Where the wind takes me. .

Today I woke up wanting a different kind of day.

Maybe it was the blue skies and white puffy clouds, or the swirling winds . . . I just had that feeling like a change of pace was in order. I glanced over at the dress forms I have waiting to be finished and just groaned and curled up on the couch instead. You see, I have been feeling a bit frazzled, burnt out, tired, uninspired. . . you name it!

I looked at my 4 yr. old and said, "Today we play!" She of course squealed with glee and we proceeded to play with her baby dolls for a while. . which lead to a tea party picnic in the back yard.

While in the back yard relaxing the wind began to pick up which made me think it would be a nice day to hang out some linens to air dry. I proceeded to the kitchen and filled two big bowls, one with black tea bags the other with walnut crystals.
We (Francesca & I) grabbed everything we could find and began to play. . swirling around tags, ribbons, linens, muslin and lace in the tea and walnut crystals. This lead us back outside to hang them all to dry. . and play some more.

A few hours later our treasures were ready and we brought them in to see our work. I began to sort and stack the tags, and hang some of the ribbons up which brought me back to my workspace and reminded me of my dress forms sitting there staring at me. I picked up a fleur di lis stamp and some of the fresh dyed muslin and well. . .

I suppose this is what happens when you let the wind take you where it may. She in not quite complete but Joan (of Arc) is on her way!

Oh. . and I no longer feel burnt out, tired, frazzled. . . you get the picture.

~Carrie

Signs of Summer

I was outside today and was so excited to see my tomatoes are growing! I can't wait for them to ripen (ahh. . .fresh bruschetta)!

Miss Eliza

I have these 3 dress forms that need some dolling up. One has been sitting here for over 6 months. . .the others are new arrivals. My goal is to have them all ready sometime next week. (She says laughing to herself) Truth is, I always get sidetracked and end up starting another project. This time however, I am determined to put all else aside and get these girls done! That being said. . her is a little preview of Miss Eliza in the very early stages of her transformation.

Happy Weekend!
~ Carrie

What's New Wednesday

I picked up these bottles at the flea market the other day . . .

and turned a few of them into these!

Long Beach Flea

Today we took a trip to the Long Beach Flea Market for a little treasure hunting. Before I go any further I have to give photo credit to Francesca G. (my 4 yr. old). She was in charge of pictures on this trip so most of the pictures here are taken by her. I spared you the many naked Barbie shots. he he he

It was a cool, drizzly morning but there were plenty of people ready to shop and lots of great things! This booth has so many pretties!

Everywhere you looked there were wonderfully worn old suitcases. I even jumped on one which will be available later this week.

This bike was fixed up rather cute and oh my. . is that a duck! I remember my mom having a houseful of ducks from when I was a kid.

Here are just a few of the items I came home with. This great suitcase and tons of bottles! Every color you can imagine. I can't wait to get my hands on them!

This piece is so beautiful. It is a pair of vintage combination underwear. The woman I purchased them from was from England and she said these along with other items I purchased were part of her Great Grandmother's trousseau and she had no use for them. I couldn't imagine parting with them!

Here is a close up of some of the lace. They really are stunning and have beautiful glass button closures both on the shoulders and on the bottom of the. . unmentionables

This beautiful cami was also part of the set. These pieces are so petite and dainty.

We found lots of vintage French lace. .

and this fun peachy-pink crinoline. These are just a few of the many items we gathered on this trip. I will be listing new goodies all week long and now I am off to play with my new bottles! (I just can't get enough of them).

Have a wonderful week and happy treasure hunting!

~Carrie

Oh Elusive Sleep. . .

Here is a preview of a few things just listed. I was hoping my burst of energy would return again today but with only 2 hours sleep last night, chances are slim. I am a sleeper, and I was blessed with children who can go on just enough sleep to recharge their batteries. . ahhh. Oh somehow I must try and squeeze a nap in today.

Aged Cotton

I love the look of cotton that has aged to a soft creamy white.

How the little circles in eyelet begin to show the signs of time.

To me the crinkles and folds just add to the charm.

The frayed edges of romantic florals stamped with sweet sentiments or adorned with bits of sparkle get my mind going and I think of all the pretty things I want to make. You know, as much as I love old frayed cotton there are two things I love even more.

These faces which remind me how truly blessed I am not just today. . on Mother's Day, but every day

New Week. . New Yummies!

We just got a beautiful new batch of Prima mulberry roses in and I just love all the bright colors!! On another exciting note. . I just brought home 2 new dress forms today. I can't wait to give them a little sprucing up so they can make their debut.

The Little Things

I am having so much fun with these simple little antiqued paper cutouts. I find myself adding them to just about everything I make lately. They just seem to add a little something to spruce up a gift, a bottle or tie on a note card.

They are strung on pretty trims in sets of 12. We just added these new butterfly designs.

We also have a variety of florals. .

and pretty crowns. You can find them in with Petite Treats de Papier!