A soft spot for hardware

Patina.

When I am looking for hardware bits, patina is one of the characteristics that captivates me the most.

Even though there are many products on the market which can alter or enhance patina, finding a piece of hardware with decades of authentic patina developed onto it holds its own special magic.

These are some of the interesting bits of hardware I found on a recent antiquing trip here.  The shop had bins, boxes and trays full of hardware treasure.

I went looking with the intent on finding fresh vintage components for jewelry making.  However, some might eventually be used in other repurposing projects.

Check out the oxidation and style of this keyhole plate.

Isn't it grand?  I don't think I will change the patina a bit.

The one to right definitely needs some cleaning so it might be a fun piece to experiment with painting and altering.

I love the bits of paint on some of the pieces.  

For the pieces which have peeling paint, I like to give them a gentle cleaning and use Krylon matte sealer to protect as much of the original patina as I can.

A quick share of the simple vignette I made using the cabinet card found in the above referenced post.

I am still tinkering with it so I am not sure this is how it will stay for now.

That is the fun of it, isn't it? :-)

Thank you for visiting!

xo ~ Heidi

Calendar Dress Up, Marie style

Starting the new year means getting a fresh calendar, new pens and accoutrements.

 

I have a thing for office products haha, moving on . . .

 

  A new calendar that is "the one" is always hard to find. I love a vintage look. (I bet you've guessed that by now).  The usual office supply stores never seem to have that perfect blend of modern function with a vintage form that I seek.

 

 

What is a girl to do?

 

I decided purchase a calendar that had the modern function I like and add a pretty frock for it.

A little costuming and refinery upcycle - even calendars can have those.

 

A simple book cover out of an oatmeal linen became my foundation.  I recommend using a fabric that is a bit sturdy and not too flimsy. I tend to toss around my calendar and other daily items a great deal so nothing too delicate. 

 

Gathering scraps of lace and doilies, I began to stitching my collage.  I am not fussy about the condition of some of the laces.  Torn, tattered and a stain here and there only added to the charm of the collage for me.  An image of Marie Antoinette printed on cotton became the centerpiece with a little scrap of cotton lace as a frame.

 

 

 

Without a doubt, I wanted to incorporate some sumptuous light blue velvet from my stash.
You gotta use it sometime right?  At least for very special projects.

It was relaxing and fun to add some decorative stitches and mother of pearl buttons to it too!

 

Being a tactile person, I have really enjoyed using this calendar everyday.

Even if you don't find a calendar to suit your style, you can make it your own.

Fabric, paint, beading, collaging - whatever speaks to you - do it!

 

 

Thank you for stopping by friends!

Have a beautiful day! ~ xo Heidi

Lavender and lace

 

Going to estate sales or garage sales, I always check out the sewing supplies.  While old thread is unusable except for display, other items like tools, vintage fabrics and lace can be great finds.

 

In my stash of vintage lace, I had a lovely snippet of lavender which made me wonder what type of garment had been originally made with it and for what occasion.

 

Inspired to give the last bits new life, I decided to create some dress form tags using Tim Holtz's stamp set Seamless Experience.  The dress form stamp was white detail embossed on lavender paper.  Then, I stamped the ruler stamp in Milled Lavender distress ink (Ranger).

 

 

After die cutting a large shipping tag from cream paper, I layered color using Milled Lavender, Antique Linen and Vintage Photo distress inks.  A section of paper doily was added to the corner and strip of lace adhered across the middle.

 

 

For the dresses, I gathered tulle and lace.  The bodice was tied with seam binding ribbon and adorned with a snippet of pale orchid velvet ribbon and a vintage millinery bloom.

 

A few pearly buttons were added for charm.  Then more luscious lavender and buff crinkle ribbon for the streamers on top.

 

I added this set to my etsy store here.

 

What cool finds have inspired your latest project?

 

 

Happy junkin'! Heidi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Double exciting news!

 

Sometimes things happen all at once - even better when they are good!

 

I am honored and delighted to have a seed packet/favor featured in Creating Vintage Charm magazine!

 

 

 

 

 

I was inspired by the old fashioned tradition of trading seeds and cuttings between neighbors and friends for this project.

