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In my stash of vintage lace, I had a lovely snippet of lavender which made me wonder what type of garment had been originally made with it and for what occasion.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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An exciting update for you Sweethearts!

 

I am excited to announce the Sweethearts on the Homefront art event has been updated to make an incredible retreat for creating and connecting more accessible for everyone! 

 

 

Now for only $220, it is a 2 day art retreat jam packed with activities, classes and shopping at the Country Living Fair.

 

All proceeds go to benefit Operation Stars and Stripes which support our troops serving overseas and their families here at home.

 

Stop by and visit our amazing artists ~~~ Andrea Singarella and Jenny Holiday & Aaron Nieradka 

 

It will be a great time for a wonderful cause!

 

For registration details and information go ~~ HERE.

 

xo ~ 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

 

Glam goods, a new repurposed life

 

Always hunting for pieces to be used in new projects, I was strolling through a local antique store and spotted some interesting finds.

 

A simple band medal with the iconic state of Georgia shape caught my eye.

I would love to know the history/people behind this piece. What instrument did they play? What school did they go to? What memories did this medal hold for them?

What would they think if it was repurposed on a charm bracelet or on a necklace, a life outside a box or drawer?

 

 

The gold compact still has a mirror and makeup cake pan attached.

Once used for everyday glam, it now holds potential for a new life.

I have special plans for this one - with the makeup cake pan removed. ;)

 

 

One of the most interesting items was this small case. (approx 2" in length)

 

 

A little push of a spring revealed a teeny lipstick case.

On the reverse of the case is a beveled mirror.

Lipstick is no longer manufactured to fit such tiny cases.

However, with the help of a Dremel, I have created a hole in the top to begin it's new life as a jewelry component.

I love that the woman who wears it will have something both charming and functional.

 

Of course, I could not pass up a wonderfully priced jewelry box.

More economical than some of the plastic art bins, it will live a repurposed life as bit and bauble storage in my studio.

 

 

What fun finds have you come across lately?

Thank you for visiting! xo ~ 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

Tag, you're it!!

 

Rummaging through antique stores, you can find inspiration at unexpected times with simple finds.

While sifting through a box of vintage brass stencils with great patina, I had one of those moments.

 

Who gets excited about patina and brass stencils anyway?  I do!

 

I scooped up a few letters and numbers to use as tags for Christmas gifts.

You can make tags just to add everyday beauty to your surroundings too.

 

First, you will need to punch a hole at the top and the bottom.

I used a Crop-A-Dile which is a fabulous tool and can punch tin like butter.

If you do not have a Crop-A-Dile (yet, :D ) , you can use a hammer and a nail.

 

 

 

Next comes the fun part - embellies!

 

 

I added some vintage millinery blooms.

Mix it up a bit - go crazy!

Buttons and bits - use what inspires you to get the look you want.

Add a simple ribbon or twine for hanging.

 

 

I coffee dyed and crinkled some seam binding for a mottled looking ribbon.

 

 

Next, finish off your tag/hanger with a crystal or bauble of your choice.

I tied a simple bow to mine.

 

 

See what a simple brass stencil can do?

Ok, now it is your turn . . .

 

 

TAG -- YOU are IT!!

Share what unlikely find has given you inspiration for a project.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

xo ~ Heidi