Blue Bird Lucy's

Pumpkin Pie Playdough

2011-11-08T17:06:00.000-05:00

I so wish that I would have thought of the idea for this pumpkin playdough in enough time to share it with you guys before Halloween...but maybe you all can use the idea next year!?

.....Any who I wanted to make an easy and somewhat quick little gift to put in a toddler Halloween gift bag. So I came up with the idea to make playdough jack-o-lantern's of sorts. I simply created a huge batch of basic playdough and dyed it orange and added pumpkin pie spices. I then rolled it into balls, placed it in little plastic snack bags and drew an easy jack-o-lantern face. Easy right!?:)

A Vintage Cowgirl Halloween...a week late

2011-11-08T16:32:00.000-05:00

As I was "flipping" through one of my favorite blogs Modern Kiddo. I came across the ever so cute Peach wearing the cutest vintage cowgirl outfit, which just so happened to be almost the same costume my little girl wore this year! How fun! Hears a few pics of little girls 60's Sears cowgirl costume. I made the horse with all intentions of it matching her costume!....but she wanted to help so of course it had to be pink!!:) So it didn't really match like mommy had intended but little girl was happy and that's all that matters, right!

Vintage Build a Picture Game

2011-10-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

I found this fantastic vintage game a few months ago at a church yard sale. I intended on saving it as a Christmas gift for little girl, but a few gloom and doom weather days around here equaled the need to bring out something new! She was more into sorting everything by color and style then she was actually building a picture but she had fun and that's all that matters! Here's a few pics I took....how great are the sweat little pictures!

An Interview with Folklure

2011-08-29T15:50:00.000-05:00

Please be sure to stop by and read my interview with the lovely Amanda on Folklure! While there be sure to check out the rest of her posts as she has such a wonderfully beautiful blog!

Kids Craft: Nature Filled Sun Catcher

2011-08-26T16:50:00.000-05:00

I got the inspiration for this easy project a while back via link on Pinterest. As a little side note if you have not visited Pinterest you totally need to check it out, I'm a self confessed pinterest addict:) Here's a link to my account if you want to check out my pins:)

Any who I love little projects like these because for the most part little girl could do it by herself. As well as the fact that it took longer than 5 minuets to complete, pretty much held her attention for most of the project, and it has very little set up time (which is usually where you loose their attention).

Supply List:
Clear contact paper
A plate or something round to trace
Nature items from your yard, most anything works but just be careful the items aren't to heavy.
Yarn or string of somesort

Steps:
1.Trace your plates or other circular item on the back of your contact paper, cut out circles and set aside.

2. Grab your little one and set out on your nature collecting adventure! You may need a bag to hold all your goodies!

3. Once you've collected all your items peel the backing off of one of your contact paper circles. Have your little one stick their collected nature items onto the circle.

4. Peel the backing off your other circle and carefully line up and stick the 2 together. They don't have to be to perfect as you can trim them if needed.

5. Cut small hole in top and attach string. Hang and enjoy!

All done!!

EASY Summer Cucumber Salad

2011-08-11T15:53:00.000-05:00

So lets not talk about how long it's been since I've actually posted? Hmmm. February..maybe:) Any who moving on...last weekend we took a trip to our locale farmers market where we picked up all sorts of lovely's! One being a pretty little basket of heirloom tomatoes and a few cucumbers and an onion. All these tasty little items added up to be the perfect summer salad! I know that there are a ton of recipes out there for summer salad, but here's the one that I came up with! Kind of a little combination of other recipes that I had found, thrown in with the sad fact that I don't have a lot spices and such around the house so my recipe would have to be simple! So if your like me and have a lack of ingredients in your pantry this will be perfect for you:)

Summer Salad:
Ingredients:
Cucumbers (as many as you will need to feed your family)
1 white onion
Tomatoes (I used cherry but any kind will work)
White Vinager
Dill Weed (you could also use basil or such if you don't have dill, I've already done this and it still taste great!)

Slice cucumber, I like mine pretty thin. Chop up onion. Slice tomatoes. Place all ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour in vinegar to taste, I usually use around 1/4 of a cup but it just depends on the amount of salad you have and how much you like vinegar:) Sprinkle with dill to taste. Store in fridge

Sometimes I will make mine in advance so the cucumbers have time to soak up the vinegar. However, most of the time I don't remember/ don't plan in advance and it still taste just as good eating it 5 minutes after you make it:) Keep in fridge, the leftovers are great!

What she Wore and a Pre Tutorial

2011-02-15T17:26:00.000-05:00


Shirt.old navy Dress.Vintage Shoes.Old Navy Leggings. Cut off Target Socks

I go this wonderful idea to use cut off target socks from Rachel over on Smile and Wave. Lately I've been layering them with with tights as it's still to cold for just leg warmers, but I'm sort of fearful to send her with this mix on to school. Being a former preschool teacher I know how confusing and difficult it can be when you have to change a childs diaper when there wearing a wonky outfit:)

So........ I've developed an easy way, with minimal sewing, to turn the cut off socks into a pair of leggings!! I've already created a few pairs....and of course I didn't take pictures as I was so excited of how easy and quick it was!! So I'm trying to back track and take pictures that can still explain the process! Hopefully I'll get the new tutorial posted by Friday!! In the mean time go find some old knee socks or go out and buy a pair for just $2.00 or less at Target..... and start digging out all you little one's old tights!! This will be easy I promise, and you'll have tons of new leggings just in time for spring:)

Go to the Head of the Class

2011-02-03T16:04:00.001-05:00

I picked up this lovely little game yesterday, for my sisters birthday!! I just love the illustrations. Cowboy Joe being my definite favorite!

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Vintage Dollhouse Sneak Peak

2011-02-02T15:09:00.000-05:00

I posted sometime ago about how I was on the hunt for the perfect vintage dollhouse! Well....today I found it!! I seriously almost peed my pants! I just couldn't believe my eyes! There in front of me at one of my favorite vintage stores was the most perfect 1960's tin house and it's perfect furniture!! It was also a wonderful price that I just couldn't pass up! They were asking less for it than I had seen people trying to sell them for at yard sales, and the one's at yard sales were never in this great of shape! There is not a stitch of rust to be found and only one dent that I assume could be dinged out. The house is also fully furnished with perfect pink, aqua, and brown furniture! It even came with a little red rocking horse which I think may be one of my favorite pieces:) I so wish I could show you the house in it's entirety but it's unfortunately pretty dreary here today and I really want to be able to take pretty pictures! So I thought a little sneak peak might be fun for today:)

Vintage Vogart

2011-02-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

A few, or maybe way more than I would like to admit to, estate sales ago I found some of these lovely never before used vintage vogart patterns! I particularly LOVE the iron on sets! I thought how sweet they would look ironed onto one of little girls tee's or maybe even one of my own. Oh and how great they may look on the edge of a skirt or cardigan. However, I have been sort of afraid to try them, since they are so old! I know I could just test them out on a sample piece of fabric, however I just can't stand to waist one:( Has anyone ever tried one of these? The package states they are washable, but I do believe it means only hand washing, hmmmm not really sure about the whole washing things by hand deal either..LOL:)

Patchwork Lion

2011-02-01T15:01:00.001-05:00

We had yet another day of being stuck in the house, only this time it was because of my car and not the snow! So me and little girl have been trying to make the best of it by filling our day full of pretty arts and crafts. She has been totally in love with lions, tigers, and well anything that roars lately! So I thought it would be fun to make a little lion of sorts. I googled "childrens lion coloring page," and found a lovely little lion that I then printed out onto construction paper. I cut up little pieces of a vintage floral pillowcase for the body and little pieces of yarn for the mane. Little girls was very interested at first but then she began to become more interested in the glue and keeping her fingers clean, which is usually how it goes:) So I let her place more glue as I placed the fabric and yarn.

What kinds of activities/ arts and crafts do you plan for little one's on these long winter days? I would love to hear them!! Any suggestions for good indoor activities that use up lots of energy would be greatly appreciated:)

Yesterday was....Just Another Day in Paradise

2011-01-28T16:40:00.001-05:00

I love reading other bloggers "true" life stories so I thought I would share my day with an almost two year old story with you guys. Hopefully it will make you laugh, smile, and possibly relate to the sometimes misadventures that keep our life exciting. After all if it weren't for misadventures there would definitely be a lack of stories to share and laugh about. So with out further ado, here's yesterdays story from little girls point of view.

I woke up yesterday morning, in mommy's bed of course, as mine just doesn't seem as nice as it use to. Of course when I woke up I was surely ready for my milk cup, however mommy did not realize, before handing me my cup, how full my diaper was and I may have had a little accident in mommy and daddy's bed...oooops! Actually it wasn't that small after all as it took up a quarter of the bed, but mommy wasn't angry, after all it was on daddy's side of the bed:)

Mommy dressed me in my/her favorite vintage red overalls and we set out for breakfast. My nose got a little runny while waiting for breakfast so I decided that since I couldn't find a tissue my hair seemed like the next best place. Sometimes I'll wipe it on mommy's pants or shirt but I really don't think she likes that? In fact one time I heard her ask if this was macaroni and cheese or snot on her pants, I think she was wishing it was the cheese:) Breakfast was fun and I ate almost all my food, the other half may have ended up in my hair with the snot? Mommy cleaned me off, which I hate, and we got ready to go to the library for story time!!

