Saturday, July 30, 2011
Photo Shoot
I had a bit of an impromptu photo shoot today. Rosie and Bella; my parents' dogs were wonderful and charming models.
I also found two beautifully constructed nests among the rafters and beams in the barn.
I also found two beautifully constructed nests among the rafters and beams in the barn.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Ideas
Does this ever happen to you?
A lightbulb goes off in your head, and you have an absolutely brilliant idea. You know it's good, and you are thrilled to pursue it.
Then, lo and behold you see that exact idea in a magazine, blog, book, tv...whatever. The idea has already be done, and definitely not by you.
I hate that feeling. I feel it way to often. My immediate reactions are feeling of frustration and defeat.
Moving forward I've decided to use moments like that to re-assure myself that I must have good ideas that work (just not for me), and also to not let time and opportunities pass me by.
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
My WIsh List
For years my mom has collected antique dress forms. I can't tell you how many times we've loaded one into the back of her SUV to take home from the market. Each and every single time we found a form for sale our conversation would go something like this:
Kathy: (big inhale!!) look at that dress form! It's freaking awesome!
Liz: Cool mom!
Kathy: the price is good too, don't you want to get it?
Liz: Nah, I don't really like dress forms. They creep me out.
Kathy: are you sure, it's so cool...
Liz: no way, I don't want one. It's all yours!
I am officially eating my words.
They are so french and so beautiful. How could I have walked away from so many for so long. I should have listened to my mom with her excellent tastes. Now, a dress form tops my wish list, and I can't find one that is affordable to save my soul.
And needless to say, the fact that I can't find one makes me want one even more! I'd like it to be covered in light fabric, to be one piece, and preferably have some printing/markings on it. Size and height don't matter.
Annie just found one on craigslist! Such a lucky girl! Check out what she is doing with hers.
Another slightly less reasonable item on my wish list... A vintage pick up truck. I'd like to have it fully restored, with an updated, dependable motor and a shinny new paint job.
Then, I'd have my logo painted on the side, and drive it around to all the markets and shows I'd be attending weekly in my imaginary life.
It would be so awesome!
Liz: Cool mom!
Kathy: the price is good too, don't you want to get it?
Liz: Nah, I don't really like dress forms. They creep me out.
Kathy: are you sure, it's so cool...
Liz: no way, I don't want one. It's all yours!
I am officially eating my words.
They are so french and so beautiful. How could I have walked away from so many for so long. I should have listened to my mom with her excellent tastes. Now, a dress form tops my wish list, and I can't find one that is affordable to save my soul.
Another slightly less reasonable item on my wish list... A vintage pick up truck. I'd like to have it fully restored, with an updated, dependable motor and a shinny new paint job.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Pacific Northwest: Forests
Wishing I was packing my camera up and hitting the trails of Oregon today...
I took these photos in 2007- the last time I was on the Northwest coast. With a little luck I'll be able to photograph these lovely forests again soon!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Essentially French
I've got a new book for you to check out, and it's a really good one:
Essentially French
by Josephine Ryan
I think I need a cloche filled with butterflies... immediately!
Architectural salvage- yes please!
I am in lust over these herbarium sheets that are framed and grouped together.
Trumpets!?! I never knew I wanted to collect them before I saw this photo.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Vintage: Market Trip
I had the pleasure of spending the entire day with my good friend Annie, perusing the antique market, chatting about everything under the sun, and finding new items to include in each of our vintage boutiques.
I found it hard to stick to my goal of only buying items for myself, but for the most part that's what I got. Take a look at only some of the items from by haul. I feel like I got some really amazing deals:
Over three yards of beautiful, thick metal ribbon. I gasped when I picked this up and saw the price tag of only $10. A great score!
I spent quite a bit of time picking out a mini collection of postcards. I have a particular craft project in mind for them, and was willing to spend a little more than normal for these beauties.
An old union member ribbon from Baltimore. In excellent condition!
The beautiful metal tassels are my favorite part!
I found a collection of books from major Italian cities, that each open up to reveal a beautiful black and white map of the city as well as color images.
My favorite ephemera dealer had this lovely hand-colored page from a french book. I am in love with it, and the $5 price tags makes it all the better.
I can't wait to find the perfect pale wood frame for this sheet.
Old silver trinket boxes. Soon to be in the shop.
I splurged on a collection of pages from a French book with images of birds. French and birds...how could I not?
We found an old tin box that functions in two ways- obviously it's a box, but it's also a calendar. There are three dials within the lid that rotate the display the appropriate month/number. It's still functional and so fabulous!
I don't usual find myself attracted to oriental art and decor, but this tin was too beautiful and unusual to pass up. And again, its birds!
For only $4 I scored this sweet silver gravy boat that is engraved with the letter S. I thought it would be perfect for photo shoots, as well as an extra charming flower vase. And the red beaded flowers were also a steel at only $5!
You can take a sneak-peek at all of the vintage treasures Annie found today on her blog; Goodbye Saturn. And be sure to visit her etsy shop too- she is finding some amazing retro goodies :)
I found it hard to stick to my goal of only buying items for myself, but for the most part that's what I got. Take a look at only some of the items from by haul. I feel like I got some really amazing deals:
You can take a sneak-peek at all of the vintage treasures Annie found today on her blog; Goodbye Saturn. And be sure to visit her etsy shop too- she is finding some amazing retro goodies :)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Create: Jewelry
I broke out of my rut last night! After a scorching hot game of kickball (Joe and I are on a league), I came home and whipped up a pair of earrings. They ended up taking much longer than I anticipated, but I was happy as a lark working away while lounging on the couch. And I'm happy to say the creative drought is over!!!
I love the earrings that I made and can't wait to make some variations. Next- silver with black spinel beads!
I very rarely make myself jewelry. Which is a shame because I have all of the skills, knowledge, and supplies to make beautiful pieces. I guess that's what happen when you make production jewelry for a living- making more jewelry is the last thing I want to do when I get home. But with these results I'd venture a bet that things will change :)
Tonight it's more crafting, as well as filling out to-do lists. I need to get organized, and I'd like to take some time to really determine the direction I'd like to take my business. More on that later ;)
I'm headed to the markets tomorrow weekend with a good friend and I'm super excited! I plan on buying only items that I can use to craft with (as opposed to resell), but I've never been one to turn down a good deal, so we'll see what I end up with...
I'm headed to the markets tomorrow weekend with a good friend and I'm super excited! I plan on buying only items that I can use to craft with (as opposed to resell), but I've never been one to turn down a good deal, so we'll see what I end up with...
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