Playing Hooky

Not that I have anything to play hooky from (got laid off!)  but my little sis is in town from Albuquerque and I plan on playing all week.  Isn't this picture awesome!  The 70's were very good to us!  Doesn't my mom look dreamy!

Have a great week!  Be back Friday :)

Fun Goodies

When Etsy's GarageInc included my in this Treasury list I almost screamed!  I am in the company of artists whose work I've admired.  Just look at this talent!  Unfortunately the list expired- but I wanted to share these treasures. 

Green Polka Dots Brooch from Danitashop 

Leaf Silhouette Custom Portrait by jennyleefowler- how awesome is that!

My Vintage Fabric Birdhouses

Sunny Day Pendant by flightpathdesigns

MORE Matryoshka Love!

I can't get enough of these!  STILL waiting on my package from Moscow-  see previous post here.

1- Scandinavian Art Doll by Ravenhill

2- Sweet Russian Doll Necklace by twobadbananas

3- My Russian Matroshka Patch Bag

4- My Russian Matryoshka Earrings

5- These are the dolls I'm waiting for!

Matryoshka Love!

There's a lot a Matryoshka Love to go around!  These snippets are from Little Chirps blog post- you can read the whole thing here.  I can't get enough of these....

1- Scandinavian Matryoshka Art Doll by Ravenhill

2- Matryoshka Pocket Apron by Snappy Shop

3- Lavender Matryoshka Hangy Thingy by Beaky

4- Matryoshka 8x8 Photo Print by Angie Muldowney

5- 5 Matryoshka Patches by ME!

More Matryoshkas tomorrow- I'm OBSESSED!

Birdcages Make Me Happy

I wanted to share this before I forget....I stumbled on this blog post while looking through my Flickr referring sites.  It's a beautiful collection of birdcages on fabric, glass, buttons, pillows, and yes- my linen bag! (available in my shop)

You can see the post here at Lainey's Altered Ego.

Old Things Make Me Happy Too!

I had to share this Etsy treasury list before it expires tonite.  Vintage Rerun put this lovely list of vintage finds together.  I tried to buy a few items but they were already sold :(

bontonvintage's vintage typewriter keys sold quick!

This is just part of the list....

Just look at this restored 1938 Art Deco phone!  It works!  You can see it here at NostalgicMeditations shop.

And how about these vintage bingo balls?  They're from tippleandsnack's shop.

Fun stuff!  I almost forgot to mention one of Mike's BigDaddyO's vintage watch parts tins is also featured in this list.  More soon....

A Few New Bags

FINALLY!  I've been moving in slo-mo lately.  I made these 3 drawstring bags from vintage table linens I bought at a local estate sale. (see previous post)  These old linens are so great to work with- you just can't find prints like these anymore.

All listed for sale in my shop.....

each one-of-a-kind.......

The ends of the cords all have vintage brass crimps with different vintage beaded detail.

Have a great evening:)

Antique Porcelain Frozen Charlotte Butterfly Necklace

New in my shop!  I can't get enough of these tiny antique dolls!

You've probably heard the story behind these dolls. These are wonderful antique porcelain dolls that were dug out of the remains of a German doll factory in Thuringia. The factory produced these dolls, called Frozen Charlottes between 1890 and 1920. This is the rarest, and the tiniest of the dolls. Just over 1" tall, these are truly special. This one below has her hands folded as in a praying position- said to be the rarest.

Each doll is epoxied and wired to the wings- VERY limited quantities.  I'm selling a few extra dolls in Mike's shop if interested, and the necklaces are available in my shop here.

Vintage Marionettes on Etsy

Saturday I told you all about my interest in marionettes (see previous post here) & my new project of making my own (this is where Mike rolls his eyes)  I wanted to share a few of my favorites that I found snooping around Etsy.  This first one is a little creepy- he needs re-stringing- but I think I'm getting him!  He's here at multer's shop.

These 3 were in my previous post- I just love how they come in their own wooden box.  They're here at Junkyard Gypsy's.

And wouldn't you love these happy guys sitting on your window sill?  They're all here at ksummer3094's shop.

This is a vintage lovingly restored marionette from India- very unusual.  He's here in nutmegclick's shop.

Lastly, here's a fun vintage embroidery of a puppet show.  I'm getting this for sure!  Check it out here at plaidponyvintage's shop.

Have a great Monday!

Etsy Treasury Lists!

It's feast or famine with me!  I go weeks without any "press" then notice 4 Etsy Treasury Lists at once!  This first one is Daisy Love- by starkitty 1969.  That's my necklace at the bottom!

