a Vintage Mood

Winter Sunset

2011-12-08T11:13:00.002-06:00

Last night's sunset from my kitchen window. Come, winter.

Junk Bonanza is a Must See!

2011-09-19T12:56:00.007-05:00

Getting ready to open...

My vendor friends are ready!

Who doesn't love a big rush!

Stopping to pose for hubby

Great stuff everywhere you look!

Silk's Bar, a good place to break for lunch or end the day.

A couple of smart shoppers!

All I can say is WoW! Vending (and shopping) at Minnesota's Junk Bonanza was a super fun experience. So much creativity, so many wonderful people and the best junk ever! If you have ever thought about making the trip, put it on your 2012 calendar now!! Sept 13, 14 and 15, 2012. I'll be going!

Catching Up

2011-07-12T19:07:00.000-05:00

So much has gone on in my life since my last blog post I don't know where to begin. Our son and his darling Morgan got engaged! My daughter and son-in-law had their second child, our first grand daughter, Ali Grace! I returned from the whirlwind experience vending (and shopping!) at Round Top, Texas! And I've finally joined facebook!

So here's baby Ali just a few hours old, born Easter morning.

with big brother

growing so fast

And the engagement photos

Don't they look happy?

This has been one of our fullest summers ever, just crazy busy. Well, so much for my determination to post consistently this year. I guess for now I'll just resign myself to posting sporadically. :)

These Boots Were Made For... Round Top, TX!

2011-03-14T23:39:00.010-05:00

Packin' up and headin' out soon for another adventure! Two girlfriends and I have decided to try our hand at vending at Round Top, Texas. I'm told the fields can get quite muddy this time of year, so I'm packing my rubber boots, along with a cowgirl hat and tons of tiaras!

After spending a week of much needed r & r recently,

my tootsies don't know what hit them.

Lounging and ordering room service were wonderful ~ this photo's for my very talented foodie friend Marysol.
Now it's back to work getting ready for the huge event.

Better Than Ice Cream

2011-02-16T14:59:00.003-06:00

Rock on.

Ode To Ribbon

2011-02-01T12:01:00.005-06:00

It's true, ribbon plays a role in our lives that is uniquely sublime (yes I did have to look that word up in my dictionary to make sure I was using it correctly!).

Though it has a myriad of uses, I can't think of a single one that is related to the mundane, sorrowful or hated. Its silky curls are at the same time beautiful and useful.

It has been a part of my life since I was a little girl, tying back my hair into pigtails and ponytails.

Earlier still, it has graced the newborn caps of our sweet little heads just minutes after entering the world.

From moire to grosgrain, the saturated colors and textures inspire me. My very favorite will always be velvet.

Some of my stash...

Snowed in today and busily tagging treasures for this weekend's event. That is, if we can dig out and make it there!

Mouth Watering Robin's Egg Blue

2011-01-29T12:12:00.007-06:00

Every spring, after I clear away the hearts and cupids, I enjoy touches of robin's egg blue around the house and shop.

My heart swoons over birds, eggs and nests this time of year.

My 3 friends and I (sounds like that's all I have, hehe) will be accenting our mostly neutral space this month at Bottoms Up in various shades of the glorious color. Here's a peek at some of the goods I'll have there next weekend.

And oh, so much more...

Hope you can stop in for the First Anniversary festivities!

Sugar and Spice

2011-01-24T13:07:00.006-06:00

Our daughter and son-in-law are expecting their second child, and we recently found out that it's a girl. I cannot tell you how excited I am!
We adore our precious grandson who is now 3, and are so looking forwarding to cherishing a baby girl.

You know I'll be indulging in baby girl fashion! So, here's a picture of the first of many dresses bought by Grammy Ann for Ali Grace.

We've been blessed with a generous sprinkling of sugar and spice. Besides my daughter's baby on the way, we're blessed beyond words with our son's dear girlfriend. Here's a picture of the happy couple.

When I became a mother, the intense love that filled my heart for my children was a surprise, but I never anticipated how much I would fall in love with the ones that love them. How happy they make me!

Snow Days = Creative Days

2011-01-12T12:21:00.006-06:00

As with much of the rest of the country,

I'm feeling just like my swan,
up to my neck in snow!

Thought I'd show a couple of pillow projects I completed recently...

and some tiaras I'll be adding to my online shop...

Spending the entire day creating today, yay!!

Bottoms Up

2011-01-01T18:18:00.006-06:00

First let me say Happy New Year to all! I'm excited to see what 2011 will bring. We've been given a new chapter, with opportunities for new ideas and new adventures, limited only by our imaginations. I am making a resolution to post more consistently on my blog this year and to give and receive fresh inspiration!

So please, please hold me to it!

3 friends and I will be kicking off the first weekend of the year at a shopping venue that's new to us, Bottoms Up, a KC west bottoms warehouse stuffed to the brim on TWO floors with AMAZING vintage and antique wares.

Here we are at our first time as Bottoms Up vendors in our space during the December event.

If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop in!

What I Want for Christmas

2010-12-22T11:56:00.002-06:00

A few favorite vignettes from my Christmasey home this year.

What I want most for Christmas is to see the joy on the faces of those I love, and to know that the spirit of Christmas doesn't have to end ... not ever!

I pray you discover the magic of Christmas, all the joy your heart can hold, and all the love that was sent to earth that first Christmas.

