Wrapping Paper Cards...

Last year for my birthday my sister, Marie, gave me several gifts and each of them were wrapped in doll themed paper.  She knows how I love dolls.  One of the wrapping papers had wonderful vintage dolls on it and she told me the story of the paper. 
You see, Marie is the most giving and kind hearted soul.  She cleans houses for elderly folks and also spends lots of time just listening to them and being a comfort.  One of her ladies knew that Marie was meeting me for my birthday (this was last August) and that I love dolls.  That sweet lady who doesn't even know me told Marie that she had some wrapping paper and went to get it.  It was a roll of vintage wrapping paper with these amazing dolls all over it.  How very thoughtful. 
So when I met Marie for our get together and she told me the story I decided that I would make some cards with the paper.  I made two sets...one for Marie and one for the lady who gave her the paper.  I made each card different and sometimes added lace or paper doilies.  I lined each envelope with pretty paper.  Then I tied the sets with ribbon and gave them to Marie for herself and to pass along to her client. 
This is such an easy way to use paper that would otherwise be thrown out.  I like to crumple the paper and give it a real worn look with all the wrinkles and character. Wrapping paper works really well because it is lightweight and easy to work with.  You can tear around the image for one look or cut around it for another version.  If tearing...remember the paper torn off away from you will leave a clean edge and the paper torn off towards you will leave a white edge.  That can also be part of the look for the finished cards. Try using tissue paper on cardstock.  You can either buy blank cards and envelopes or you can cut card stock and use that for the cards.  Envelopes are fun and easy to make from templates or just buy blank envelopes at the supply store. 
Hmmm...gifts for birthdays, holidays or next Christmas.   Make a few sets here and there and put them into that gift cupboard for just the right occassion. 
P.S.  It is always extra nice to stamp handmade on the backs of the cards.  I don't date them from experience of misplacing them and finding them years later...not good to give an old dated card set that has no vintage value. 
Do you make and give handmade cards?  Do you premake cards and keep a supply on hand for all those occassions that pop up at the last minute? 
Now I should do as I say and play in the studio making some card sets.
Joyful January 2012 to everyone...

Inspiration...Hellooo...

My goodness.  I layed out some beads and lace on one of my bead design trays and then set it aside.  I have seen this tray several times over many months and still it sits neglected on a shelf.  No inspiration comes from this.  Never has and probably never will.  I think it is time to put each of these components away and use the board for another layout.  I have much better inspiration in my head with different beads and components.  I think today is the day to clean up this mess and start something new. 
I never like to force an idea.  Actually I have not been making any jewelry for quite some time now.  I really miss playing and producing with my beautiful beads.  This may just be the right time to organize my stash and see what designs come to mind. 
How do you store your beads?  By color? By type? By sizes?  In trays or baggies or drawers?  I have been re-thinking my bead organization.  I would love any suggestions you have to offer. 
This just may be the inspiration I have been searching for.  Thank you.
Awesome October and Happy Haunting...

Giving and Receiving...

This blogging community continues to inspire me and overwhelm me with its incredible generosity.  The amount of inspiration that is shared on a daily basis is just so amazing. 
Do you love to read comments left on your blog posts?  I certianly love to read them.  I think they are the one thing that really speak to me about how I am doing as a blogger and as a crafter and as a person.
I do not always respond to every post however once in a while there are those comments that just call out to me. 

 I have said before I have not had any formal giveaways because I like to send surprises to my loyal blog commenters.  A few posts ago I showed a Wizard of Oz ATC.  One of my followers really liked the little ruby slippers and asked where I got them.  Long ago and no longer to be found and not even any manufacturers name is what I had to reply to her.  So instead I offered to send her one of mine. In return completely surprising me she made and sent this beautiful thank u card and beaded charm.  Her name is Ana of Scrappy Pink Corner .  She creates adorable mini albums and I am smitten with them. 