I love story time, however I also LOVE the stairs and the fun hallway with stickers that leads to them. So mommy had to chase me, but only a couple of times today;) Next we headed off to the mall, I love walking at the mall and looking at the fountains, however stroller time is definitely not my favorite. So decided I would take off my shoes and socks and throw them in protest of having to ride in the stroller:( It was time to leave,and frankly I was DONE with the mall and was ready for a nap!

After nap it was time to eat lunch, and I went through that meal with out to much food in my hair so mom was happy! Then it was time to meet grammy at the mall for dinner, but first we had to stop at the store for some of my favorite cereal bars. On the way out of the car my coat dropped and fell white fur side down in the sluggy snow...uh oh...mommy may have said a few words that I'm definitely not allowed to say:) While in the store I insisted on carrying the grocery basket even though I was not tall enough and it drug the ground through the entire store. I was pretty frustrated with the basket and I may have had a soon to be two year old fit right there in the middle of the store. Sorry mommy:)

Our next stop was the mall but not with out another little issue with the car seat, the issue being that I just don't like being in it. It took mommy 10 minutes to get me in my seat as I was pretty set on the fact that I would not be getting in that thing! When we got to the mall mommy realized that her phone battery had died and grammy was supposed to be calling her so that she could meet us there! What did people do before cellphones? Mommy had to use a phone at one of the stores and of course no body answered the phone since it was an unknown number! But everything thing worked out okay:)

As we waited for grammy in the restaurant I may have had another soon to be two incident when mommy wouldn't let me lick all over the glass food case, this little incident may have lasted longer than the first! Mommy was very happy when they brought me out some food and I decided that food seemed better than licking the glass display case.

After Dinner we went for a walk around the mall until I decided that I now know longer wanted to hold mommy's hand. So it was time to leave and once again I may have showed my soon to be two year old self as I was very angry about being held and having to go back to the car:( As you remember from last time, I'm really not that happy with having to ride in my car seat lately, so it took mommy and grammy a WHILE to get me in my seat:( Once we got home I was very happy to see daddy and so was mommy! I spent the rest of the night with daddy while mommy read books and drank tea, and said something about trying not to lose her mind:)

And just like the country sounds states, it was "Just Another Day in Paradise." :)
I love you little girl!!:)

P.S. This day had come after 2-3 weeks full of NO school snow and sick days....I'm ready for SPRING!!!

My First Auction and Vintage Doll Clothes

2011-01-21T15:42:00.000-05:00

Okay so I haven't went to the auction yet so I don't really have any pictures to share just yet, but I'm so excited I just had to share the news. Every week I get little emails reminding me about upcoming auctions and some of the goodies they will be showcasing. Normally I just get to breeze through each email thinking about all the goodies I must be missing out on! As it's hard to get out to a 5:30 auction on a Tuesday night when you have kiddos at home. Ya'll know what I'm talking about right, 5:30 is the beginning of the dinner, bath, and all around night time crunch. But!! The auction was postponed until Saturday due to the snow, so for once I'm sort of glad for the snow:) Oh my there's going to be so many goodies that I will probably most definitely "need," which I believe is my husbands fear....haha!! The email informed me they will have box lots of vintage linens, clothes, and colorful glass ware!! I can't wait to share my finds!! Have you been to an auction..any good bidding advice?:) Or to die for finds?

On another note here's a few vintage doll clothing patterns I picked up recently at the thrift store. I had a picture of a pair of 70's barbie clothing patterns but I can't seem to find the picture? So I'll have to get back to you guys on that one:)

Reviving a Vintage Paint by Number Kit

2011-01-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

I purchased a couple of vintage paint by number kits on ebay over a year ago and I finally got around to figuring out what to do with them. As one would guess the paint in the kits were completely dried up and unusable:( I did some research online on how to revive old oil paints with out much success, all of the techniques seem to involve some icky chemicals! So I thought the next best thing to do would be to purchase oil or acrylic paints that match up to the original dried up paints. I didn't really want to pour tons of money into this project so I went with acrylic craft paints, I purchased them for 59 cents a bottle at Joanns. The only down side to using these inexpensive paints seems to be that the coverage is not so good and I'm having to re-coat a few areas, but that's okay:)

I decided that when purchasing my new paints I wouldn't have to match the colors up exactly and infact I used a fun pink color instead of the orange just to give my painting a fun and different look! I just made sure that the colors I choose looked good together and matched up well with the areas they were intended for and I was set!

Before I started to paint my canvases I decided that I should scan them so that I could use the "template" over and over again if I wanted. I figured I could print it out on watercolor paper and do a water color paint by number, or use colored pencils which would also be fun! The options are endless! So when searching for paint by numbers, consider purchasing and reviving an old kit! You'll have endless options and save a few bucks:) I've included a few kits that are for sale in my collections post below:)

I'll post more pictures when it's finished:)

Collections: Vintage Paint by Numbers

2011-01-14T22:52:00.000-05:00

I've currently got a fun little vintage paint by numbers project in the works!! I wish I had pictures to share with you guys, but I'll be sure to put that on my list of things to complete this weekend:) In the mean time I thought it would be fun to feature a few fabulous vintage paint by numbers collection from other folks. I've also included a few that are for sale just in case your on the hunt for one of your own. The for sale list also features a few vintage kits as this is what my current project involves and they are totally fun to have around! Next week I'll be sharing a few ways to use these kits even when the kits paint is all dried up:)

Hope you enjoy this weeks lovely collection!!

Please click on photos for direct links to there sources.

Here's a few fab finds to start or continue your collection with!

I'm totally in love with these from DrVintage!


Lovely Ballerina's from packratsvintage


Paint by numbers Horse kit from VintageEstateFinds.


1940's glow in the dark paint by numbers from 2isblue.


One of my favorite paint by numbers from OctaviaBrown.

So sweet!....and for only $8.99 from raesvintag!!

Pretty roses from BlackCreekEclectible.


A vintage color by number kit from Colderthanh, how fun!!

Another fun find!! Vintage paint by number paper dolls from haoli.

Love this one from junkculture, they also has a vintage flapper girl available!!

Future Crafter

2011-01-06T19:00:00.001-05:00

During the Holidays me and little girl spent a lot of time crafting!! Here's a couple of necklaces she created with some of my vintage plastic beads. I let her pick out the beads and the order she wanted them in and I strung them for her. I think we have must have a future DIY craft star on our hands:)

What they wore: vintage kid feature

2011-01-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

When one of my lovely customers emailed me a few pictures of her adorable son wearing his new Blue Bird Lucy's vintage attire. I just knew I had to share some of these pics with my vintage loving blog readers!!:) I'm also glad to be able to share some vintage boy items with you guys, as I know there's a lot of girl vintage around these parts:)

Thanks to Tish for sharing her vintage loving son with us!!:)

Collections: Vintage Clock Radios

2011-01-05T15:48:00.001-05:00

I'm starting a new little weekly feature here on Blue Bird Lucy's called "collections." Each week I'll feature cute and vintage "collectible" items, and I'll be sorta keeping the word collectible open:) First I'll feature found pictures of the lovely collectible's and I'll follow up the post with a couple of places to purchase said collectible!! I'm hoping that during yard sale season I'll be able to feature a couple of my found items, and some of your all's as well:) I love the vintage hunt...this should be fun:) Also on a funny side note I'm ashamed to admit that I now only classify my seasons into two categories, yard sale season and none yard sale season...lol:)

Please click on Photos for Direct Links to there Sources.

Here's some to Purchase:)

From Etsy Seller LucyandEllen.

From Etsy Seller Hulagirl1922 for only $25.00!!


From Etsy Seller kizzyrayan123, for $35.00.

From ebay seller vintage_chest.


From ebay seller dennisrstrong.

Pretty Patchwork Blocks

2011-01-03T15:47:00.000-05:00

I created these little patchwork blocks with a few vintage and new fabric scrapes. I think I may play with them more than little girl:)

I hope everyone is enjoying the new year!!:)

Wood Peg Dolls and Shop Sale!!

2010-12-16T19:30:00.003-05:00

These little wood dolls are finished and ready to go for Christmas!! I'm thinking they will make great stocking suffers for little girl:) I really enjoyed making these, so much so that they will probably be making an appearance at my spring shows and maybe a few appearances in the shop:)

P.S most vintage holiday clothing and few winter items are 20%-30% off!! So be sure to stop by the shop and check it out!!

Pretty Christmas Gifts

2010-12-16T12:07:00.000-05:00

Pretty Melmac Dishes from Betty's Kitschen

Pretty Cake Tin from Plastic Land


Pretty Cath Kidston iphone case

Pretty Anthropologie Dish Towels


Pretty Sweet Vintage Clock Radio from Lovely Vintage Ect


Pretty Rose Trivet from Plastic Land


Pretty Sneakers from Anthropologie


Pretty and Simple Lace Dress from Mod Cloth


Pretty Floral Place mats from Kitsch Cafe

I soooo wish I would have ordered some of these pretties sooner!!!.....Drats..I'm such a last minute shopper, but I some how manage to get it all done? How about you guys? Do you shop last minute or are you already finished? I do tell myself every that I need to start earlier to save the headaches....but that's what keeps life exciting don't ya think:) Seriously speaking I should start my Christmas shopping during the summer so I can scoop up and use some of those fab yard sale finds!