This would make a charming favor for a wedding (scatter seeds of love) or maybe even a baby shower.

 

 

 

 

Stitch Craft Create magazine was taking submissions for their celebrations issue.

I submitted a festive rosette tutorial which can be personalized to suit your event.

I was completely stunned when they told me it made the cover!

 

 

I am so incredibly honored to have my projects featured in these beautiful magazines.

If I didn't have a little outside encouragement and mustered up some bravery, I might not have taken the chance to submit it.

 

If you make things that bring you joy, chances are they will bring someone else joy too.

Be BRAVE

Sometimes you get turned down but don't let that discourage you.

Keep going and enjoy creating in the moment.  You never know where it may lead.

  xo's ~ Heidi

 

Best in show

Many awards are given to people and animals who achieve the best in competitions.

There are some people who should be given an award for giving the best of themselves every day.

 

I was inspired to create a trophy for a dear friend of mine to remind her of the beautiful person she is for all that she does for many people. 

 

 

I used a small spool covered in paper and velvet ribbon as a stand.

 

 

 

 

It was a blast to pick out the perfect millinery blooms for this project.

Would any of you love to receive a bouquet of vintage millinery?

I would - I am weird like that, lol.

 

 

Cheers to you and all of the little things you do everyday that reflect the best of your heart. 

 

 

Thank you for visiting!

xo ~ Heidi

Angelic tag tutorial

With a mountain of gift wrapping waiting, I wanted to add some handmade gift tags to my supply stash for easier wrapping.

 

No red and green here ~ something a little nontraditional in color ~ lavender and white.

 

 

 

Actually, it was quite a happy accident.

My toner cartridge was running out of ink and produced lavender images.

I loved the look and decided to keep them.

 

 

To make these, start with regular shipping tags from your local office supply store.

Brush a layer of gesso over them.

It does not have to be perfect - thick or thin layers - have fun with it!

 

Next, brush Tattered Angels Glimmer glaze (tinsel town) over the tag.

I also brushed some over the dress of the angel image.

 

 

Apply Stickles {crystal} to the angel wings.

 

It is hard to see the shimmer of the Glimmer Glaze here.

Can you see a bit of the texture?

Gesso is great for that!

 

 

While those are drying, grab a stash of trim, tulle, feathers

and some dyed coffee filters.

 

I used easter egg dye on these.

Also, if you scrunch the coffee filters while they are wet, they will leave a nice crinkled textured.

 

Die cut or hand cut wings from the coffee filters.

 

 

Snip some book page scraps to adhere to random spots on your tag.

 

Once the book page scrap is on, apply the coffee filter wing to one side.  Layer a smaller feather on top of the wing.

 

Add some dimensional stickers to the back of the image and adhere the image to your tag. 

 

I looped some tulle and white tinsel then tied them both with vintage lace.

 

With a stash of kraft bags and tags, you will have your gifts wrapped in no time!

 

 

Happy wrapping!

xo's ~ Heidi

Love letters from the home front

The Patriot Girl, Rosalyn-Sue Smith had asked me to help her put together an art gathering to raise donations for Operation Stars and Stripes, a nonprofit organization supporting our troops overseas and their families here at home.

 

I have many family members and friends who have served or are currently serving in the military.  For Operation Stars and Stripes and the generous people of our great country to support the the men and women who put their lives in harm's way for our freedom is deeply appreciated.  In addition, Rosalyn-Sue is a very dear friend of mine.  I love her to the moon and back.

 

This year, the theme of Love Letters from The Homefront blossomed.

It is very important for people to feel connected with their families and home when they are in unfamiliar places doing extraordinary things. 

 

A simple letter is an incredibly meaningful token - for the hero overseas and for the loved ones here at home.

 

Rosalyn-Sue talked about the dying art of letter writing.

The handwritten notes, cards and letters are some of the simple things I treasure - I really am a nostalgic girl.

 

For the event, we had a champagne bar with various fruit juices and delicious fruit to add to your bubbly.

 

 

 

A few savory treats for our crafty guests.  Thank you to Jon and Walter at the Atlanta Marriott for your outstanding support with this event!

 

 

Our guests were surprised with some "souvenirs from the homefront".