 Along with the beautiful card and charm she included this giant envelope chock full of the most fun elements that I can now use to create wonderful cards and albums and lots of great projects.  To say I was overwhelmed would be a gross understatement.  I gave her so little and yet she gives me so much.  Life is like that...you get what you give.  No, not literally but in the sense that if you are generous and giving then you shall also receive much good in your life and that is exactly what has happened here. 
Mr. C has always told me I am generous to a fault!  Now that I didn't understand...how could being generous with others be a fault?  He explained that I do not have money or wealth to share with others as I need what little I have to support me (this was when I was single and struggling).  I also over volunteer my time.  For me it is about the giving to others to help them or share my supplies or talents and that my friends FEEDS MY SOUL AND MAKES ME SO VERY HAPPY!  Money cannot buy that.  Having things cannot buy that. 

So THANK YOU Ana.  Your generosity is so very appreciated and this is what life is about...happiness!
Now for using these fabulous goodies you sent me and creating beautiful pieces of pleasure. 
P.S.  I always ask before I post something I have received so as not to put the giver in a possible uncomfortable position. 
Don't you agree that this blogging community is amazing and generous and kind and creative? 
Do each of you enjoy reading your comments? 
Do you check older posts to see if anyone has gone back and left a comment you may have missed? 
I do!  I really do find it to be wonderful feedback for me.
Now I am off to get crafting... 

Fabrics, Laces, Inspirations...

I was browsing through my photo archives and found this folder of three photos.  These were taken one year ago.   My how time flies.  I had almost forgotten these fabulous purchases because they sit in a "Project" drawer.  Most of these pieces of fabric are small 1/8th yard of silks that I thought I would make some flower brooches with.  The gray rolled bit is elastic that is very sturdy and I did use some of it when I made some cuff bracelets.  This Autumn which is here already would be a really good time for me to dig out that "Project" drawer and get busy.  It is a shame that the money represented here isn't gaining any "interest" as it sits hidden away untouched. 

 Now this little pile is of delicious ribbons.  Very special ribbons that I just could not resist.  I was in Portland Oregon and absolutely had to visit a shoppe I had always heard about named "The Ribbonry".  Immediately upon entering the door I was on complete ribbon, lace and button overload.  The magic in that room was beyond what I could comprehend.  I just wanted to buy everything I saw in every direction I turned.  However this tiny bit of fluff I could not leave behind did come home with me.  After all it is my investment in my future happiness.  I have used a bit of this however it is definitely time to open the ribbon box and put some of this to good use.  I see some Autumn colors in here that I should definitely be enjoying. 

Then around the corner was a wonderful fabric shop.  Neat clean and ever so expensive.  I purchased these two pieces without having anything in mind.  Due to the outrageous prices of the fabrics I didn't buy very much and so I am struggling with what to make that will be timeless and fit me and not need much material.  The floral fabric has the softest touch and is in my favorite colors which remind me of a peacock. 
Well, this has been a trip down memory lane for me as I found these photos of a road trip we took and enjoyed very much just last Autumn.  Now I am inspired to actually so something with the beautiful fabrics and laces I have. 
Why is it so difficult for me to "Use the Good Stuff"?  I am always saving everything and then someone else gets to enjoy it instead of me.  This is something I shall work on changing. 
I am thinking of my 2011 word...NOW.  Now is a great time to use my beautiful fabrics and laces. 
Blissful inspirations to each of you...

Snail Mail...

 A short while ago one of the blogging community favorites posted about snail mail.  I adore Lori Anderson and her blog so I got busy.  I had been brewing an idea in my head but this was finally time to act.  I got out the canvas and cut out a snail.  Then I got some lace and began my design.  I sewed the lace into a gather and then handstitched it to the canvas snail base.  Got out my Derwent Inktense colored pencils and put some facial features and color to the body. 

 I signed the back and off my little snail went in the mail.  All the way to Lori.  She was very pleased.

I actually made three of my little snails.  I just find them super cute.  Two of them are still home with me.  They haven't decided where to travel.  You know it takes them a while to get anywhere.  Slow and steady.  That is also how my brain works...slow and steady.  Yes, I have been told I am too literal but hey, snail mail in this case really did fit. 
I hope you are filled with lots of inspiration and time to create your art. 
September is surrendering to Fall and the days are less light and the temps are cooling down and the leaves are truly falling...

