring up my hot chocolate. From Pottery Barn $39 condiment set.

Embroidery patterns from Sublime Stitching $5.

Canon Powershot from Amazon $149

And since we're dreaming... from Costco $900

From my Amazon wish list $30. This book is amazing!

Copic markers in various colors $5 each.

This online class is at the top of my list and it might just have to be a Birthday gift to myself!

I hope this gives you some inspiration for your own wish list. The truth of the matter is that I already have everything I need. It's just nice to dream.

Studio Update

This is where I've spent most of my time lately. I figured while I was in there I might as well take some new pictures for you guys. Of course it's always changing. It's already different!

It's so hard to tear myself away, which was kind of nice while Sweet Hubby was out of town this week. Now he's home and he'll expect some attention and maybe even dinner so I guess I'll have to drag myself out of there. He's so demanding.

Would you believe I go in my studio first thing every morning and last thing every evening?

It's like I have to say good morning and good night.

It is the place in my house where I feel the happiest.

I'm more me here and so happy surrounded by all my pretty things.

I think it's time to start expanding into the rest of the house and adding more personality there as well. My whole family loves spending time in this room as much as I do so I'm sure they would love to feel the studio magic spread all around them.

It was 3 years ago tomorrow that Sweet Hubby bought me that green work table pictured above and a studio was born. I will be forever grateful.

I have a lot of things to share in the next week: Christmas decorations, estate finds, surprise gifts, my Christmas wish list and best of all... a surprise interview and giveaway that will make 5 of you very happy!

Christmas Gifts for Kids and Kids at Heart

From Bikes 4 Families:

This one may be at the top of my wish list for Santa to bring $200

From Pottery Barn Kids:

The perfect jewelery box for little girls. It comes complete with ballerina inside. Just in case your little girl just saw the Nutcracker for the first time like mine did.  

From Amazon:

Musical Hand Bells $28

 

From Uncommon Goods

$10 each

 

From Paper Source:

Robot Sharpener $8

 

Japanese Erasers (more toy than eraser!) $9

Mushroom Bank $14

Smencils $16

From Target:

This family favorite has been redesigned and after buying it on Tuesday we have already played approximately 572 games.

 

From Pink Loves Brown:

To carry all their treasures in $24.50 for 2.  These are also good for Mommies to keep their treasures in.

Art Apron

This is the apron I made to wear for Silver Bella. I just realized I didn't show it to you after I finished. I love aprons and own several. Different occasions, tasks and moods call for different aprons and a girls gotta be prepared. What is it about the way an apron makes you feel when you put it on? Like you are somehow more capable and better prepared to tackle whatever task lies ahead of you.

This is the 2nd apron I've made and it's by far my favorite. I'm not sure I'm done with it yet. I might continue to add to it a bit at a time. I love the rough edges, the fabrics that don't necessarily match, the odd bits and trims that I gathered up over time and that just sat waiting for their turn to be useful.

 

A scrap of fabric here, a bit of embroidery there. A favorite trim or button. I like the idea of it evolving over time and becoming a sampler of things I love. Kind of a history of creativity.

 

I love to wear it in the studio, storing my tools in the large pocket as I while away the hours but when it's not being worn it makes me just as happy hanging on a hook looking pretty.

Seeing Blue in The Village

Last winter I wrote about being happy that the fire hydrants in my neighborhood happen to be my favorite color. Imagine my delight to find these windows in The Village painted my favorite color. Now I'm positive that I belong there.

Plus Father Christmas visits there.

 

 Plus there are benches for Daddy's and their little girl to snuggle on.

Plus there is something about The Village that makes teenage daughters and their adorable boyfriends smile a little bigger.

Plus it's where my heart is. I hope the rest of me follows soon.