The Power of Tradition

2010-12-16T09:25:00.003-06:00

An ornament from Mom's collection
now hangs on my tree

Never underestimate the powerful impact you have on your children with the little things you do and say. A blog friend of mine recently lost her mother and is now feeling her loss in every ritual they shared together. This Thanksgiving, I made dinner for my kids, and three out of six recipes were favorites that my mother had made. Pecan pie, stuffing and gravy. No one could make these like my mom. I used her recipes, and though they didn't taste quite as wonderful as when Mom made them for me, the aromas that filled my kitchen as I prepared the feast, the sight of her yellow pyrex mixing bowl and the feel of her seasoned wooden rolling pin in my hands brought back wonderful memories and made me feel close to her again. It's never too late to start a new tradition for your children or grandchildren. What traditions do you cherish?

30 Years Later, I Still Do

2010-12-05T22:24:00.004-06:00

Happy Anniversary to my man of 30 years! Yes, exactly 30 years ago, December 5, 1980, I said "I do" to my guy, and my how the years have flown. Together we've raised two children, renovated three houses, gone through the hardest of hard times and enjoyed the best of good times. We started out as naive kids and have grown together into happy adults. With God at the center of our relationship, we just get better and better.

We were babies

raising babies

(remember body waves!)

Birthdays

New Births

Waterbeds!

Cut-offs!

Anniversary getaways

Lots of these

Too much of this

Doing what we love

Loving what we do

Silly times!

Family times

Joyous moments

Moments we'll never forget

Then . . .

and now

Happy 30th, My Love

The Season of Family

2010-11-24T23:23:00.002-06:00

I cherish the time spent with close family and friends. Here's wishing you and yours a wonderful time of closeness and thanksgiving, and lots of pumpkin pie.
~Ann

Meet Claudia!

2010-09-13T14:19:00.002-05:00

My good friend Claudia is relatively new to the blogging community, though she's a facebook pro.

Please take time to stop by her fabulous blog, Just Claudia Vintage Junkie and welcome her! She's got great decorating tips and tricks to inspire.

Expanded Living Space

2010-09-09T10:54:00.003-05:00

Problem:
Chairs with no seats or backs,
a table with no top,
a patio with no dining space

Fix:
Vintage vinyl tablecloth + glass top, both found at yard sales
+ staple gun
+ handy hubby to cut plywood pieces
+ an hour of my time

The Pay Off:
A new place to enjoy God's great outdoors, food, and friends!

Tarnished Royalty

2010-08-27T17:10:00.006-05:00

I've been having fun in my studio creating this new batch of tiaras. How I love to play with vintage bits and baubles! I'm naming my new line Tarnished Royalty. Some from this batch have already been spoken for. Any that are not taken will be listed in my shop.

You can be sure I'm dreaming up more designs for the future. Have a Beautiful weekend!

First Fruits

2010-08-25T10:59:00.002-05:00

When God created pumpkins, I think he was in a particularly happy mood. I can't help smiling when I look at them. Especially when they're growing by the dozens right outside my back door. These two minis were the first ones ready to pluck from the vine.

We're trying our hand at some larger varieties this year too, Cinderella and the larger white ones. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will do half as well as the baby boos have done.

Another mini I adore, growing outside my door...

YUM!!!

Wish You'd've Been There~Part II

2010-06-15T12:27:00.006-05:00

My good friend, talented "Just Claudia".

Always wonderful treasures from the ReDeux boys.

More of my newest tiaras, now available in my online boutique . My dear friend Nanc, of shab-n-chic purchased the pearl one. Pop over and see the way she displays hers ~ love it!

My Mr., taking it easy after lots of hard work.

Wish You'd've Been There

2010-05-25T18:24:00.004-05:00

If you weren't at Farmstead for our Spring Antiques and Garden show, there's so much you missed.
I really, really, really wish you could have been there.
Here's a bit of what you missed.

It was such a great show I was truly sad when it was over. If you missed it, don't fret too much...there'll be another coming in October that will be over-the-top fabulous.

I'll post more photos later, including pics of my latest tiara designs, in Part II.

Do come back soon!

What's in Store at Farmstead

2010-05-01T12:36:00.002-05:00

It's finally almost here! The Farmstead Spring Antiques and Garden Show, next Friday and Saturday, May 7 & 8, is a must-do shopping event. I'll be offering for the first time my handmade tiaras and some other surprises.

We've all done our best to gather and create items you won't find anywhere else, and I must say, we may have outdone ourselves! Along with many talented vendors, a fun addition to the show this spring is a collection of creative souls who call themselves The Barn Artists ~ a potter, a sculptor, and a photographer. Click here to check out more of what's in store at the farm.

Welcome Spring?

2010-03-25T10:55:00.005-05:00

In spite of the SNOW, our "spring" gathering at Farmstead was a ton of fun! I put together a collage of photos to give you a tiny glimpse of our vintage, new and handmade offerings.

More to come soon. Keep spring in your heart!

Burlap & Bling at Atelier

2010-02-27T11:05:00.003-06:00

Here's a peek at what I'll be teaching this March at our Spring Gathering, Atelier.

An original A Vintage Mood creation, burlap and bling combine to create a fun tea rose pin to adorn your favorite jean jacket lapel, handbag or pillow. Using burlap and wire, we'll fashion the roses, then embellish them with sparkly vintage rhinestones for the "dew-kissed" version, and if you choose the "butterfly-kissed", you'll create the tiny little guy with wings to light upon your rose.