Making Reversible Tote Bags...

 Making reversible tote bags is something I have done for decades.  I love the utilitarian aspect of a good tote bag.  It can hold so many things...art supplies, groceries, books, electronic gadgets, return items back to the store and the list goes on and on.
Pink toile is just dreamy.  The scenes of daily life and the stories that can be told just looking at this wonderful fabric.  A couple of removable fabric and lace pins.

 Fun Parisian themed fabric on one side of the tote.  Good sturdy webbing handles covered in gathered coordinated fabric to add style and strength for carrying those heavy loads.

This one has a generous pocket either inside or outside depending on which fabric you turn over.  This pocket on the Parisian side is embellished with a lace doily and a lace and fabric removable flower pin.  Spending time sewing.  Making gifts.  Making items to sell in my etsy shoppe.  This is my favorite way to spend my waning summer days. 
Christmas in August has been a very good way for me to get a head start on the busy holidays that always get too stressed and hectic to enjoy.  I feel this year will be much calmer and much more enjoyable.
I have my list and I am checking it twice. 

Now for dinner...I let the crockpot do the work today.  Country Ribs slow cooking all day and Bushes Baked Beans with embellishments (oh yeah...embellishments aren't just for crafting!) and homemade cole slaw will complete this last of August Summer dinners. 
I am thankful Irene was calmer than expected and I pray for anyone still suffering the effects. 

Squeezing Summer Sunshine Cards...

 I recently went into the studio with nothing in mind and this is what was created.  I took some fabric given to me by Sherry of http://sherrysimpleblog.blogspot.com/ and some card and envelope stock and began cutting, gluing, stamping and adding buttons and lace.
Our weather this summer has been so perfect that I just wanted to "squeeze every drop of summer sunshine" possible. 

I made seven sets and then mailed them out to some of my followers as a surprise.  I put the card and envelope into a larger envelope so they were receiving an unused card that they can either send along to someone else or put in their handmade stash of goodies.
I had fun and love spending time in my studio.  It is always extra nice when I have no preset notion and then the end result makes me very happy.  I smile each time I see these photos.  Of course I didn't keep one for myself.  You know how it is...make for everyone else and send them along.   At least I thought to take a photo. 
Very simple, very quick and very Summer!
Hope everyone is enjoying the remaining days of sunshine...For those of you with extreme heat I wish you cooler weather to enjoy.
In true Summer style I made potato salad for dinner tonight along with cold roasted chicken in pure picnic mode.  And of course watermelon for dessert!  What's for dinner at your house?

Lace Envelopes...

Here are more of my little kraft envelopes. They are merely 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" so much too small for ATCs. I managed to sew some of my favorite lace around them. Then I took my heart punch and made some tags. They are colored on one side and plain on the other so I could write a thank you note.

Then I created some charms and attached them to the heart tags. This tassel is made of beads strung on beading thread. I sent this to a special follower as a surprise.

This charm is made from an old costume earring. I love the pearls effect and how it dangles.

This charm is a special mix of beads I bought in Rome Italy on holiday.

Each of these charms is attached to a lobster clasp and can be used for zippers, charm pins, decoration on curtains or pillows or anything else you can think of.

I just love the look of lace on the tiny little envelopes. The photos do not show that the lace continues on the flap to complete the look. Therefore instead of sealing the flap I chose to tie ribbon around the envelope to close it.

A little beaded surprise wrapped in tissue enclosed in a tiny lace covered envelope. Yum!

I still have a lot of these tiny envelopes so I shall be putting on my creative thinking cap.

Please share any ideas you might have for using them. I think I have a balance of at least 400.

I am still weeding, trimming and cleaning house in preparation of company arriving. The hours and days are passing so quickly. I must adopt the attitude that whatever I do get done will be far more than nothing. Got to get back to my duties as "daylight's a burning" so Mr. C says.

Happy Summer Creating...

Lace Wrappings...