Little nut cups filled with fortune charms, art supply goody packs, and more sweet treats, just to name a few. 

 

 

Our project for the evening was an heirloom quality love letter keeper made from dupioni silk.

We taught the ladies how to make various kinds of roses to adorn their keepers with.

 

In addition, there were gorgeous silk ribbons, beads, baubles and pre-made flowers to let fuel their imaginations.

 

 

It was such a fun night with new and old friends - lots of laughing and sharing memories.

To pause time, ever so briefly, and have these moments with girlfriends is a cherished thing.

More importantly, we collected generous donations to fill stockings for the men and women serving overseas so that they may have a piece of home this holiday season.

 

 

 

We will be hosting another art gathering next year to coincide with the Country Living fair.

If you are interested in attending, let us know!

Of course we will post details as the event draws near.

 

 

Thank you for stopping by!

Have a beautiful day ~ xo's Heidi

Caged Hollywood Beauty

The talented Molly Jacobs of Fleur De Bee  both designed and assisted in the production of a 2012 Emmy VIP Awards party.  In this role, she seeks out unique finds and talented artists to sponsor goody bags for the event. 

She also has hosted numerous give aways to share her finds and sponsors with all of us!

Rochelle Gaukel of What Lola Wants Lola Gets is one such artist whose jewels was showcased in this Hollywood event.  If you get the chance, you must stop by her blog to see her incredible work!

When I saw Rochelle's gorgeous birdcage and nest necklace on Molly's blog, I quickly tossed my name in the hat, fingers crossed.

I am beyond excited to say I was selected as one of the winners for her stunning jewelry!!

Her work is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!

Beautiful details - I adore the sparrow charms and freshwater pearls.

The detail on the chain is amazing too - twisted, antiqued brass beads.

Check out her soldering work on the birdcage pendant - incredible!

Thank you Molly and Rochelle!!

I am completely smitten with this beauty and can't wait to wear it!!

Molly regularly hosts giveaways for various events and shares her beautiful art on her blog, Fleur De Bee.

Please stop by to say "Hi" and tell her I sent you!!

xo's sweet sugahs ~ Heidi

Wishy Washi

Paper tape and washi tape ~ they are like chips, you don't want to have just one.

When I heard a scrapbook expo was coming into town, washi tape was at the top of my list of supplies to hunt for.

I have loved using paper tape in different projects, even scrapbooking.

7Gypsies makes the paper tape with the words, fronds and florals.

I love their soft colors and interesting graphics.

I am not sure who makes the tape measure and hand tape.

You know I could not leave without the tape measure, right?

I adore the way Hope Wallace of Paper Relics uses washi tape to embellish and hinge elements of her art journals (click here for a peek).  Her work is amazing!

She offers wonderful journaling classes and posts free vintage images on her blog.

Wishing for more washi tapes?

Pretty Tape offers a wide array of washi goodness.

Thank you for stopping by!

xo ~ Heidi

Fine dreams

With the slow pace of summer, I have been finishing the pile of projects I have going on at any given time.  Craft ADD? . . . maybe.  Ideas and dreams start swirling in my head.  Sometimes a quick sketch is all I have time for until the idea has a chance to blossom.

This shabby french style hanger was inspired by a cache of ornaments I found while on a junk hunt.

A stack of gilded fleur de lis ornaments called my name.

They were about 11 inches tall, pretty just as is, but I had other plans for upcycling them.

First, I gessoed them so they would be "toothy" and, possibly, adhere better to paper and glue.

I started layering paint, scrapbook papers, french book pages and vintage wallpaper.

La Fin Du Reve

I believe this translates to "fine dreams".

If any of my french-speaking friends know for certain, please share! 

And, some of my favorite Tim Holtz paper tape.

Then, I started gathering ribbons, trims and vintage millinery.

I adore this sweet cameo cabochon by Jolee's French General scrapbooking line.

A sweet bouquet of flowers and trim.

For some dreamy sparkle, a little sprinkling of mica flakes.

A quick knot of ribbon on the top and the french inspired hanger was complete!

I hope your day is filled with some dreamy moments.

Thank you for stopping by!

xo ~ Heidi