In addition to this workshop, Sheila Rumney of Blessed and Distressed will teach 3 fabulous classes ranging from jewelry making and soldering to shadow box collage.

And as always, one-of-a-kind shopping with Farmgirl Kelly, Just Claudia, and A Vintage Mood plus a scrumptious lunch by Aunt Mary's.

If you live in the Kansas City area, consider this your cordial invitation to attend! Schedule of Events, Workshop Information and Registration can be found by clicking the Atelier banner below.

Birthday Kisses

2010-02-24T17:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to the sweetest, hunkiest guy I know. You still make my heart go pitter-pat.

"Architecture Love" is Here!

2010-02-18T12:14:00.003-06:00

I'm happy to announce the arrival of 3 new sets of note cards featuring my very own original design and photography, now available at avintagemood.com. Each set has 4 original designs, I'm showing one from the "Architecture Love" set here.

Click the little blush heart to view all 3 sets (12 designs in all) and pick some up for your stationery stash. ©

If you live in the Kansas City area, be sure to make room on your calender for this fun event that is coming up in March!
Friday, March 19th from 5:30 - 8:00 pm and Saturday, March 20th from 10 am - 5:30 pm at Kelly Littmann's gorgeous and serene Farmstead. More on shopping and workshop information coming soon! (I'll be teaching a workshop on one of my original creations, and I'll let you in on the scoop right here on my blog in the days to come :)).

Vintage Chenille Repurposed

2010-02-08T21:57:00.003-06:00

Before I share my most recent old/new transformation, I must remark on the wonderful girls' day out we had at our winter retreat hosted by dearest, darling farmgirl Kelly. What a creative and connecting time! Instructor Sheila Rumney did an outstanding job with three imaginative workshops. She's a doll. The shopping was superior, with Farmstead, Just Claudia (and me). Lunch was delish. And I met the most loverly ladies. I enjoyed the whole day so much! And guess what? We're planning another in March, with new workshops and many new/old/fab treasures for home and you. If you couldn't make it, and would like to feast your eyes on what you missed, you can view photos here and here. We'll be announcing all the good news about our next one soon!

I recently found this old red Cabin Craft chenille bedspread and knew immediately what I would do with it.

Even though sewing is not my favorite thing to do, there are times when the fabric is crying out so clearly to be something else, that I just have to dig in and give it what it wants. It was full of flaws and some stains, a cutter to be sure. Here are the first of many pillows and pin cushions that this faded beauty will yield.

They're not listed in my web shop just yet, but soon will be.

Hooray for the 40's!

2010-01-19T18:11:00.002-06:00

Not age or era, it's temps I'm talking here. 40 degree weather feels like a heat wave after all the sub zero temps and snow we've had! The snow is finally melting, but this is what it has looked like since Christmas Eve at my house.

As much as I love, love, love snow, it's nice to get the chill off for a while, and the next 7 days all in the 40's will be a nice break before we undoubtedly see more winter weather.

If cabin fever is getting to you, you'll want to attend the first ever Winter Vintage Retreat at Farmstead. A day to remember that includes incredible shopping with unique one-of-a-kind finds by Farmstead, A Vintage Mood (that's me!) and Just Claudia in an artful atmosphere where the creative lifestyle and your inner muse are nurtured. Along with great shopping, featured artist Sheila Rumney will be showcasing and instructing three lovingly created mixed media art workshops.

For more information and to register, click here.

Merry Christmas from My House to Yours

2009-12-23T13:20:00.006-06:00

A few images around my house this season to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!

Vintage Shopping, Past and Future

2009-11-05T10:57:00.006-06:00

What a fabulous event Homegrown Hootin-Annie's Fall Festival was! As guests arrived, they were transported up a long drive by truck or by horse and carriage, and then dropped off to walk up the remaining drive where they were greeted with charming and whimsical vignettes created by participating vendors.

My creation...a faux dress form scarecrow I named Miss Autumn

Unfortunately most of my indoor pictures of the actual boutiques and wonderful wares didn't turn out very good, but I've shown a few (blurry) photos of my own space.

You can see much more by visiting the Farmstead blog here.

Along the lines of fantastic, fun events, I have one more event coming up to tell you about. Then, I'll be taking a break from shows until spring, and HAPPILY will be doing much more blogging than I have in the past few weeks. But first, without further delay, I must announce...

See a window display preview by visiting the Northland Vintage Market blog here.

Only One Day Till Fall Farmstead Fun

2009-10-15T09:20:00.004-05:00

Things are cooking at the Farmstead...

It's almost here! Everything is coming together at this beautiful setting. Soon all these stalls plus a ginormous barn, carriage house and 2 out buildings will be brimming with vendors' unique creations, vintage wares and savvy shoppers.

Besides the shopping, there will be all the food and drink you would expect at a fall gathering ~ prize-winning chili, apple cider, smores ~ oh yum! Hope you can make it!

Friday sneak preview 5-8 PM, Saturday 10AM - 4PM
11905 Mellon's Bridge Road, Platte City, MO
For more sneak peeking at the Farmstead and to get directions to the farm visit darling Kelly here.