I was giving a card recently and decided the envelope was far too plain. So I wrapped it in some delicious lace and stitched the sides to hold all in place.

The back flap was now really too plain so I stitched some more lace onto it. Then as a closure I stitched a circle of lace to hold the flap closed by sliding it onto the envelope. No photo of this part but I added a name label to the front with some more lace. No more plain card envelope for this gift.

Now for the gift box. Wrapped it in gold foil paper. Then a sleeve of more delicious lace. And to mate with the card a band of lace to hold it all together.

Oh how can I stop yet? No. More lace. This time I made a lace flower complete with pin back that can be attached to the package and then removed for additional uses by the recipient.

Now you see the package completed with it paper, laces and flower. This is a gift I am proud to give.

What is your favorite style of wrapping a gift?

Happy middle of the week to all...

Happily creating...

I just can't help myself. I keep making these little lace chickies and they keep flying off to new homes. This little lady is still here as she hasn't decided where she is off to.

This little gal just left on a very long trip. She has chosen to fly clear across the ocean to a far away country. Far away from here in California. In fact she is surprising someone who is celebrating a birthday. Little Chickie knew before I even knew. Funny how a real personality comes forth as you are creating something. Bits of paper, lace, trims, a button and some twine and before you know it her little heart is beating and she is full of wonder and smiles. She has a long trip and then must endure customs so when she arrives I know she will need a tender loving hug. Fortunately her new home will give her lots of hugs and love. A dear sweet lady will take very good care of Little Chickie.

This little beaded heart leash is for a lovely lady who gave me these pretty floral needle nose pliers. I use them everyday it seems. They are so handy and also add a flair of floral femininity to my workroom studio. This photo really does not show how pretty they really are in green and pinks. Her beaded heart leash is in pretty yellows as that is the color she was wearing the day she gave me the pliers and she looked so pretty in yellow. Yellow is a difficult color for some to wear...like me. I love how sunny and happy yellow is but it looks awful on me with my skin tones. So I like to craft with yellow and that satisfies my love of the color yellow.

The studio and sewing rooms have been busy of late. Lots of creating and making of gifts for thank yous and birthdays.

Is it just me or are these longer sunshine days just evaporating all too quickly? I have so much more energy with the sun shining however I seem to be so far behind in every area of my day. Before I know it the sun has gone to bed and the daylight has changed to darkness and I am still not done with my list of daily items to accomplish. I do know I am spending lots more time outside enjoying the great weather. After seven months of super cold, wet and snowy winter I am loving the outdoors with all the green grass growing, flowers blooming, birds flying from tree to tree, and lizards lounging on warm rocks or pathways. I can literally spend hours hand watering plants and just enjoying the calmness of it all. Mr. C always reminds me that he installed complete drip systems and I do not need to hand water however I always tell him I don't mind doing it...I actually love it! Hmmm...maybe this is where I am losing time each day. Well if so, I am not going to complain as it is a wonderful way to wile away the hours enjoying nature and all it has to offer.

How are you spending your time in this glorious season of ours called Summer?

Or Winter where you are in the world?

May you enjoy every moment of every day and feel good about what you are doing...

May Baskets/Cones...

Yes, I realize this is June and May has come and gone (quickly I say) however I am running behind and I admit it. I made these for some May gifts just because. Remember the days of May baskets? Hanging a small gift of flowers on someone's door and ringing the bell and running off before they opened the door? Well I didn't do this with my cones. I thought about it and would have tried but I don't run so fast anymore and my vehicle is NOT quiet (at my request). I believe custom race car tuned exhaust helps warn the deer that I am on the roadways. But I digress...
I used hard paper cones that come from spools of yarn. Covered them in music paper. some lace and buttons and ribbon. Crinkled paper shreds for a "nest" and an egg to add ambiance. Very quick and easy to do. The ladies seemed to like them.

We had a beautiful day of sunshine which is so nice after the tremendous amount of rain and winter we have had right through yesterday. I understand we have had over 87 inches of rain in just under a year. No shortage of water table for us here. I tried to send rain to Texas and Florida but it never got that far. It made it to Utah where my aunt lives however she has had her fill too.