Vintage Storybook Puzzle Blocks

2010-12-13T16:19:00.000-05:00

As you know, I'm completely obsessed with wood toy's this Holiday season! So...I created a little picture puzzle block set for little girl. I used a vintage Dick and Jane storybook that I had found at a yard sale over the summer. I will have to say that this little puzzle is more difficult than one would think! Especially if you don't know what each of the pictures is supposed to look like! I thought about putting little color coordinating dots on each block? Any who she probably won't be piecing the blocks together as a complete puzzle just yet but there still fun to play with and in a year or so she can maybe begin piecing together the little puzzles:)

P.S.these are super easy to make!! All you need are wood blocks, pictures for puzzles, scissors, mod podge, and an exacto knife:)

Vintage Sweaters

2010-12-08T22:55:00.000-05:00

I found these while flipping through one of my vintage McCall's magazine. I wonder if there's still any of these super cute pattern sheets still floating around!!? I love the cowboy and the little gloves on the bottom right:)

Sorry for the lack of words today, I've been spending the past couple of days gathering Christmas gifts and working on items for an upcoming show....of which I'm super excited to say that some of my dolls where featured in a local newspaper today as an advertisement for the show! Hope you all are enjoying your Holidays!!:)

Wood Toy Patterns

2010-12-07T14:48:00.001-05:00

I've been in a wood toy sort of mood this Holiday season!! So I thought I'd share some of the free wood toy patterns/tutorials that I've found. Seriously if there was enough time I would make everything, and I think I need a scroll saw!! Hint..Hint..Christmas gift:)

Elsie Marley

Wood Little People from Shannon Makes Stuff

Stamped Memory Tiles

Link


Wood Bead Chicks

Link


Memory Tiles

Link

Made by Joel


Link


Link

Wood tree Pattern from 54 stitches.

Giant Reclaimed Wooden Blocks from Filth Wizardry

Drift Wood City from Alisa Burke

Building blocks from Wee Folk Art (check out this site for tons of wood toy ideas and tutorials)

Christmas Toys in Progress

2010-12-06T15:39:00.003-05:00

I've been a busy little elf latley working to get some of little girls Christmas presents finished/started! I think these little dolls may be my favorite this year. I hope to also find a set of natural wood blocks to create little houses and beads out of:) I even ventured out to Toy's R'us today in search of a set of wood blocks...let me just say yikes!!.....but there was nothing but plastic..haha:)

So I want to ask you guys if you have any suggestions for a place to get a variety set of natural wood blocks? I would make them myself but I scared to use the wood at hardwood stores...or is okay to use the plain wood there? Hmmm...have any of you all used regular hardware store wood to make toys? Thanks in advance for all your help!!:)

P.S. What kind of special Christmas gifts are you all working on? Have you found any good tutorials to share?:) I read over on Elsie's blog "A Beautiful Mess" that she will having 12 days of DIY, yay sounds like fun!!

P.S.S Here are a few projects little girl has been working on:) We used a glue stick to rub glue over the entire gingerbread man and then sprinkled him with cinnamon, he smells so yummy!!

A Week of Vintage

2010-12-03T12:33:00.001-05:00

I found tons of vintage goodies this week!!...and .......I found one of the most fabulous little vintage shops!! They have so many wonderful items and at such great prices, and when I say great prices I mean GREAT prices!! 95% of their inventory is under $9.99 and most of the items I found were around a dollar or two! Honestly their prices were better than estate sale and thrift store prices, and they stock almost 5000 new items a week! They had a set of 4 vintage floral glasses for $1.39 and I bought a vintage Christmas table cloth for $4.99. I'll try and take some pictures next time I'm there, which will probably be in a couple of days..haha:)

Anywho, sorry for the rambling:) I just knew that you all would share my excitement more than husband did..LOL:)Here are a few of little girls finds for the week, I'm totally jealous of her little cardigan...I think I want one for myself:)


Vintage 50's cardigan. thrifted Janie and Jack top. Jegging from Walmart

Vintage Oshkosh Jumper. Vintage Carters Button Down

Okay...and...seriously I don't know what her deal is with all the paci's lately? For some reason or another she now has to have 2 rather than just the 1...you know one for the mouth and one to rub on her face:) However she's just a closet paci user...LOL...as she doesn't use it at school:)

Tutorial: Kitschy Glitter Globe Ornament

2010-12-01T16:58:00.001-05:00

I'm totally in love with kitschy Christmas decorations and GLITTER!!...yay I just love me some glitter during the holidays...don't you?....Any who so I wanted to create a fun little glitter "globe" to hang on our tree that little girl could help make! After seeing this lovely tutorial here and drawing inspiration from it, I came up with this little ornament and tutorial!Also, I created this with items found around the house so don't fret if you don't have a deer or such, the trees will be fab all by themselves!!

Supplies:
Baby food jar (with lid)
Glitter...YAY
Scrap fabric and felt(but you could just use fabric if you don't have any felt)
Q-tips or something similar that's easy to cut
Glue: white and hot glue
String to hang your ornament with
Any other interesting finds you would like to stick in there!!
Something to poke holes in the top of your lid, I used a drill press but you could also use a nail and hammer.

Step 1:
Make sure you've added your holes to the top of your lid and evenly paint it with your white glue.

Step 2:
Sprinkle your glitter using your finger to really press it on! After your done with the glitter use a pin to clear the holes and set it aside to dry.

Step 3:
Use the top of your jar to trace a circle onto the fabric you are using for the bottom of your jar. I traced the top of my jar instead of the bottom a it is much easier as is doesn't have a curve. Use your white or hot glue to glue your circle into the bottom of your jar.

Step 4:
Size and cut your Q-tips to fit in your jar, be sure to cut off the fluffy ends.

Step 5:
Create your trees using your scrap fabric. I ironed and used heavy starch on mine then freely cut them as I wanted them to have that handmade look:)

Step 6:
Use your hot glue to glue your trees onto your Q-tips. Then add a blog of glue to the bottom of your Q-tip and stick it to the bottom of your jar. Also use your hot glue to add any other little fun features to your jar.

Note: I choose to use hot glue for this step as it made it much easier to keep the trees standing and such:)

Step 7 and 8:
Add your glitter, I used a lot so it would look like snow drifts and cover up any big glue blogs that may have accidentally occurred..haha:) Add your string through your lid, and securely add,I glued mine because of little fingers:) lid to the jar.

Your Done!!! Shake it up,hang it up and enjoy!!

Little F.Y.I: So apparently baby food jars have a seem in the glass...hmmm...which unfortunately I did not pay attention to...haha.. and wouldn't you know it's right smack in the front of my little scene. My husband told me it makes it look vintage because of the wavy glass..hmmm....thanks honey:)

Vintage Christmas Die Cuts

2010-11-29T15:37:00.000-05:00

I've been searching ebay for weeks now for some vintage holiday die cuts after seeing Daniels lovely die cuts! Then like magic I came across these while browsing the thrift store today!! I love the glitter!! I've got tons of other vintage Christmas goodies that I've collected over the summer to share with you guys later this week!!

Thanksgiving and What she wore

2010-11-27T15:39:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone here in the states had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday!! I'm such a nerd but not only was excited about spending time with family but I was also really excited about little girls newly found vintage Mary Poppins dress!! I'm not much into characters but when it comes to vintage illustrations...especially on children's clothing...well lets just say that I almost peed my pants when I found this dress!!

...and I tried to get a picture of me and her together as I really never take photo's of myself...but she wasn't having that as you can see by the picture;)

What she Wore: That 70's Show

2010-11-24T13:43:00.000-05:00

I know it's kind of funny, considering all the pretty dresses she has, but this one of my favorite vintage outfits for little girl! It's great comfy everyday vintage wear and it reminds me of one of my favorite TV show's, That 70's show!! I love the look of high-waisted wide leg jeans paired with a simple vintage velor sweatshirt:) Little girl was not really feeling much like having her picture taken today hence all the blurriness and all the pacifier's...haha:) Tomorrow I've got a great vintage dress planned for little girl to wear to Thanksgiving diner! I got it couple of weeks ago and I've been dieing to share it with you guys!! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!:)

Cute....or Creepy Vintage

2010-11-22T16:47:00.000-05:00

I came across these umm...I'm going to go with creepy ski mask patterns while flipping through one of my old McCalls magazines. I thought they were quit interesting and wanted to share:) What do you guys think...cute or creepy?