Homegrown Hootin-annie's Fall Festival

2009-09-25T09:05:00.003-05:00

I have an exciting announcement to make, but FIRST, I'd love to share some pictures with you of the fabulous Visions of Paris event held 2 weeks ago at Zona Rosa in Kansas City. The first three are vignettes from my own space.

Some of Jill's woooonnnnnderful handmade soap creations.

A small sampling of the many other multi-talented vendors' spaces.

All of these photos are courtesy of Jill at Bittersweet & the Little Soap Co.You can visit Jilly here.

I'll have news soon of another event coming in November at Zona Rosa. But the real news of the moment, and what is consuming all of my time, energy and thoughts, is a not-to-be-missed, fun and festive fall event that I am so, so excited about.

Can't wait to tell you more about it soon. Must get back to work creating now. But first, big hugs to all my bloggie friends, who I have neglected to visit :( but are in my thoughts and I will eventually make it by to say hi.

Crowns Baby

2009-09-15T17:07:00.001-05:00

My most recent rusty wire creation ~ a crown cloche, with a porcelain baby-head finial.

The baby wears vintage rhinestones around her neck. Kinda quirky, I know. I'll be adding this piece to my shop soon.

Peek in the Window at Visions of Paris

2009-08-27T08:22:00.005-05:00

Neeeew, neeeew, neeew, not just yet! Window shopping is all that's allowed for now at the store front where several talented vendors will soon be gathering to hock their Frenchy wares.

Northland Vintage Market's Chapter Two event, Visions of Paris, will be held at the beautiful Zona Rosa in Kansas City September 10, 11 and 12. (Window display photos courtesy of Northland Vintage Market and The Pink Chandelier ~ Merci!) I'll share photos of a few of my own displays in a future post. If you live in the Kansas City area, I hope you'll make plans to attend this fabulous event.

Handbag Harvest

2009-08-18T17:50:00.003-05:00

This adorable vintage purse came with one broken handle and one handle missing. Sad huh? Not really, because . . . with a little help from some pearls and crystal beads, it will soon get a makeover that will make it as good as new ~ maybe even better. I'm busy preparing for Visions of Paris, and will have photos of that to show you soon, but as soon as I can set aside a few spare minutes, I can't wait to give the veggie handbag its new handle and add it to my store. I'll share the "after" shots with you then. Hope you're enjoying a bountiful summer harvest.

Blooms & Views, #5 ~ Hello Baby Boos

2009-08-10T12:24:00.005-05:00

Hello, you adorable Baby Boo pumpkins, how sweet of you to make your arrival. Signaling the nearness of autumn, this is the way my little white pumpkins looked a couple of weeks ago.

And this is how they look now.

They're in various stages, but at least 25 of them are ready to pluck off the vine and be pleasingly arranged into a white on white on silver autumn display. And it's only August! I think last year they weren't ready till the end of August, but they stayed gracefully in service as long as they were needed, through Thanksgiving.
I ©Baby Boos.

Best Catch

2009-08-06T08:46:00.003-05:00

Here are just a few of my "best catch finds" on the trip home from our recent fly-fishing excursion. All the items in this pic will be for sale at the next Northland Vintage Market in September (if I can stand to part with them all).

I am on the hunt! In keeping with the "Visions of Paris" theme for the upcoming NVM event, the rest of my month will be spent scavenging around for all things vintage French and French-inspired. Stay tuned...more to come about NVM in a future post. And I'll have news about an October event (oooo, love the fall!) at a different venue that will be a total blast. Can you believe fall is just around the corner?

Spread The Love

2009-08-04T17:54:00.003-05:00

Sweet Tamerie at A Little of This That and The Other gave me this award. I almost decided that I couldn't decide who (not) to give it to and therefore wouldn't pass it on. But, I couldn't not "spread the love" could I? So here goes. A few friends who I suspect prefer not to participate in the award stuff were not included in my list, and please know that if you prefer not to, it won't hurt my feelings at all. I pass this award on to:

Suzy's Vintage Attic
A Thrify Mrs.
The Beautiful Life Blog
The Summer Kitchen Journal
Bonjour Madame

No rules were given with this award, so send it on however you like.©

Blogging Etiquette: Am I Doing Something Wrong?

2009-07-31T12:10:00.004-05:00

RING PHONE RING! Ever feel like that?

Feeling a little down about my lack of comments (i.e. friends) so I decided to cheer myself up by compiling a
List of Possible Reasons:

1) I have a big sign over my blog that I can't see that says, "Stay Away From Her!"

2)To have a friend you must be one. But I've left hundreds and hundreds of comments...

3)It's summer and everyone's too busy. Yeah, yeah, I know. So how do I explain the abundance of comments everywhere I go.

4)I came in too late in the game. Okay, but doesn't anyone have room in their heart for a newbie?

5)I have a comment-neediness that is so obvious that it repels would-be commenters.

6)My lack of consistency with posting ~ working on that one...

7)My text is too small (grasping here).

8)I was put on this earth to be a comment fairy, going around sprinkling comments about.

9)My posts are just self-absorbed and boring.

10)My posts are just too amazing, leaving the reader speechless.

