It's hot out! So I am inside doing artsy things!

I have been busy.  Am trying to get some things made for my booth as well as for my own curiosity as to what I could do with some items.

I have been collecting up tiny compacts, pill boxes and other small vintage containers.  Here are three that I have collected recently.  The little Estee Lauder compact on the bottom left was plain and simple.  I added the religious picture (actually an old lapel button) and encircled it with rhinestones.  The little blue box on the bottom right is a vintage Stratton pill box that has a shabby necklace clasp piece on it.

This is a vintage tin face powder refill box.  I covered the tattered paper lid and then added an old tintype and encircled it with rhinestones.  Sorry the tintype picture didn't turn out so well.  Tried several shots and this was the best one. 

I really enjoyed doing these.  Am still on the lookout for small containers that I can embellish.

Here are two small gift bags that I embellished this week.

This pretty little lady is an image from Paper Whimsy.  The owner, Gale Blair, had offered this image for free on Facebook and I took advantage of the offer.  Paper Whimsy's images are really beautifully done, sharp, clear and can be downloaded from their website immediately after purchasing any of them.

This is the second gift bag I put together yesterday.

I covered it with vintage bits of lace and trims, rose ribbon, a doily with pink and off white flowers.  Then I added an old key embellished with rhinestones and other trinkets.  Had fun doing this one!  Going to do more over the next few days.  Feels good to get back to creating!

Heavenly finds

I have spent time this weekend doing some treasure hunting as well as remembering that Memorial Day is for our military, past, present and future.  Here is what I found:

This little sweetie was right there at the entrance to My Sister's Attic waiting for me to grab him up and take him home!  I think the "tray" is for candles, but a plant, small books, rosary, small jar filled with shells, etc. would look even better than a candle!  Just too stinkin' cute!

I also found these three concrete decorative crosses at My Sister's Attic as well.  Love those because they look old and crusty.  They are older because the hangers on the back are rusted.  I have also coffee dyed another old book which you can see beside the little angel.  See my blog of May 22 here to see how to coffee dye these bundles.  Easy peasy!!

Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!

But don't forget the reason for this wonderful holiday. . . .

I just noticed the typo in this vintage card!

I am truly thankful for all the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country.  Their sacrifice is truly appreciated!!  By me, especially!  Since I was married to a career military man for 36+ years.  It was a wild ride and times, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.  I salute all who serve!

Arlington National Cemetery.

 David's caisson bearing his ashes, May 2, 2005.

David's niche in the Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery.

David loved this country very much and dedicated his life to serving it.  That truly fills my heart with pride!

Designer book bundles

You see them everywhere.  You see them in catalogs like Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs.  You frequently see them in magazines like Romantic Homes and Country Living.  Well, I found out how to make these bundles and it's really easy!!  More on that in a minute.

 First, pick up some old books at your local thrift store.  The older the better.  Old Readers' Digest books are great for this.  Just look for older ones.  They take the coffee stain well.

Remove the covers and break the book into sections.  Then dip all edges but the spine in some strong instant coffee.  Set outside to dry.

You can see they look old and stained.  Then I bound them up with jute.

This picture makes them look lighter than they really are.  They are wonderfully stained and great decorator pieces.  Most will be for sale in my booth at Merchant Square.

For more complete instructions, please visit Karen Valentine's blog, My Desert Cottage here.  That's where I found the instructions for doing this.  Quick, fun, and decorative!  Thanks, Karen!