This one's called Spring Colors by munieca.  That's my little birdhouse down there! Don't you LOVE the bird & flower hanging!

Miniature Fruit Jewelleries by derinmavi is a fun list.  Look at the little blender necklace!  And that's my Fruit Necklace!

Finally, my Antique Lock Necklace is featured in Hardwear by YaffaDreams.

As always, I'm honored & flattered that you found my work among millions of other artists.  A big THANK YOU!

Handmade Shopping Guide- Mellow Tones

Here's a fun blog!  Mellow Tones Handmade Shopping Guide features daily finds in all different price ranges.  Does this clutch look familiar?

Yesterday my little vintage clutch was featured- you can see it here.  Thanks Mellow Tones! :)

My Poor Neglected Garden

I am so behind in my garden (my marionette making set me behind a few days)- so I'm taking a few days to get the vegetables and deck planted.  .  The bags and necklaces I should be listing in my Etsy shop will have to wait!  Everything is piling up.....

but Mike offered his help :)  So the puppets will have to wait.  And now I found a whole new group of old friends on Facebook- another few hours there....See you in a few days!

I'm Making Marionettes

I've been doing a lot of research lately on marionette making.  I've always had an interest in puppets- but more recently I find vintage marionettes fascinating.  It is an old craft, an art form really- transforming a wooden figure into a dancing puppet.  So out to the shed I go, where I am making my own.  Being a carpenter, Mike has an endless supply of wood scraps.  So today I'm Gipetto- a good day indeed!  I will keep you posted!

Look at these!  I might have to get them!  These 3 vintage marionettes are for sale from Etsy's JunkyardGypsy- you can find them here. I LOVE these!

Have a wonderful weekend!  & do something silly- like make a marionette :)

I Made These! Vintage Kokeshi Beads

How cute are these!  I just love these little guys!  I made these beads from little wooden vintage  kokeshi cocktail picks- WWII era.  I had a little collection for awhile- but decided to use them.

I listed a few in my supplies shop- here if you want some for your very own.  These are truly one-of-a-kind!

New Bags in Progress

Here's a sneak peak of just a few bags in progress.  The 2 in the foreground will become drawstring bags... eventually!  These are all fabrics found at a local estate sale- see previous post here.

I hope to finish these this week (fingers crossed) & list them in my Etsy shop.  Email if interested in an update!  I'm off to do some commission work.  Have a great evening :)

My Secret Bead Stash

Periodically I have to reorganize my beads.  It's almost like a ritual, and taking inventory.  I always get inspired- I LOVE looking at these!  I am a sucker for vintage glass.

Mike came in my studio, & I found myself a little embarrassed.  He commented on how many beads I have. (this isn't even everything!)  After looking at my years of collecting- I realize that- no- I don't have too much.  I don't have enough pinks & purples. Just look at the last pic!

So now I have to even out my bead universe & acquire more pinks and purples.  And maybe a few yellows :)

Happy Monday!

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing all my family- Mom, Monica, Mary, Jenny, Marie, Cheryl, Claudia, Sylvia, Rachel, Caryn, Rita, Chris, all the Rolls, Patsy, Colleen, Sonya, Pat, Diane, Sue, Mona, all the Ciccottis-

And all my friends- Bernie, Candy, Kim, Denise, Marie, Lisa, Michelle, Lois, Melissa, Sandy, Barb, Joan, Debbie, Diane, Mo, "and the rest" -

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Off to Niagara Falls!

Right after school today we're scooping up the kids and driving north!  Spur of the moment- playing hooky!  My family grew up in the Buffalo area, so the falls are no stranger to us.  But the boys have never seen this spectacular natural wonder.  So exciting!

The Maid of the Mist looks different today, but is still a ride to remember.

And did you know a woman was the first person to survive a trip over the the Falls in a barrel? Yep- Annie Edson Taylor went over Niagara Falls in a custom made barrel on Oct.24, 1901.  Quite a feat for a woman at the turn of the century.

Bobby Leach was the second person to survive.  On  July 25, 1911 he went over the falls in his barrel, only to spend the next 6 month in the hospital recovering from his injuries.  Apparently he boasted that anything Annie could do he could do better.  Sorry Bobby!

I think that's fascinating!  I'll be back Sunday to tell you all about it!

Have a Wonderful weekend :)

MORE Matryoshka Love!

Look! More! (that's my purse) Digging through referring sites on my Flickr is turning up a lot of blog posts featuring my work.  You can see this Dutch Blue's post here. I wish people would tell me!