Don't get me wrong, I am not aiming for some large number of comments or a sense of popularity. Just some human connection, that's all. A group of friends that stop by to say hi on a regular basis would make me smile. And I do have a couple of those that truly warm my heart with their visits. Posting a rant about not getting comments is probably not the way to endear you to me and invite comments, but at least you've allowed me to vent. Whew! I feel better. Bottom line, I love to read your blogs and I love to express myself in writing, so I'll keep blogging no matter how many comments I get.

Promise not to laugh...

2009-07-27T10:35:00.004-05:00

Oh go ahead and laugh ~ I did! Back from my first fly-fishing experience and it was everything I hoped for and more. Here I am in my chest waders.

Not only were they not pink, they resembled an oversized paper bag made of heavy, scum-green rubber. They were neither comfortable, nor cute, but despite my fashion-starved surroundings where the only bling to be found were the beaded nymphs dangling from our fishing line, I can actually say I had a good time. Standing in the stream for hours each day had sounded like a bit of a chore to me before going. But the air was so fresh and the spring so cool and peaceful that the hours passed without even noticing.

By the second day I had perfected my cast and I even caught a fish!

One of G's catches.

And the 6-hour road trip home was dotted with several
small-town antique shop stops where I found my best catch (I'll save that for another post). I can't say that I'm totally "hooked", but I will definitely go again the next time my husband invites me along.

Uhh...fly fishing? Ehh...me?

2009-07-21T18:08:00.004-05:00

Yes, I'm going to learn to fly fish! We're getting ready to go on vacation-mini #3 for 2009. Trip #1 and #2 were both Ann-oriented, so I've agreed to try something my husband loves as our #3 destination. I'll be donning the lovely and fashionable hip waders (please, could I have pink?), learning to cast, and finding out what it is that makes my husband go berzerk for this past time. Time spent in the cool springs of Montauk State Park will be refreshing and, who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and actually have fun catching fish?! I'll post pictures in a few days when we return.

Blooms & Views, #4 ~ Late-blooming Peonies?

2009-07-09T12:17:00.003-05:00

The truth is, these peonies were in bloom a few weeks ago, but it's taken me till now to post the pics.

This is the view I see from my north-facing living room window.

Cant-cha just smell the fragrance?

We have 5 nice size peony bushes, each of which blooms like crazy in the spring. But for years they were hidden in a shady wooded area on our property, unbeknownst to me, where they remained straggly and barren. A couple of years ago I remarked to hubby how much I loved peonies, and he showed me the little patch of growth-stunted stragglers that he had known about all along. At my request, we immediately transplanted them into sunny spots. Since then, they've quadrupled in size, and, to my delight, produce the most beautiful blooms.

Happy Times, Sad Times

2009-07-01T11:34:00.003-05:00

Chapter One of Northland Vintage Market was a success! Click here to visit Three Shabby Chicks and see some of the fun that was had.

On a sad note, I had to say goodbye to my beloved kitty cat Sneakers. We got her when she was 8 weeks old, and last Friday she died, at the old kitty age of 16 years. Here are some pictures of the fun times I'm remembering. She was the best cat EVER! I hope this will be the last post about someone I love leaving my life for a long, long, long time.

On a happier note, here are some pics of my sweet grandson helping PomPa shine up his riding "aw-more".

Summer Porches

2009-06-21T15:36:00.007-05:00

I'm excited to tell you about an upcoming event that I'm blessed to be a part of.
If you're in the Kansas City area, I hope you can make it! Find out more by clicking the pic.

Another fun event that I attended recently was "Takin' it Back to the Farm" at the beautiful farm of talented designer Kelly Littmann.
Here are some pics of me and my hubby (what a trooper!) at the event.

Three days from my next hair appointment and a windy day made for a very long and shaggy "do"!
You can see more of the Farmstead by clicking here.

Rust My Style!

2009-06-10T15:33:00.003-05:00

(In my most operettic voice)...taaa-daaaaa! So maybe these don't actually deserve all the fanfare, but I've seriously tried to get them finished and posted for soooo long! I've been creating things from rusty wire, and these are the first two I have ready to show you. A crown made from rusty wire and a crusty wire bird's nest/stand.

"Queen of Rust" is a crown topped with a finial, wherein resides a 1920's flapper girl.

"Bird on a Wire" features an embellished bird wearing a rusty crown topped with a sea blue-green Swarovski crystal.

The stand sports a blue egg cradled in wire and a curled wire "nest".

They are listed in my online boutique, and can be viewed in greater detail by clicking here.

I would like to take a moment to mention my late father-in-law, who went to heaven Friday, May 29. He knew where he was going, and went peacefully. A very funny man with a kind and gentle spirit, he will be greatly missed. I'll always be grateful to him for raising the wonderful man that is my husband. Here's to you Jewell ~ I'll see you again.

I'll Be Back

2009-05-28T12:41:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post to check in and let my friends know that we're in the middle of a family emergency, hence my absence. I hope to be back soon to post again.
Lotsa love,
Ann

Haunted by Mirrors

2009-05-20T11:24:00.006-05:00

One of my many vintage loves is old ghosted mirrors. They have such a haunting, romantic feel. Like reflections of the past, they reveal a muted picture. Like a faded memory that you can see in your mind but is not quite as clear as it used to be. Ghosted mirrors epitomize my decorating style. The characteristics that make some people see them as trash are the very things that make me see them as treasure. The more ghosting the better, and some de-silvering is good too. Here are a few from my collection.

My favorite! It has the best ghosting ~ like sand drifts.