Betsy McCall Paper Dolls

2010-11-21T12:14:00.000-05:00

I love..love..love...vintage paper dolls!! Especially the little Betsy McCall paper dolls!!...And...here's a website where you can download them for FREE!! These would make great Christmas presents, you could print them onto magnetic paper, print and laminate them, or just use them the old fashion way!! How cute and such fun!...here are a few of my favorites....as you can see I had a hard time choosing:)

What She Wore

2010-11-19T13:18:00.000-05:00

Vintage white dress from a recent estate sale and jeggings from Walmart. Below is a little dress I picked up from my parents house last night that was either mine or my sisters? I believe it's a Polly Flinders. I'm so excited for little girl to get to wear this!

...On a little side note I keep wanting to mention Rachel and Ruby's exciting new blog feature. They are doing a weekly "Vintage Here Vintage There" feature in which they are sharing secrets to their kiddo's and their own great vintage style! So if you love vintage clothes be sure to stop by and check it out!!

Now in the Shop Vintage Holiday and Winter Attire

2010-11-18T12:44:00.000-05:00

Please stop by and visit the shop!! I've added ton's of vintage goods for the kiddo's!!

Papier Mache Magazine

2010-11-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

Ahh Papier Mache Magazine how I love thee!!

This has to be one of my favorite online magazines! Lovely images, style, and inspiration make up this most perfect online child themed magazine. Even if you don't have children I definitely recommend that you pop on over and check it out, as I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

I have found a couple of other lovely online magazines that I will be sharing with you guys over the next few weeks, as they are full of inspiration, diy craftiness and such!! Online magazines are also green and most of the time free, so it really doesn't get much better than that! Please share if you have any online magazines that you love as eventually I would like to compile a lovely little list for people to reference:) Thanks!

All Images Via Papier Mache Magazine.

Vintage Flower Finds

2010-11-17T17:01:00.000-05:00

Here's a couple of recent estate sale finds!! I have to say that the paper plates may be one of my most recent favorite finds. In all my years of thrifting I have yet to come across a retro paper plate set still in the plastic!! As you can see I have yet to open them:)

This little pair of earrings use to be clip-on and I have since replaced them with brand new post.

....these are going to look perfect ironed on to one of little girls sweaters:)

Fun Photo Shoot

2010-11-10T16:35:00.001-05:00

Me and little girl had a fun little photo shoot last week. I've been wanting to do something like this for a long time and it finally all came together a few weeks ago. I had my photographer friend Adrian take the photo's and the lovely Laura Fauna let me borrow one of her fabulous handmade skirts for myself to wear!! Little girls wearing a vintage carters button down and I made her navy and vintage lace skirt. I'll have more photo's to share soon:)

P.S. Little girls telling me "no" because I asked her if I could carry the bags..LOL:)

What She Wore: Easy Peasy Vintage

2010-11-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

I've always wanted to document some of my daughters fun vintage outfits like some of my lovely fellow bloggers do:) So last week I finally got my daughter to stand still long enough to take a picture where you could for the most part see her outfit..LOL:) There's an adorable little Scottie dog on the front that's still sort of hard to see. How I LOVE easy vintage outfits, you know the one's that aren't fussy and they can actually go outside and play in! I believe this little top is from the 50's as I found it at an estate sale with a bunch of other 50's style outfits, including the little red dress below...hello Christmas dress:)

A Little Dream House

2010-11-06T23:00:00.001-05:00

I'm still in the middle of a craft show frenzy...Yikes!!.....I'll share all the fun details later..LOL...but for now I was thinking about one little girls Christmas presents:) Even though she's really not old enough for her own dollhouse yet, I figure it's never to late to start collecting little bits and pieces here and there. You know for my..I mean her Christmas present..you know:) Every little girls dreams of a vintage tin dollhouse with candy colored furniture and little dolls with perfect ponytails right! Here are some inspiring pictures I found over on flickr, I'm trying to get an idea as to what "look" I'm going for, I didn't really find exactly what is in my head. I really want a tin house with bright color's and pretty faux wallpaper and carpets. I've seen ton's over on Ebay, but there kind of pricey! I just don't end up hoarding all dollhouse pieces that I ever come in contact with....as I'm not going to lie this could happen:) They are just so irresistibly cute!

Please click on photo's for a direct link to there source.

Feather Charms

2010-11-03T19:27:00.000-05:00

I did a little experimenting with making feather charms yesterday for my show this weekend. I'm thinking about making a little tutorial for this...what do ya think? They are pretty easy to create just a few glitches here and there to share:)

TutorialNo Sew Vintage Fabric Magnets

2010-11-02T14:23:00.000-05:00

I know there are probably tons of tutorials out there on how to make fabric magnets, but here's my little take on a simple project:) I tried to make mine very toddler friendly yet still no sew as I wanted my daughter to be able to play with them with out having to worry about her eating the magnets and such!! However, if you are not worried about little mouths and fingers or if do not have a laminator I've also offered an alternative way to construct these magnets!

Supplies:
*Vintage fabric scrapes, or other fun fabric scrapes
*Magnets (if laminating use a flat flexible peel and stick type magnet, if your not laminating you can use any type of magnet)
*Iron on interfacing: if your not laminating make sure you have a thick/stiff interfacing so that your magnets hold it's shape, if laminating any interfacing should do, I used one made for light weight fabric
*Laminator and laminating sheets

Step One:
Find clipart templates, or create your own templates, to use for the shape of your magnets.

Step Two:
Iron interfacing onto the backside of your fabric. Trace the template you created and cut out earlier onto the interfacing that you ironed onto your fabric. NOTE: the interfacing makes it much easier to trace and cut out intricate shapes.

Step Three:
Cutout shapes and add magnets. If your not laminating and you used a thick interfacing your finished!! I would recommend however that you use a very strong glue for the magnets, even if they are the peel and stick type because they really don't hold there sticky very well:( If you are laminating make sure that you do stick your magnets on before you laminate. As this is the part that keeps your magnets safe from little fingers and mouths:)

Step Four:
Run your magnets through the laminator. When I put my magnets through the laminator I cut out the laminating sheets to fit around each piece of fabric and ran each magnet through individually. I had to run each magnet through several times and in a variety of directions so that they would be good and sealed. The magnets can cause gaps but if you change the direction of your magnet and fabric each time you run it through your machine you will be able to seal off the gaps.

Your Finished!!!!
Sit back and admire your new magnets, and if you have little one's you can share if you would like:) We live in an old house and have metal kitchen cabinets and radiator's(don't worry there not hot) so there have been lots of places for little girl to stick her new magnets!

These also make great little gifts and fit perfectly inside of a card:)

Halloween Decorations

2010-10-28T13:43:00.000-05:00

I have loved decorating for the upcoming holidays with little girls art work! Nothing makes me smile more than seeing something that she's made, I think that's her favorite part about school, either that or music as she loves to dance! I don't know what I'm going to do when Halloweens over, as I know that I'm not going to want to take them down. Maybe I'll just have to put a Santa Clause hat on her pumpkins:)

An Afternoon at the Pumkin Patch

2010-10-27T10:00:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday we spent a lovely afternoon at the pumpkin patch! We enjoyed watching little girl ride the tractor and explore the pumpkin patch. I had a cute little vintage fall outfit all ready to go for our adventure to the patch, but after a few pee-pee accidents that occurred earlier in the day that outfit didn't make out for the adventure:)

I think her favorite part must have been the tractor ride, as she started to run towards it once she saw it! Either that or she was afraid it was gong to leave her out in the pumpkin patch:)

I took this picture after she had just woke up from a long car ride to the pumpkin patch. That's the reason for the "why am I sitting in a pile of pumpkins look!" LOL

On the way to the pumpkin patch I do believe I saw a little slice of heaven in the way of a country estate sale!! My heart began to beat faster as I drove by and saw all the goodies piled in the front yard! To bad the sale wasn't until 1:00 the next day...drats:(

Vintage School Prints

2010-10-26T14:45:00.000-05:00

My sister found these fun little vintage school prints some time ago but I had yet to hang them up as I hadn't really decided what I wanted to "do" with them. Then I read over on Rachel's blog that she had found some vintage slack hangers that she intended to use to hang her prints up with, and I thought what perfect way to hang up a few of my own prints! I already had several of these hangers as I use them at my shows, so it was just a matter of getting them hung and I'm glad I finally did!! Thanks Rachel for the fabulous idea!! Also, as a little tip for others who may want to use this idea. I used a little sticky tack on the back of each of the hangers so as to make them hang a little straighter:)

DIY Vintage Toy Makeover

2010-10-25T21:06:00.001-05:00

I found this super fun vintage toy phone for little girl a few months ago but had yet to let her use it as it wasn't really in the best shape. It was missing most of it's stickers and was looking a little "under the weather." So I decided to give it a quick little makeover, you can use this same idea with many vintage toys that may need a little TLC:)

SUPPLIES:
Extra Hold Heat and bond
Fun fabric of your choice
Non toxic glue that is good for non-porous surfaces, I used " Crafter's pick, the ultimate non-toxic glue
HINT: you will only need glue if you have tight areas that can not be ironed

Here's a before Picture:

Project Steps:
1.Create and cut out paper templates that fit the areas of the toy you would like to cover.

