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

Fairytales do come true

This October has flown by with some wonderful fairytale memories.

Here are some pics from Jennifer Hayslip's beautiful fairytale event, Once Upon A Dream in Asheville, NC.

I have included a few pics of the event on this post.

If you want to see some truly beautiful pics of the event, please check them out on Jenn's blog:

Part I

and

Part II

It was a dream come true to attend this event with one of my besties, Tracy. 

See that backdrop?  It was breathtaking to create in such an enchanting location.

One of the cutie pie "sisters", Robin, joined us to strike a pose.

Tracy and the sweet and talented Sylvia.

Sylvia has a genuine soul through and through.

Our sensational instructors, Dee, Natasha and Andrea!

{aren't they darling in the photo booth?!}

A little of the flora blooming.

Sherry, Natasha and Tracy

Our day at the Biltmore House.

(peek at the landing - you might be able to spy us lined up there, lol.)

Sweet girls, Cheryl and Grace, enjoying the majestic views.

Tracy under the arbor

Sylvia, Tracy and Sonia

Marian and Rebecca

Shelley and Rosemary

Grace was my swap partner for the fairy laurels.

I love my laurel and all of the treats Grace!!

Thank you sweet girls for such fun memories ~ it was such a treasured weekend.

Don't forget to check out Jenn's pics!

xo's ~ Heidi

Creating Vintage Charm giveaway winner!

Yay!  We have a winner for the Creating Vintage Charm anniversary drawing!

With the help of one of my lovely assistants, we drew a name out of a vintage hat {quite literally}.

and the winner is . . . . .

Sonia!!

Congrats Sonia and thank you everyone for the entering the fun!

xo's ~ Heidi

Celebrations

It has been a busy month of May with school and various activities winding down - definitely the month of festivities and celebrations!

One such celebration I have enjoyed preparing for is a Quinceanera for

one of my friends daughters.  For those of you who may not know what a Quinceanera is, it is a Latin celebration for fifteen year old girls which symbolizes their journey from childhold to young womanhood.

Her Mom asked if I could make some accessories for the celebration.  I was very honored to contribute to such a wonderful tradition and moment in a young lady's life.

Pictured here is the special young lady, Monica, and her damas (attendants).

The hair rosettes and dress rosette were some of the items I made.

It was a beautiful Quinceanera!

When her Dad made a speech about giving his daughter wings, it was the absolute sweetest.  I don't know if he shed a tear but he managed to make it through.

(I would be too gushy - I am such a sentimental girl)

There was lots of dancing, wonderful food and a great time had by all.

What a beautiful tradition!  I love that it places importance and responsibility on becoming a young woman.

I am sorry I don't have more pictures ~ I forgot to snap some before I delivered all of the items!

Have a wonderful day!

xo's ~  Heidi

Modern Marie

Sometimes going out of your comfort zone is a good thing -- explore different possibilities.

Orange Black Aqua Pink, hmmmm . . .

Anyone have a favorite  or "go to" palette?

Here is my modern Marie card in which I was trying to achieve a sort of modern vintage look.

{yes, modern and vintage can reside most peacefully}

It is hard to tell but I glimmer misted the card base with Vanilla Breeze glimmer mist.

The Marie image was part of a digi set that I purchased from Cassi here.

She produces wonderful digi sheets which are exceptionally priced.

Of course, I had to add some grundge and sparkle because it just makes me *happy*.  ;-)

I am linking in to Moxie Fab World's tissue/crepe paper challenge.

Hope you are having a wonderful evening{or day}!

xo's ~ Heidi