This one is part of a rusty metal dresser and is no longer mine.

Love this old blue one.

My very next post will finally include pics of a couple of rusty wire pieces I have created. I can't wait to show you ~ see you then!

Coffee Makes Everything Better

2009-05-12T17:28:00.003-05:00

We celebrated our son's 24th birthday last Saturday. His request for a mocha layer cake that I had made a time or two before made me jump for joy. It's so yummy and I had been wanting an excuse to make it again. Nothing too fancy about these ingredients:

It's this one that makes all the difference:

That's right, the cake, the frosting, and the extra layer of chocolatey goodness drizzled on top all have brewed coffee added to them.

Just one piece of this and I was singing happy birthday with unbridled enthusiasm!
Happy Birthday, Abe!

Blooms & Views, #3 ~ Lily of the Valley

2009-05-06T16:52:00.004-05:00

Hidden beneath lush green leaves, delicate white bells hang secretly. The tiny blossoms of the lily of the valley are easy to miss if you don't know they're there.

Lily of the valley lines our front walk.

A kitty cat's view from the front door

The familiar scent is intoxicating. How amazing that so much fragrance comes from so tiny a flower.

Beautiful and simple, a spring favorite of mine.

Goodbye Post-Vacation Blahs

2009-04-24T10:37:00.002-05:00

I used to suffer from post-vacation blahs. You know that feeling you have when you have to get back to the real world after vacation ~ the cooking, the cleaning, the mountain of laundry? This time back I didn't feel that way. I feel refreshed and ready to face the challenges as well as the monotony. I think it has to do with the fact that we changed our vacation strategy to include several mini trips throughout the year, so I know I'll get away again before what used to feel like an eternity.

One of the four beds we slept in during our trip ~ wish I'd have taken pics of all four.

Love the gingerbread trim on this B&B.

Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas was ranked #4 on the American Institute of Architecture's list of the top buildings of the 20th century.

The amazing structure made entirely of wood and glass stands 48 feet high and contains 425 windows.

A common scene in small-town America, but so enchanting.

We stayed in B&B's all nights but one. We came across this cool old historic hotel with a "Sunday special" that we couldn't pass up. As we talked to the clerk before renting a room he handed us a key and said to go check out this suite he called the sunroom suite (the only one of its kind in the hotel). Wow! It was huge, with a gorgeous bedroom, 2-person spa tub in its own open room, kitchenette, bathroom and sunroom that overlooks the downtown shops. The special was for $109 per night and ~ get this ~ included a 50 minute Swedish massage in their top floor spa! It was a case of being at the right place at the right time.

My husband and traveling companion, the man I've loved for 28 years :).

This Makes Me Happy!

2009-04-16T11:51:00.007-05:00

We're getting ready for a road trip ~ yay! At the beginning of 2009, G and I sat down with our day planners to schedule some R & R time. We don't do a lot of major vacations, but we usually try to have a pretty good week-long trip every year or two. I've been itching to get away to somewhere tropical. But as we discussed our options, we decided we could either blow our whole vacation budget for the year on one big one, or take 4 or 5 minis. We opted for several 3-4 night minis so we would have more getaways to look forward to throughout the year. Our second such trip is approaching, and in preparation for it we bought a GPS a few days ago. I'm SO EXCITED about all it can do! I played with it for a couple of hours, and wanted to show you how accesible this little gadget will make my daily cups of joe while on the road.

How great is that? The complete list shows all kinds of coffee shops, including the local diners, which we love to check out on these trips. And of course it then routes us right to their doorstep. If we want Italian food, we can touch the screen and get a complete list of Italian restaurants in the area. When we feel like stopping for ice cream, we can get a list, complete with address and phone numbers, of all the mom & pop shops. If we want to do some antique shopping (if ?!) a simple touch will bring those up too. Little things make me happy I guess. We'll be leaving soon, so I may not blog again until we return. Have a wonderful week!

He is Risen!

2009-04-11T22:39:00.015-05:00

Happy Easter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Cross and The Blood

2009-04-09T14:20:00.008-05:00

Though the cross is an instrument of death, it has become a symbol of beauty and of life. We decorate our homes with crosses and adorn ourselves with jewelry bearing the very same symbol. I looked around my home and started seeing many pieces bearing a cross in their design. Some are more subtle and you have to look a little more closely to see, but they're there.

As I watched the Passion of the Christ again this year, I was physically repulsed by the violence and shedding of blood that took place during the scenes depicting the scourging and crucifixion of Jesus. But whereas in any other movie I would be unwilling to subject myself to that level of gore, I am able to force myself to watch this (through partially shielded eyes) in order that I may see the beauty in the blood of Jesus, knowing that it was that very blood that became my salvation. The words of this song say it best:

I love you for the cross
I'm overwhelmed by the mystery
I love you for the cost
That Jesus you would do this for me
When you were broken
You were beaten
You were punished
I go free
When you were wounded and rejected
In your mercy
I am healed

What Can You Do With Rusty Old Wire?

2009-04-08T16:12:00.004-05:00

I've been creating little pieces of art from rusty wire.
They're not quite ready for "the big reveal" (haha) but I thought I'd give you a tiny glimpse.

I hope to have a few pieces ready to show you next week. :)

The rest of this week my focus will be on the passion of Christ, and any posts I do will be centered on that. Only 4 days till Easter!