2.Iron heat-and-bond to the back side of your fabric
3.Trace your templates onto the heat-and-bond.
4.Cut out your pieces and iron onto your toy. Make sure to keep the iron heat low enough so as not the burn or melt the plastic.
*for smaller pieces that can not be ironed you can use your glue instead:)
*You can also glue all of the pieces instead of using the heat and bond, however I think it had a much more finished and durable look and feel when I used the heat-and-bond:)
5. (if needed) I took a fine sharpie paint pen and re-painted the letters, I really loved how easy it was to use!!

Your Finished!!

New Obsession...Retro Phone's

2010-10-24T15:57:00.001-05:00

After my sister recently found her fab retro yellow phone I've stated a new obsession with retro phones! I mean how could you not, there so wonderfully simple and come in so many fun colors! Nothing like today's boring black and silver button phones. Here are a couple of fun inspiring retro phones I found to share! I've got a fun little vintage toy phone project coming tomorrow!

Also, I would like to apologize for not posting as much the past couple of weeks:( I'm still working on this whole family balance thing, I really don't know of some of you do it!! Please share your tips:) Tomorrow I will be launching a new blog schedule, I'm really not a schedule type of person but I think this kind of schedule will be sort of fun!! I will have a different post scheduled for each day!!

Vintage Kid's Clothing Finds

2010-10-19T22:01:00.000-05:00

The floral blouse is my favorite!! I so wish it were little girls size!

Remember these...banana seats and spoke charms

2010-10-17T01:58:00.000-05:00

Something today got me thinking about those super fun spoke charms that I use to have on my pink banana seat bike! I can remember that my Mammaw bought it for me at a yard sale when I was little. We use to ride up and down the small country road visiting various family members, and then maybe we would stop to pick a few grapes or such along the way.

Please click on Photo's for a direct link to there source

Craft Shows

2010-10-14T14:13:00.000-05:00

Here are just a few pictures I took while at my last couple of shows:) One show was super rainy, windy, and cold while the other was 93 degrees in the middle of October....we have such wacky weather!

Tights for Fall

2010-10-13T13:52:00.000-05:00

Even though I don't actually own any? tights are one of my favorite accessories for fall! I found a few fab tight wearers to share with you. I think I will be making a trip this week end to purchase a few pairs:) On another note, I'm very sorry to be gone so long, thank you so very much for all of your concerns they mean so much to me:)!! We have all been doing well except for a few more cases of the sniffles and a few more unexpected trips to the doctor that I blame on the crazy weather and living in allergy city:) I've also been trying to squeeze in a few shows that I'll hopefully be able to share a few pics of soon, I've got tons of new kids clothes that I've been debuting at a few of the shows. I've also been working on filling consignment orders with a few new shops so if your local you'll soon be able to browse my children's clothing items in a brick and mortar shop as well, I'm very excite about this!! More details will be coming soon:)

Please click on Photo's for Direct links to there sources.

New Skirts and Scarfs

2010-09-29T14:32:00.000-05:00

Sorry for such a brief post but we've had a mild case of the flu bug around here so there hasn't been much time for the computer lately. Which isn't always bad....sometimes it's good to have a computer break...you know:) Any who....here's a little skirt and scarfs, that were inspired by vintage stewardess neckties, that I've put together for a few upcoming shows.

P.S. I have still yet to try bubble tea, with such a hectic week. But, for all the local folks I did want to share where you can find some yummy bubble tea of your own. There's a Chinese bistro over in Norton Commons that supposedly sells authentic Thai bubble tea, and there use to be a little shop on Bardstown Rd. and Baxter Avenue called V and S but their closed and in the process of moving right now:( So if anyone visits or has visited these places let me know what ya think:)

Thanks!!

2010-09-23T21:16:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for the great bubble tea advice and info.!! I have found a place locally that sells it and it's not to far from my house!! So I think, as a little treat to myself, I might have to stop by tomorrow while out estate saleing:) My big taste concern, as many of you warned me, will be the potentially awkward texture. As when I think of tapioca, I think of the nasty chunky pudding they use to serve in the school cafeteria! You know that nasty pudding where your really not sure what the chunks really are?...LOL

Bubble Tea?

2010-09-22T15:12:00.000-05:00

So I've been hearing a lot about the apparently yummy bubble tea lately. Now I'll be the first to admit, so excuse my upcoming clueless moment, but I thought it was just some plain old tea with a bubbly froth or such? But don't worry I have since found out otherwise:) Today I began doing a little research as to what exactly bubble tea is, and I found out that it actually does sound exceptionally yummy and now I want/need some..haha:) So my next question is where do they sell this stuff, and where in the world do you buy tapioca pearls? Also, has anyone every tried this tea or made some themselves? Below I've included some pictures that I found over on flickr to give you an idea as to what bubble tea looks like, just in case you were clueless like me:) Sure looks tasty!!

Please click on photo's for direct links to there sources.

A Growing Pyrex Collection

2010-09-22T08:30:00.002-05:00

My growing pyrex collection....the baking dish is my favorite so far:)

Yummy Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Peaches

2010-09-21T14:11:00.000-05:00

Even though it is scorching 96 degrees here today on the first day of fall. I've still been loving all of the warm comfort foods that come along with the season. The first is a very simple and very yummy, if I do say so myself, apple and sweet potato bake. I didn't really follow a recipe to share with you guys, but it's pretty easy to mix up. I mixed orange juice (approx. 1/4 cup), brown sugar,cinnamon, and a tad of flour and salt. I then poured it over the already boiled sweet potatoes and apples and baked for 15 minutes or so. This is one of those recipes that you don't have to be exact with as it will still turn out great!
P.S Sorry for the horrible picture it had already gotten dark outside when I took this:(

The second little baked dish I made included some yummy peaches, granola, and honey. It's very simple I promise! Cut up a peach and place it in a baking dish, pour over your granola and honey, then cover and bake until the peaches are tender! You can also do this in the microwave but I have found that this seems to turn out better in the oven:)

"New" Vintage Shoes

2010-09-20T16:48:00.000-05:00

I'm always looking for a pair of vintage shoes, with out much luck, but this weekend I found TWO pairs in barely worn condition!! It may just be my unlucky luck but I feel like when I usually find vintage shoes they are sizes 5 or 6, which are way to small for my boat feet..LOL:) But I think/feel that people typically did have smaller feet 40 or so years ago...so it is kind of rare to find something in an 8 or 9?...do you guys feel this way to? Any who the first pair I bought are a 9 1/2 which fit like a glove, but the others are an 8 which may be just a tiny bit to small but they will definitely do! Also, I want to add that these are the most comfortable heels that I have ever worn, so if you have a chance to buy some do!! They just don't make them like they use to:)

Here's a piece that I've been working on for little girls room. I wanted to do some simple embroidered wall art of her favorite things to hang on her wall, I used some vintage fabric that my grandmother gave me:) I love when I can incorporate family "heirlooms" into my art as I think it helps to tell a story if you will. Coming next I think will be a slide, and a dog?

Fall....how I love thee....

2010-09-16T15:55:00.001-05:00

Please click on photo's to find sources.

New Skirts for a Consignment Order

2010-09-15T16:47:00.000-05:00

Wow my little sewing fingers sure are tired but I'm super excited about being able to churn out 4 little skirts today! I hope to be dropping them off in there new home very soon:)

P.S I totally feel in need of some vintage inspiration so I'll be back tomorrow with some super cute and fun vintage finds:)

After Many of Fights with the Sewing Machine and Iron........

2010-09-13T15:40:00.000-05:00

After Many of Fights with the Sewing Machine and Iron.........I finally made a skirt!!

Many of the fights me and the old sewing machine had today were in fact my fault, as much as I do hate to admit it! But I have learned many lessons today that I wold like to share with you guys to maybe prevent some future fights with your beloved machine:) Lesson one: do not try to sew knits with out using a ballpoint needle!! Now I know many of you are thinking that you have sewn knits tons of times with just a regular old needle, and I have to, but if your having trouble with poly knits, and fine or think knits trust me the ballpoint needle works magic!! Before going out to purchase a new ballpoint needle my sewing machine kept spitting out the thread at me, it would straight stitch when I had it set on zig-zag, and it would start making those funny knocking sounds (you know the ones before your thread turns into a big huge knot/ball)! Any who....so if your experiencing any of these problems with your sewing machine don't fret try changing the needle:)

Lesson 2: The second lesson I learned today involved the iron. I learned to always make sure your iron is set to the correct fabric!! After finally finishing my skirt, with the new needle, I then proceed to melt a hole in the vintage fabric...grrr!! But I put cute little circle over the uh-oh and all turned out okay:) So I do suppose the other lesson here is if you do mess up stick a circle over it...LOL:)

New Olive Green Enamel Flowers

2010-09-09T13:57:00.000-05:00

I posted these lovely's in my little supply shop a few weeks ago....I was so excited to find this unique color of enamel. I'm constantly on the hunt for new and unique enamel colors to add to the shop....I hope to get some more new vintage inspired colors in very soon!! I feel that it's getting harder and harder to find true vintage enamel flowers so my hope is to recreate as many as I can as they are super fun to work with:)

First Day of Preschool

2010-09-08T11:29:00.002-05:00

Today I dropped my little girl off for her first day of preschool!! I could tell she was pretty excited about being there at first, and then it hit, she had a huge mommy melt down:( It made me sad to leave her but I think being a former preschool teacher made it a little easier, as I know she'll have tons of fun and make lots of new friends!!