May you enjoy your week and make something creative...

Remake of ReMarthable...

Is this bag ReMarthable? You probably have one of these same bags. I got this "free" when I paid my subscriptions to some Martha Stewart publications. When I received it I couldn't believe the super short handles. What on earth would anyone use this bag for with these useless short handles? If you are shopping you want your hands free and probably want to put your bag over your shoulder. So I put it in a pile and forgot about it. Useless bag?

Where is your quality control Martha? How could you put your name on such a piece of poor workmanship? This photo is not an optical illusion. The handles really are this crooked! You can see why I merely threw this bag into the pile of "deal with it later" stuff. Throw it away? Me? Never.

Hmmm...I have an idea for this bag. When will I ever get to it? NOW. Now has come.

Here is the bag shown with a very small piece of fabric I picked up for 50 cents one day. I just liked the colors in this piece. They look like watercolors in happy Spring hues. Besides the piece was just 50 cents. How could I not buy it for only 50 cents? :o)

So in the spirit of doing things NOW I have deconstucted the bag of poor quality and useless handles. Martha...Martha...Martha! Your bag already looks so much better.

I am so very happy with my "new" bag. It has handles that fit over my shoulder so my hands are free to shop. It has pockets on the front and back which before it had no pockets. No pockets? Where would I put my shopping list? Or my bottle of water and snack? What kind of bag has no pockets? I added some delicate lace just because I like lace and feminine. I also pinned on one of my fabric and lace flowers just for fun.

Now this bag is functional and fun.

Martha I hope you are taking notes.

It feels so good to have this project completed. Maybe I'll go shopping this week.

Happy and productive week to each of you...

Creative, Relaxing, Friends, Food...

Table placecard and combined coaster. Very simple to do. Use fun paper coasters and stack with a dab of glue between. Add a paper flower with the wire looped through the doily holes. I added a chipboard tag with ribbon looped through the doily holes. These were so simple to do and really added to the tablescape. I was thinking of a garden theme without being fussy.
My entire goal was simple and casual for this luncheon.
It was all about the friendship and sharing of time together.

Keeping in the garden theme I made a batch of fabric and lace flower pins. I knew the color choices of several but not all so I made a range to select from.

Here is the range of colors. They really added something to the table as well. And when food was finished I let each guest select their favorite to take home with them. It was heartwarming that each person selected their favorite color and immediately put them on.

Here is the side view of the table. In keeping with the sunny garden theme I used my newest set of melamine for outdoor dining. However even though it is the end of May we are still in very cold temperatures with spits of rain and no sunshine in sight. Far too cold to sit outdoors. I even had set out bubbles for everyone in case sitting by the pond was in order...however no way in our cold weather. We enjoyed an indoor luncheon.

Good Friends! Enjoying laughter, stories, food and friendship. It does not get any better.

The lengthwise view of the table before guests arrived. The simple food was tuna salad, egg salad, crackers, lettuce wraps, veggies, pickles, olives, quinoa salad and beverages. I set out mini vases filled with fresh Rosemary from the garden. Then dressed the food with fennel fronds. This is a great way to get aromatics that aren't overwhelming.

My dear friend Lorraine brought double chocolate brownies for dessert which we inhaled!

Now this was a wonderful way to spend the day.

May each of you have a wonderful and safe (holiday) weekend.

I will be relaxing and serving leftovers...

Birds and Butterflies...

Oh My! I do not know what has happened to my scanner but the colors are all wrong on this butterfly card. However, I am showing you a technique that saved my card project.
I had purchased a new Martha Stewart punch with all these wonderful butterflies. I also purchased some premade butterfly cards with envelopes. The stamped butterfly is really gold and embossed on an ecru cardstock. So I took my card and punched the butterflies. Oops...what I didn't realize is that the punch cuts the butterflies completely off of the card. Well that was not attractive. My card front was now very short and my butterfly edge was laying on the table by itself! So I got out the decorative papers and cut a piece to fit the entire front of the card. Then glued on the butterfly border. I also lined the envelope with the same deco paper. Card saved and now usable. I actually like it so well I shall make more like this one using other fun colors.