Doors to Adore Party

2009-04-07T14:15:00.007-05:00

Welcome to This Stop on Your Tour of:

I've never joined in a blog "tour" or "party" but I happened across these girls' blogs and since I have a small obsession with doors, I couldn't pass this one up. I'm so happy to be included! This pic of my front door is a re-run from a recent post, but I've added a couple of new views for this tour.

Our home was built in 1856, and we aren't sure if the stone tile angels are original, but we are glad to have them "guarding" our entrance.

A wreath made from faux hydrangea and real cockscomb that we grew and dried.

Thank you for stopping by ~ be sure to visit the other doors on the tour!

Blooms & Views, Issue 2 ~ Redbuds & Secret Doors

2009-04-03T11:10:00.004-05:00

The view out my front door. The shot's a little bright to see but there's a huge walnut tree covered in thick vines that will eventually be removed to improve our view from inside the house as well as the view of the house from the street. Looks like the wind caught the runner on my side table ~ oops! You may notice the floor boards have a notched out place. It's a "secret door" that leads to a cellar, which is said to have been used in the underground railroad to hide slaves.

The landscape is still pretty barren from this living room window view, but if you look closely you can see a redbud tree beginning to bud, and a pussy-willow tree whose buds are turning to blossoms. I hope you have enjoyed Blooms & Views, a regular feature on my blog. Now that my taxes are done ~ woohoo! ~ I can move on to more fun and creative things. In my next post I hope to give you a preview of what I've been creating from rusty wire.
~Ann

No More Procrastinating

2009-03-31T11:28:00.003-05:00

With tax time fast approaching in the U.S. I had to make a trip to the grocery store for supplies. As I've done for many years, I file hubby's and my return myself. I don't have human help during the dreaded project, but I do have my sugary friends to keep me going.

It's how I get through it! So the next time you hear from me, I'll be basking in the feeling of a lightened load (or bouncing off the walls from all that sugar).

Simply Put . . .

2009-03-27T07:35:00.003-05:00

I ©

'nuf said.

Blooms & Views, Issue #1

2009-03-25T08:25:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite things about my morning ritual is going around to each window and opening the shades. Everything seems new as it is unveiled at the start of each day. So I am on a mission to turn the sights I behold as I tie back each curtain and raise each shade into welcoming sights. With careful planning, the view from each window, whether tiny or expansive, can become a cheerful vignette. Blooms & Views will be a regular feature on my blog. Each week or two I'll show a favorite view from a window in my home, a favorite arrangement made from blooms I have picked from my yard, or a favorite spot in the garden.

In the spirit of humility and to remove all pretense (a quality I detest. . .I could do a whole post on that. . . but I won't . . . let me just say that I hate it when I detect pretentiousness in myself or others...blechhh!) I have decided to show one photo in each installment of Blooms & Views of an area on our property that has yet to be arranged in a pleasing manner. All of hubby's and my spare time has been devoted to renovating the inside of this big old house, and although we are far from finished, we have decided we desperately need to turn our attention to the outdoors and do some landscaping. Progress may be slow since we will do all the work ourselves. But with a little vision and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, we can achieve our dream. I invite you to come along with me over the next weeks, months, (years?!) as we transform this old neglected former vineyard into a garden of delights.

New Look for a 150-Year-Old Door

2009-03-18T16:18:00.001-05:00

In the 15 years we have lived in / restored our 1856 home, this is only the second time the front door has seen a new color. I'm thinking it may be seeing a third color very soon. The house is covered in gray stucco, and has sort of a French feel, so I was going for French blue. I'm not really feelin' it. Hmmm, I wonder how soon my son will be coming home again. Probably not any time soon if he suspects
he'll be put to work again :).

Goodbye, Poppy Dog

2009-03-16T15:59:00.003-05:00

Last night, our 14-year-old doggie, Poppy, went to sleep and never woke up. There's a very sad mood at our house today, but we'll be okay.
We'll miss you Pops.

The Potential in One Itty Bitty Seed

2009-03-13T14:59:00.007-05:00

This. . .

will soon become this (excuse me, kitty)

& will one day be made into this

©Enjoy the simple pleasures this weekend.©

Raspberry-Lemon Twist

2009-03-10T18:35:00.002-05:00

Last Friday I made a birthday cake for G. He always requests raspberry cake ~ my own recipe that I have never been particularly fond of. So this year, I decided to liven it up by giving it a lemon-rasberry twist. It has now won a place in my keeper file.

It's not from scratch, I took some short cuts.
Lemon cake box mix

raspberries stirred in

Raspberry jam between the layers and vanilla frosting tinted a soft pastel yellow instead of lemon (to add sweetness instead of more tartness).

There's one piece left. Maybe he'll share.

Fabulous Finds or Merely Mediocre?

2009-03-05T11:54:00.010-06:00

Sometimes while hunting for vintage treasures, if I'm not striking gold, I can tend to search harder. As if I absolutely must find something to buy. Subconsciously of course. It's like I start seeing things that I would ordinarily find average, as somehow special. Hmmm, if I tilt it just so, it really does have nice detail, and wait a minute, isn't that a bit of patina right there on the tip? Then of course, when I get home and have to make room in my inventory to fit one more thing, I suddenly can't see the beauty so c learly. Can anyone out there relate?