I made her skirt over the weekend from some vintage fabric I had found at an estate sale.....plaid is a must have for your first day of school!!:)

**Added....she did not make it home in this same outfit..LOL...I wonder how long she actually wore it? I guess I should have made two plaid skirts for the first day of school:)

A Lovely Birthday Weekend

2010-09-06T12:23:00.000-05:00

Photo Via here

I had a lovely birthday week-end!! The weather could not have been more perfect and I had such a lovely time enjoying my family as well as the outdoors, what a wonderful way to welcome 26! I also visited a fantastic estate sale on Friday, my birthday, and came home with a huge garbage bag full of vintage fabric!! Happy Birthday to me:) I'll be sure to share some pic's later, I'm off to work on my daughter's first day of preschool dress!!

P.S I'm very behind on responding to emails and messages, so sorry, I haven't touched a computer in 4 days!!..LOL:) Hopefully you guys have been enjoying a lovely Holiday weekend as well:)

Honey Oatmeal Bread

2010-09-01T11:51:00.003-05:00


this pic makes it look like I used more butter than I actually did..LOL:)

To fulfill one of my "4 goals," which was to eat something different, I baked a loaf of delicious oatmeal bread. I have to say that this was way easier than I ever could have imagined!! And...considering this was my first loaf of bread that I have ever baked, it was very tasty, if I do say so myself!! The only thing I should have done, that I didn't, was kneed the bread! Hence why it looks a little on the uneven lumpy side....oh well:)

**Added**Here's a link to the recipe, sorry I didn't include it with the original post:)
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/oatmeal-whole-wheat-quick-bread/Detail.aspx

Here are some pictures to prove to my husband that I actually did make it myself:)

yummy honey!!

Giveaway Day Over on Smile and Wave!!

2010-08-31T17:13:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!! Be sure to stop by and check-out all the great giveaways over on "Smile and Wave!!" There are some super cute items and...... I'm also giving away one of my crochet charm necklaces of your choice:)!!

Simple Things that Make you Smile...Pretty Hangers

2010-08-30T14:55:00.001-05:00

I love an ordinary item that can really bring cheer to your life or really an item that brings fun to a task that's typically a drag!!....I mean how fun would it be to hang clothes on these cuties. Below I've included some links to a couple fab tutorials that show you how to make your own cute hangers..how fun!!:)

Please click on photo's for links.

Click here for Dottie Angels Crocheted Happy Hanger Tutorial.

Click here for a Yarn Wrapped Hanger Tutorial form Wise Craft.

Click here for a Fabric Covered Hanger found over on Design Sponge.

P.S Thanks for everyone's super sweet comments!! I know it sounds corning but it really brightens my day when I stop by to read what everyone has written:) As a work at home mom it makes me feel like I'm actually having a real adult conversation..LOL..:)

Girls Vintage Dresses

2010-08-28T22:23:00.000-05:00

I found these lovely's last week-end!! They are way to big for little girl...I think they are all around sizes 6-8....I always think that I'll hold on to them until she's big enough to wear them but I may list them in the shop? I typically don't sell vintage but I do wish for them to have a good home... sigh...it's just so hard to part...LOL:)

Tutorial Boys Button Down Turned Girls Lace and Ruffles Tunic/Top!!

2010-08-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

I've totally fallen in love with all the vintage plaid tops and dresses I've seen lately, and when I saw this boys plaid button at the thrift store last week I knew it had great potential as a girls top!! This tutorial is super easy and quick and requires very little supplies or sewing!!

Supplies:
*Boys button down, I choose a size larger than what my daughter normally wears so it could be more of tunic/dress.
*Lace-the pre-ruffled kind works best(I used two different sizes but one size will also work)
*The normal sewing supplies...scissors, pins and needles, and sewing machine.

Step One:
Measure your lace down each side of your shirt, I cut my lace a little longer than needed just in case:) It's always easier to cut it off in the end than it is to add more!

..also measure and cut the lace that you will be using for your collar

Step Two:
Pin lace in place and stitch. I pined and sewed one side and then went back and pinned and sewed the other side. Below I've included a picture to give you a better idea of wear to pin your lace so that the lace will be even on each side once buttoned.

Pin and sew lace on seem next to button, see pin placement.


Pin lace and sew lace on the seem next to the button holes.

Step Three:
Pin and sew collar lace in place, making sure to sew the lace on the underside edge of the collar.

Step Four:
Trim lace and your finished!! This tutorial would also work well for a woman's top as well!

Fab Vintage Plaid

2010-08-25T20:35:00.000-05:00

So....I know I promised a tutorial this week and I still intend to get one posted!!! However, I've been doing some substitute teaching this week so things have been sort of mixed up around here...... but in the mean time I've found some great vintage plaid to share with you guys!! The theme sort of goes with my upcoming tutorial:)

Vintage Figurines...can you resist the kitschy cuteness

2010-08-22T19:50:00.000-05:00

I've never been much of a "nick-knack" collector as I guess I have my mother's saying "it's just more to dust" branded in my head:) I'm really not much for extra cleaning or dusting for that matter but how can you resist these adorable little figurines! They have been calling my name as I browse through thrift store aisles, and on my next visit I may not be able to resist picking a few up!! I passed on a super cute little puppy yesterday and I'm already having regrets... dang I hate thrift store regrets because you know if you go back there's a chance it may be gone;(

Please click on photo's for links.

A Birdie Has Earned it's Wings

2010-08-20T16:59:00.000-05:00

Here is one of my first birdies with it's wing finally attached!! I'm slowly but surely attaching the rest of the wings but someone has been on a nap strike the past couple if days so you can guess the rest:) I hope to get him listed in the shop today!

P.S. I have a super easy and cute tutorial planned for the first of next week.....hopefully someone will have ended their nap strike by then:)

P.S.S. I 'm so glad you all enjoyed the "Lovely Walls" post! Finding cute stuff for my walls has become my new addiction! I've lived in my house for 4 years now and have way to many bare walls that are just screaming to be covered with vintage cuteness!! Do share if you have any secret/good sources for wall art:)

I wish everyone a lovely week-end!!

Lovely Walls

2010-08-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

Such a cute idea!!!

Add caption

Please click on Pictures for Links

Granny Chic Crocheted Cup Cozy...in the works...

2010-08-18T13:08:00.001-05:00

In my search for vintage colorful glasses I thought it would be fun to create a few of my own colorful glass. So I created a granny/kitschy chic cozy for my plain vintage glasses. As you can see in the picture it's still in the works, but I hope to do a couple in yellow and an aqua color as well:) I'm hoping these will look super fun on my new vintage bar!! I guess you could also say that this little project is fulfilling one of my "4 simple goals" by actually making something for myself/home...Yay!!

You can also see a few of my newly thrifted vintage glasses and my new vintage tablecloth in the pic's...I hope to get some better pic's of those soon:)

I was excited to get this in the mail yesterday...I love looking at all the inspiring projects and pretty yarns!! The Lion Brand website is stocked full of these lovely freebie patterns!!!

...and here's a quick pic of all my newly thrifted yarns....some are vintage and some are not...

Cute!! Vintage Cup Collections

2010-08-16T13:32:00.000-05:00

I spent last night flipping through Flickr on my iphone becoming completely jealous of all the super cute vintage cup collections out there! This was going to be the entire theme for this particular post, you know collections I'm jealous of, however I made a trip to a newly found thrift store today and came home with a few new fabulous cups and mugs to start out my own collection;) I haven't taken any pics of my own yet...but here are the collections that I'm still totally jealous of!!

1. Kitschy Mugs, 2. Updated cabinet, 3. Tall, 4. 2007 Mug Collection - Color Mugs 3, 5. Cute Cups - Closeup, 6. Vintage 1970's yellow and orange mushroom butterfly drinking glasses, 7. 1950's, 8. Interviwed

Huset-Shop....lovely finds

2010-08-13T14:06:00.002-05:00

I stumbled upon the Huset-shop today and fell in love with many of their modern Scandinavian themed items; and I thought I would share a few of my favorites................

The last two pics are tile stickers, what a wonderful idea!!

All photo's via the Husset-Shop

Four Simple Goals Before 2011

2010-08-12T14:07:00.002-05:00

Elsie over at A Beautiful Mess is hosting a "4 simple goals" before 2011 project and I thought it sounded like great fun and decided to share some of my personal goals here with you guys.

..here we go......

Goal Number One: Eat a larger variety of foods. I feel like I've gotten stuck in a food rut...it's not that we eat unhealthy I just feel like we eat the same things all the time...you know what I mean? So to start things out slow I would like to eat at least one new meal per week and hopefully increase it as time goes by.