This is another paper, fabric and lace bird I sewed and embellished. Spring really never came to our neck of the woods. Today it is very cold and rainy again. Winter has truly lasted seven (7) months. Maybe this is why I am enjoying making these fun "Spring" birds.

My prayers and heart go out to all those affected by the horrible tornadoes and extreme weather across the middle section of our great United States.

Inspiration Purchase...

I love to donate lots of things to my local Hospice Gift and Thrift. Hospice provides such a valuable and needed service to so many. I have been blessed not to need their services however one never knows for the future. So I donate whatever I can as often as I can. And in turn I shop there as often as I can. I have even been known to buy things I have donated. :o)

This is not one of the things I donated but it is one of the recent purchases I made. A full size bed skirt ruffle for only $5. When I bought it I thought I would merely cut it up and use the fabric and the flowers for all sorts of projects. After bringing it home and giving it a good laundering I am not certain I can cut it to pieces. This bargain is in perfect condition. What a shame it would be to merely cut it to shreds. And since it is polyester I do not see that it would take coloring very well as I had previously thought. What ever shall I do? Actually I could donate it back to Hospice. I could put it on the sofa bed when I have overflow company however somehow I can't really see anyone appreciating that look. I could merely add it to an already overflowing room of projects. Hmmm...

When you look at this lovely piece of work what do you see? How would you use these embroidered flowers if you cut them out? I still think my $5 was very well spent and the creative possibilities are many. Decisions...decisions...decisions...

We had some rain last night so the plants are thankful for a drink of water. I am glad I have been spending a few hours here and there to clean up after winter's harsh destruction. Giving air and light to smashed and smothered plants. Picking up barrels of twigs, leaves, acorns, weeds and general debris left after so much rain and snow we had for a very long five months of winter. I am looking forward to sunshine this week and the temperatures warming up.

May you have a very creative and pleasant week ahead...

I so enjoy reading all of your blogs and seeing what you are making and doing. I thank you all.

Clean, Fresh, Renewed Creative Space...

Here is Vintage Janey and she is welcoming you to my clean, fresh, renewed creative space also known as my sewing room. In my last post you saw the before photos of this sewing room and how messy it was after making some projects recently. Well, this room really needed a lot more of a Spring cleaning than I even realized. I spent two twelve hour days up and down on the ladder to get this room in shape. I removed everything from the shelves and cleaned them and then put back my treasures. This time I filled the decorative boxes with supplies and labeled them so I know what I put where. What a great concept...especially for me. :o)

Now these shelves are not only decorative but also functional. My desk is now usable as I cleared off the piles of fabrics and projects and put the typewriter on the conference table in the office since I use it so seldom.

This corner seating area is a real treat in this room. You can see my view which is like seeing paradise. From these windows I can watch the deer as they come right up close to eat my plants. In past years we have had wild turkeys hang out in the ferns and fountain area. Of course you can see rabbits, skunks, squirrels, birds of all kinds and even a possum and racoon or two. The native trees are Sugar Pines, Cedars, Oaks, Douglas Firs, Madrones and other pine trees.

This is the sewing machine station. I have a serger also which is just to the right of my chair. This Koala cabinet is wonderful and folds up to a small size with the machines inside to accomodate extra company who need to use this room for stay overs. The sofa is also a bed. Did you notice my hat boxes with the laces showing along the edges? I had these in the closet empty and decided to utilize them. I piled them up and put a stack of doilies on top just as though I am celebrating with a giant cake. I love this fun bit of whimsy.

This is the view from the door entering my wonderful creative space. Now with its clean, neat, refreshed and renewed inspiration I am thinking of my next projects I can now make.

I am truly blessed to have such a creative sewing space. My hard work for two days has paid off in more ways than I can express. Even though I know I will mess it up again it will be with fun and magical fabric and thread and lace and whatever else I select. This is a very happy room.