Here are some of the things I found on our B&B weekend. A couple of them I would call fabulous, a few let's just say fab-ish. Not bad for this time of year anyway. Some of these will be added to my shop as I find time. Feel free to inquire about any of them if there's something you need before then.

Ursula Mascaro slippers, Printers' Blocks spell PArIS, Silver Plate Pitcher, Old Gold Satin Ribbon, SEARS made in Japan Alarm Clock, Brass Victorian Hand Clip

Gargantuan (40 inches tall!)Florist Basket
and Quaker Lace Tablecloth

Great Old Hat Form, more Slippers, more Printers' Blocks, Pillow Fight Silhouette, Tiny Brass Mirror Frame

Giant Wardrobe Trunk ~ I've decided to keep.

I guess for now I can stuff a few more things in my big trunk :).

B&B Fix

2009-03-03T13:47:00.007-06:00

G (my husband) and I are back from a mini getaway. Bed and breakfasts are the best pampering experience when your time away is short and you need to feel refreshed, rested, and a little bit catered to. We stayed at this B&B in Independence.
The weather was in the 60's on Thursday, and Saturday morning we woke to this snowy scene. Beautiful!
The ALL-IMPORTANT coffee bar was right outside our room.

We made tracks early that morning as we headed out to do some treasure hunting. I hope to post pics of some of our finds later. We made sure we were back in time for breakfast, a full sensory experience with gourmet food and exquisite presentation. De-lish!

If you just need to get away to different scenery to stimulate your creativity and get a different perspective on life, your nearest quality B & B should do the trick. I'm already trying to figure out when we can find the time to be spoiled again. . .

I'll Never Let It Get This Way Again

2009-02-24T16:54:00.016-06:00

Ever said those words? More than once? I'm guilty of it, reoccuringly it seems, even against the firmest resolve to keep things orderly. If it were possible to be ahead of schedule and on top of things 100% of the time, my house would be clutter-free. And that is the only scenario in which I can see it happening in my world. Here are "before" pics of my hobby room so you can get the full appalling effect of my current state.

It looks much worse in person. The blue table is supposed to be empty ~ it's my work surface. The mess is the result of a hurried frenzy to put away Christmas decor, wrap a few birthday presents, and design a store display, all in a span of a couple of days. No doubt, having some organizational systems in place cuts down on the magnitude and frequency of the mess. But there are those times when everything happens at once that make even the best laid plans fall short. And everything doesn't just stop to let me catch up and reorganize at a nice, leisurely pace. Oh, no, the ball just keeps rolling and picking up speed. It took me a full 8-hour day to de-clutter and reorganize my space to look like this again.

Ahhh. . . sweet tranquility. But for how long?! It is nice to have a dedicated room for keeping the mess contained, but don't ya know, a hobby room needs to be pretty too! I really don't think of myself as a disorganized person, but the frequency of this problem is disturbing. Maybe it's just an unavoidable part of life, or maybe I'm just a hopeless slob.

Tempting Fate

2009-02-23T11:33:00.003-06:00

Let me preface this story by saying that no animals were harmed during this photo shoot. My cat, Sneakers, will be sixteen years old in April. She has many random spots throughout our 2-story home that she chooses as her "spot for the week". Today she chose a very dangerous spot, one that she won't be allowed to keep. She has apparently blocked out the traumatic experience that we had about a year ago. It was the same time of year, the frigid days of winter, when I like to keep my vintage heater by my freezing cold legs while I do computer stuff. Since it's an old model, and small fingers, toes, and paws could easily be burned by the hot coils, I never leave the heater unattended. Well, this particular day last winter, I was aware that Sneakers was weaving around obstacles to get near me. I glanced down just in time to see her tail swish towards the heater, and in an instant was aflame. She didn't even feel it, but she felt the swift swat I gave her in my attempt to put it out. Thankfully, her tail hit the leg of my desk and went out as quickly as it started. She was unharmed, but of course highly insulted by my behavior. Now whenever she comes around, I have to unplug the heater until she moves on. I could just get rid of it and get a new one, but it gives off such a cozy warm glow that I love. Sneakers and my Sterling - Type ZUB can coexist. I just have to alter my behavior when necessary.

I'm Not a Stalker :)

2009-02-19T18:36:00.012-06:00

Mind boggling. The amount of creativity and talent that is all over blog land is overwhelming and I don't mind saying, a little intimidating. I spent a good part of today checking out other people's blogs, and I was astonished at what I found. I felt a little stalker-ish since I didn't leave many comments. I guess I'm still getting my feet wet.

Here are a couple of recent finds that I'll be adding to my shop soon.

CHERUB SEASHELL COMPOTE

TULIP CANISTERS
Tomorrow I'll be less timid. If I visit your blog, I promise to say hello. And you do the same, won't you?

Transparent

2009-02-17T13:30:00.015-06:00

Okay, my first blog post. Here goes. It feels like an important moment. The pressure is on, I must write something meaningful. Or at the very least, interesting. Humorous perhaps? To be honest, my goal is just to write from the heart. To be real, true to myself, expressing whatever is currently on my mind, whether light-hearted or serious. Since vintage home and fashion occupy a good part of my thoughts, that will be the theme of many of my posts, to be sure. I hope to re-connect with vintage shop owners and friends that I may have lost touch with, as well as meet new ones. I look forward to exchanging ideas and inspiration.

~Ann