Goal Number Two: Ride my bike somewhere instead of driving.....this has been a goal for a while but when it's 105 outside this really isn't such a practical idea especially with a toddler in tow. This goal will probably be more achievable when the weather cools off:)

Goal Number Three: Make/craft something for myself or my home; 1-3 items a month sounds like an easy start. I have tons of vintage clothing patterns and fabric but have yet to make anything for myself. It always makes me feel so good when my daughter wears something I've made for here, I would love to have that feeling for myself as well, handmade just has away of making you feel good:)

Goal Number Four: Create some more fun and unique activities for me and my daughter to do together, and take more pics while were at it!!

I'll be sure and share the progress as time goes by:) If you think this cute and simple goal project sounds like fun definitely stop by A Beautiful Mess to check out all the details!

Vintage Pattern's and Contact Paper

2010-08-11T20:55:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my latest vintage finds!! I'm totally loving the shirt dress right now, I wish I had the time to make a few.....that reminds me that I have yet to create an item for myself out of the vintage shirts that I've been collecting.

Work in Progress......

2010-08-11T12:13:00.000-05:00

I've been working on creating a pattern for a little crocheted bird for some time now and I finally got it right last night.......eventually I have plans for these little cuties to become brooches with vintage fabric wings! I will be adding a few to the shop very soon!!!

....here's a new necklace that I just added to the shop.......I think it may be one of my favorites!!

Happy Sunday!!...Laundry Chores

2010-08-08T11:37:00.000-05:00

I hope these next few pictures brighten up your Sunday laundry chores!! I know I hate laundry but when doing laundry with my mammaw it always seemed like so much fun, I think I need a clothes line!! Laundry is definitely more fun with a clothes line, who can resist a cool crisp sheet that smells of the sweet outdoors.....hmmm I'm going to have to scoop up the dog poo first..LOL:) Happy Sunday all!!!

1. sitting area, 2. Cupboard, 3. True Confessions, 4. dirty laundry, 5. i'll be your whatever you want, 6. hand washables, 7. 22 cents at K-mart how long ago?, 8. W for washing,

Tutorial:Easy Lace Embellished Tank top

2010-08-05T19:29:00.003-05:00

Seriously this is getting ready to be one of the easiest/quickest shirt make-over's you have ever done!! Yeah for quick!! I think this took me a total of 15 minuets (changing the bobbin took the longest..dang)! This is perfect to use on one of those shirts where the neckline is just slightly and uncomfortably to low, or when you like the layered look but not when it's 105 outside!!

Supplies you'll need:
*Small section of wide cotton lace
*Tank-top or shirt to make-over
*and the usual supplies a sewing machine or needle and thread, pins, and scissors.

Step One:

Flip shirt inside out and measure and trim enough lace to reach across the opening of your shirt. Pin lace in place and get ready to sew! Use a zig-zag stitch being careful not to stretch your top as you go to prevent puckering and waves in your finished shirt. If your worried about stretching your top you can starch your shirt before you sew to make things go a little smoother:)

Step Two:
Trim lace and your finished!!! Enjoy your new shirt:)

P.S I'm loving my new crocheted necklaces with this shirt!!:)

The ever so Essential Pencil

2010-08-05T14:19:00.001-05:00

You can't go back to school with out a pencil and a cute one at that! Here are a few fun pencils and pencil related items that I've come across that I thought I'd share:)

Over on etsy you can find pretty vintage pencils from Mushroom and Moss, cute and kitschy pencil sharpeners over at Hey Yoyo (love these), a pretty pencil box also from Mushroom and Moss, a pretty handmade pencil pouch from Tabi Designs,and a pretty elephant and apples case from Simbiosis!

Now for a few fun tutorials:

An easy felt pencil case from Martha!

A fun toadstool pencil craft found over on Oh!! I like That

Also be sure and visit Orange Flower Sketchbook and Little Big Girl Studio for more cute pencil case tutorials!

SUPER easy Tutorial coming later tonight!!

Sneak peak of my new fall line!!!

2010-08-04T15:27:00.001-05:00

Okay..so this post isn't necessarily school related but I'm very excited to introduce/offer a sneak peek of some of my new items for fall!! I should be adding these and any other new items to the shop soon!!

....and here's a few pic's of my fall crafting supplies...........more on these projects to come....!!!

...here's my little helper:)

Rocking Back to School Clothes

2010-08-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

SORRY:)....I didn't get a post up yesterday...I know I promised a full week of back to school however I was up late last night working under a deadline! Any who....I promise I'll make it up to you guys, I've got tons of post's planned for the rest of the week, including the easiest tank top make-over/embellishment ever (for big people)!! As well as an entire day devoted to back to school in vintage style!

On with the fab clothes finds from My Rocking Wardrobe:

Back to School Week

2010-08-02T12:22:00.001-05:00

Since my little girl will be starting preschool this year and for my love of back to school supplies (they are so cute!), I've decided to dedicate this entire week to "Back to School." I've found some super cute clothes, lunch boxes, bags, pencils, shoes, folders, and well anything and everything related to back to school to feature this week!

To start out this week of fun here are a few SUPER cute items from Shinzi Katoh, I seriously love everything on this site!!!

Photo's via Shinzi Katoh

Tutorial: Lace and Ruffles Bib Top

2010-07-29T13:26:00.002-05:00

I've been in sort of an orange and brown 70's floral throw back sort of mood lately so I came up with this little vintage inspired lacy bib onesie. My husband said it reminded him of the old shag carpet...hmmmm...not really sure if that was a complement.... but he thought so..... whatever I look horible in pink and my daughter has my coloring.....LOL:)

Anywho...on to the project:

Supplies:
Shirt to make-over
Double sided iron on interfacing
Cute fabric of your choice
Lace, the pre-ruffled kind works best
Fun Buttons
paper to create your template with
And the usual sewing supplies...pins, scissors, iron, and a Sewing machine..however you can always handstitch

Step One:

Create your bib template using your piece of paper, I like to use brown Kraft paper, you know the kind that comes in the rolls in the shipping section of the store. This sounds much harder than it really is, basically lay your sheet of paper over your shirt of choice and lightly feel for the rim of the shirt and trace onto your paper. Now sketch an oval bib shape under the edge/rim you just created on your paper, it doesn't have to be perfect as you can fix it later:) Now cut it out and try it out on top of your shirt, to make the sides even simply fold in half and re-size your template as needed.

Step Two:

Cut a piece of interfacing a little larger than your bib template and iron onto the back side of your fabric. Make sure and follow the manufactures directions for the interfacing, ironing to long or accidentally using stem can really turn into a big oops, experience speaks here:)

Step Three:

Trace and cut out bib template from your newly ironed fabric and interfacing.

Step Four:

Peel off interfacing backing and carefully place and iron bib onto your shirt. Again being careful to follow the directions for the interfacing:)

Step Five:

Get ready to stitch, I initially used a zig-zag stitch around the edge of my bib, then me and my sewing machine had a little disagreement so it turned out half zig-zag half straight stitch...LOL:) Hence why the stitching around the top of the bib looks a little out of sorts:)

Step Six:

Lay out your lace to measure approx. how much you will need, I usually cut a little more than I will need as it's always easier to trim it off in the end:) Once you've cut your lace pin it around the perimeter of your fabric bib and stitch. Being careful not to stretch your fabric while sewing as this will cause puckering and "waves" in your bib.

Step Seven:

Lay out an stitch your second piece of lace as you did your first piece. Remember to stitch your wider piece of lace first laying your narrower piece of lace on top. Also, note that you can just use one piece of lace, or as many as you would like:)

Step Eight:
Your basically done...yes!! Trim your lace and sew on your buttons. I always use super strong and thick nylon thread when stitching buttons onto little girls clothes so that they are more likely to stay put:)

This tutorial doesn't have to just be used for a onesie, this idea can really be used on any size top! This is also a great way to cover those yucky chin drool stains:)

Enjoy!
Please let me know if you find any mistakes or have questions along the way:) I'll be more than happy to help!

Lovely Vintage Finds for the Week!!!

2010-07-28T23:16:00.000-05:00

These little boots may not be vintage but I LOVE them!! I've got a collection of six so far.........

Coming tomorrow........a new tutorial!! See sneak peek picture below:

Trip to the Park in the VW Bus

2010-07-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

On the weekends we all like to hop in the old 1971 VW bus and take rides through the park, we are so fortunate to have such lovely parks and so close by! Any who....for my husbands birthday I took a few pics while we where out and about to give him as a gift. He LOVES his/our bus and really old Volkswagen's in general, we use to own five (only a few actually ran), you know until we had kiddo's:) I thought it would be fun to share a few here on the blog....I've really just started making over the inside however...so I don't have any pics of that but it's going to be "manly" cute, I'll be excited to finish and get some fun pictures posted of that as well:)

A Few Vintage Treasures to Share!

2010-07-23T12:29:00.000-05:00

Here are a few vintage, little girls dresses, and a super cute little book that I wanted to share:)

I've got a super cute tutorial coming up next week using vintage sheets!

Also, you should stop by A Beautiful Mess today, Elsie's having a blog party and featuring tons of super cute tutorials! Yeah!

...and if your in the mood/ looking for some super cute giveaways you definitely need to stop by The Bright Side Project, where there's a fabulous giveaway everyday day of the week...how wonderful!!

