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

A Cinderella story

Our story begins with a mirror.

A mirror that was covered in grit and grime with a chippy, faintly gilded frame.

What I loved most about this mirror was the fantastic deteriorated patina of the glass.  The frame still had wonderful, intricate detail.

I could be a fairy godmother and wave my diy wand of paint over it.

Here she is with a good cleaning, some primer and some fresh coats of white paint.

I have started putting some Valentine inspiration on my mantel.

A pink chippy cherub holding some of my favorite seashells.

(I use seashells year round because I would happily go to the beach year round)

Some petite tea rose bushes and pink mercury glass.

I am such a sucker for that mottled patina of the aging glass.

At night, the tealights dance against the glass . . . soothing perfection.

I am joining these fun ladies here:

Stay warm friends!

xo's ~ Heidi

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas dear friends

May your holidays be filled with joy and blessings.

xo's ~ Heidi

Vintage Living

I have been slowly crafting the vintage look I want for our fireplace. Since it is finally looking the way I envisioned, I thought I would share some pics. I know they are kind of dark but I wanted to pick up the dreamy feel when the candles are lit!

As you can see, we have a dark red wall which pops against our bank of white bookcases and mantel. (Don't tell the hubby but I am thinking of changing the color to a creamy cappucino).

The awesome barboard rose pic I picked up from Ms. Wendy's . The creamy ironstone pitcher was a Christmas gift from Wendy. I did not get a close up of the three bunnies but I made those in a porcelain class with my friend Karen. Vintage photo is from Ms. Wendy's too. The vintage architectural pieces were found at Cydney's Alley in Senoia.

I had been on the hunt for the perfect fire screen for some time. Finally, a sweet, white, rusty, chippy planter stand called my name from Cydney's Alley! The little planter cups are perfect for holding candles (I used tea lights) and various other treasures. A chalkware cherub holds a Tyler Co. candle perfectly (did I say the scent was "DIVA" - what else would you expect from a girly girl!). The third piece to complete the "ensemb" is a shabby metal tole candlestick holder with urn. Such shabbyliciousness - I can't stand it! Inside the fireplace are a mirror and vintage silverplate tray.

Treasures and more --- Small nest with eggs to celebrate Spring, vintage tiara for the bling factor and tea light for warmth and sparkle.

Tole candelabra. I {heart} rust, do you?

Nest, tiara, tea light and candelabra as seen from above.

Here is a close up of the tiara. I think wearing one is the perfect Rx when a tough decision needs to be made. Ok, so maybe it is just fun to wear whether you are scrapbooking or need to drive your kids crazy. LOL!

A sweet nest - the epitome of what is home.

Chalkware cherub with DIVA candle

See you on the junkin', antiquin' road! XX Heidi