Happy Friday!! Try and stay cool!! We've got a heat advisory here all week-end.....but me and the fam have a fun outdoor drive-in style movie night planned...more details on that later:)

Vintage Floral Wallpaper

2010-07-22T21:12:00.000-05:00

So I've slowly began my collection of lovely vintage floral wallpapers. I've actually got two rolls that are large enough to cover a wall or so but I'm having a hard time deciding which two walls to cover? So I've taken a trip over to flickr to see what lovely things other folks are covering with their vintage wallpaper! Here are a few lovely photo's I came across. I hope to get mine on a wall soon, I hope it doesn't turn into one of those items that you love so much so that your afraid to use it just in case you happen to use it wrong or find some better use for it later...Yikes. But I'm making a promise to myself that I will actually use my wallpaper..LOL..I'll take some pics and post the proof as soon as I get it hung:)

1. BENDIX Autotomatic Home Laundry, 2. Flowerbed, 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled, 5. Untitled, 6. Sugar Sweet Wallpaper

Shop Update!

2010-07-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

New items now in the Shop!!!

Ideas for Making Over my Vintage Shirts

2010-07-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

So this post is more of here's what I've got and here's what I want to eventually turn it into to:) These shirts were included in the fabulous yard sale purchase I was telling you guys about last week, I seriously think I scored like 15 vintage button down shirts. My first thought is always how cute of a dress/skirt/shirt these would make for little girl but then I visited Anthropologie over the weekend and I became inspired to actually make something for myself! I'm setting a long first goal of 2-3'ish weeks for my first shirt remake, hopefully I'll stick to it:)

Anywho here's a few of my shirts from the yard sale:

....and here's what I would like to eventually turn these shirts into:

Last set of photo's via Anthropologie:

A Little Vintage McCalls Inspiration

2010-07-19T12:03:00.000-05:00

A Vintage "Jody" Outfit

2010-07-16T14:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry for such a quick post....but little girl is starting to wake up! I just wanted to quickly share this cute little jumper outfit I found while out thrifting last week-end. It reminds me of an outfit that Jody from Family Affair would have worn:)

Tutorial/Kids Craft Idea- Paint with Water

2010-07-15T15:57:00.000-05:00

Now I know what your thinking after reading the title to this post, "what, that doesn't sound like much fun," but seriously it is the easiest, mess free kids craft ever!! And.....the kids love it! They can paint and paint and paint and never run out of supplies! Plus I guess it's kind of like a science lesson as well since you are explaining how the water is evaporating and their picture will soon be invisible! When I taught preschool this was always a big hit with the kids, plus it's defiantly something new so they are completely fascinated by it.

Supplies:
Bucket of Water, various paint brushes, and that's it!
note: this really works best on concrete but it could work on a lighter shade of pavement.

You can also paint your pacifier....

...and the dog:)

Have fun!!

Fabulous Etsy Shop Find: 3 Ring Circus

2010-07-14T10:58:00.001-05:00

As promised here's another wonderful etsy shop to purchase super cute vintage children's clothing from, 3 Ring Circus. She even has the cutest pair of little toddler shoes that I would totally scoop up if they were little girls size! How great would those shoes look on the first day of preschool! Any who....enjoy!

New Fairytale Inspired Inspiration Tray

2010-07-13T17:01:00.001-05:00

I found this lovely little vintage childrens record while out visiting yard sales this weekend and I loved the color's and the illustrations so much so that I decided to use it as the inspiration for my tray this week. I will tell you at first I did become frustrated thinking that there's no way I can create whats in my head and put it together on this tray (hope that makes sense?). In other words I was afraid that I was having a serious creative block...arg!But.....creating this little tray helped bring me through a frustrating creative block in the end:) I'm curious about what fun things you guys do to get your creative energy flowing?

Organizing? my Vintage Buttons

2010-07-13T11:53:00.000-05:00

A super cute fairytale inspired inspiration tray coming later today!

Beautiful Crochet by Sarah London

2010-07-12T13:20:00.000-05:00

I stumbled upon Sarah London's beautiful crochet whilst browsing through flickr the other day. I was completely taken back by how beautiful each one of her pieces were! So obviously I had to go and check out her website, and to my happy surprise I learned that she offers patterns for her beautifully hand crocheted pieces. She also offers a super cute monthly online crochet magazine entitled "Hip to Hook." Enjoy!

1. D'Oyley Motif, 2. rosy posy cushion, 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled, 5. Untitled, 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. wool eater blanket

Vintage Kid's Craft Book

2010-07-10T21:41:00.001-05:00

I found this cute little kids craft book while thrifting last week-end. I thought I'd share some of the cute illustrations with you guys as well some of the super easy craft ideas! Although, I think I might skip using tacks for the eyes on the butterfly, I'm just saying.......LOL:)

P.S. I will admit this is the first time I've heard of a Flibber?

Coming up next week:

A new inspiration tray full of lovely's

Fabulous find of the week: another super cute vintage shop for the kiddo's

Some great Modern/Vintage crochet inspiration

Fun and super EASY! tutorial

And...this has seriously been the best yard selling week ever, I feel like I say this every week but seriously it was great! I brought home garbage bags, yes I said garbage bags, full of vintage clothes and toys!!! So I'll definitely be sharing some pics of my great vintage finds!

Fabulous Find: Lishyloo's Vintage Children's Clothing

2010-07-09T06:30:00.001-05:00

In my endless search for cute vintage clothes for little girl I stumbled upon a lovely little shop, Lishyloo, over on etsy. Lishyloo has a fantastically huge supply of super cute vintage clothes in a variety of sizes! She even has wonderful items for little boys, as I've "heard" (since I don't have boy's) that it's typically hard to find cute stuff for them! I have featured a few of Lishyloo's vintage lovely's below, but there are ton's more so be sure to stop by and check it out! Enjoy!

Vintage Suitcase Chairs!!

2010-07-08T11:36:00.001-05:00

How wonderful are these vintage suitcase chairs!! I found these via a lovely little website called REcreate. Where all of the items are handmade and re purposed from usually discarded items, how wonderful!

Blue Bird Lucy's

Pumpkin Pie Playdough

A Vintage Cowgirl Halloween...a week late

Vintage Build a Picture Game

An Interview with Folklure

Kids Craft: Nature Filled Sun Catcher

EASY Summer Cucumber Salad

What she Wore and a Pre Tutorial

Go to the Head of the Class

Vintage Dollhouse Sneak Peak

Vintage Vogart

Patchwork Lion

Yesterday was....Just Another Day in Paradise

My First Auction and Vintage Doll Clothes

Reviving a Vintage Paint by Number Kit

Collections: Vintage Paint by Numbers

Future Crafter

What they wore: vintage kid feature

Collections: Vintage Clock Radios

Pretty Patchwork Blocks

Wood Peg Dolls and Shop Sale!!

Pretty Christmas Gifts

Vintage Storybook Puzzle Blocks

Vintage Sweaters

Wood Toy Patterns

Christmas Toys in Progress

A Week of Vintage

Tutorial: Kitschy Glitter Globe Ornament

Vintage Christmas Die Cuts

Thanksgiving and What she wore

What she Wore: That 70's Show

Cute....or Creepy Vintage

Betsy McCall Paper Dolls

What She Wore

**Now in the Shop** Vintage Holiday and Winter Attire

Papier Mache Magazine

Vintage Flower Finds

Fun Photo Shoot

What She Wore: Easy Peasy Vintage

A Little Dream House

Feather Charms

**Tutorial**No Sew Vintage Fabric Magnets

Halloween Decorations

An Afternoon at the Pumkin Patch

Vintage School Prints

DIY Vintage Toy Makeover

New Obsession...Retro Phone's

Vintage Kid's Clothing Finds

Remember these...banana seats and spoke charms

Craft Shows

Tights for Fall

New Skirts and Scarfs

Thanks!!

Bubble Tea?

A Growing Pyrex Collection

Yummy Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Peaches

"New" Vintage Shoes

Fall....how I love thee....

New Skirts for a Consignment Order

After Many of Fights with the Sewing Machine and Iron........

**New** Olive Green Enamel Flowers

First Day of Preschool

A Lovely Birthday Weekend

Honey Oatmeal Bread

Giveaway Day Over on Smile and Wave!!

Simple Things that Make you Smile...Pretty Hangers

Girls Vintage Dresses

*Tutorial* Boys Button Down Turned Girls Lace and Ruffles Tunic/Top!!

Fab Vintage Plaid

Vintage Figurines...can you resist the kitschy cuteness

A Birdie Has Earned it's Wings

Lovely Walls

Granny Chic Crocheted Cup Cozy...in the works...

Cute!! Vintage Cup Collections

Huset-Shop....lovely finds

Four Simple Goals Before 2011

Vintage Pattern's and Contact Paper

Work in Progress......

Happy Sunday!!...Laundry Chores

Tutorial:Easy Lace Embellished Tank top

Now in the Shop Vintage Holiday and Winter Attire

TutorialNo Sew Vintage Fabric Magnets

New Olive Green Enamel Flowers

Tutorial Boys Button Down Turned Girls Lace and Ruffles Tunic/Top!!

Tutorial: Lace and Ruffles Bib Top