hand sewn hearts

 Although rainy days are a rare occurrence here, especially this time of year, I like to be stationed in my sewing room. It seems like the perfect reason not to be in my garden.

Right now my heart is thinking of love. So why not make some Valentine's Day vintage fabric hearts. Normally I make these hearts in all neutral colors and I sew on an antique key. I call these the "key to my heart" mini heart pillows.

But these are a little different. I've been saving this wonderful old cotton and linen table runner. Although there are stains, I loved the vibrant colors of the floral design. So I cut out as many hearts (roughly 6-8 inches each) as I could, trying to carefully avoid the stains. They are filled with batting and I added small pockets on each.

All of the pockets have a hand stitched message of love and include a small ephemera card so a personal message can be written inside.

No two hearts are the same because the way I cut the fabric from the table runner. And each little pocket is different as well.

The extra tiny pockets can also be used as tooth fairy pillows for wee ones. It's nice because the "fairy" doesn't have to fish the small tooth out from under the pillow of a sleeping child.

The slightly larger pockets can hold a letter, photo or gift card.

I had great fun creating these small puffed heart pillows.

If you are inclined to make handmade gifts for family and friends, this project is very simple. It's great for beginner seamstresses.

Nothing beats a handmade gift from the heart. After all, most of us are not out doing a lot of shopping right now.

I wish you...lovely projects for rainy days.

romantic ephemera

 February is the month of romance.

Personally, I think romance should be a part of our lives every day all year long. There is something about love. It should have great importance in our world. Not just any kind of love but romantic love.

As Valentine's Day approaches, I like to look through my collection of vintage Valentines. There is just something about ephemera that fills my heart with joy. The old paper, the script, the use of language and the stunning graphics in radiant yet aged color.

Not only do I love to incorporate these tiny works of art into my decor, but I love to read the letters.

The next thing I know, I find myself hopelessly lost in a daydream in lives lived decades ago.

Several years ago, I styled the guest bedroom of my Sanibel house for a Valentine's Day magazine photo shoot.

Red transferware is another lovely addition for a Valentines vignette.

And I simply can't help myself, seashells are a part of every design and every season.

This certainly inspires me to add a little extra romance into my world. I think tonight is a good night to watch my favorite version of Cinderella (the 2015 film adaptation).

CLICK HERE

to watch the trailer.

Enjoy!

independence day

 Happy 4th of July!

Have a beautiful and safe

Independence Day.

May Day

What is May Day?

 

To be honest,

I had to do a little research.

 

I think of children dancing around a May pole and people sprinkling flower petals about...as a celebration of the welcoming of the new season of spring.

 

It turns out that May Day has a rich history around the world. It's folklore and traditions vary depending on the heritage.

 

I would like to think of it as a time for new beginnings for all of us. We could use a little positive change...

 

How about a May Day project?

 

May Day Baskets

 



 

A few years ago I wrote an article about May Day Baskets for a magazine. May Baskets are a Victorian tradition from the 19th century. Hang a cone of flowers or special treats on the door of friends, family or even an unsuspecting sweetheart.

 

It's an easy project and perfect for children.

Just gather some craft supplies...

 

 

and lovely scrapbook papers and tassels.

 

Wrap a piece of paper into the shape of a cone and secure it with a staple, glue or tape.

 

Affix a ribbon or lace as a handle and embellish with buttons and other vintage trimmings.

 

I even dug into my stash of broken costume jewelry.

 

The cones can be made any size

and personalized for the special recipient.

 

I filled some with hand painted eggs and chocolates.

 

 

This year we are stuck making them for one another in the household.

 

Since we are self isolating this, it makes this tradition a little difficult to share with neighbors. Next year I think we should all make dozens of May Day baskets and hand them out to all of the lovely ladies in nursing care facilities around the country!

 

I sure hope next May is much healthier for use all...

 

Happy May Day!

 

flower garden, sort of

With spring in full bloom,

for some lucky folks,

many of us are just itching for an abundance

of fresh flowers from the garden.

 

What if you don't have a garden...

or a green thumb?

Create an indoor garden of sorts.

 

Surround yourself with flowers like...

 

 

vintage millinery flowers

 

 

vintage floral prints

 

 

vintage linens

 

 

vintage floral ephemera

 

 

vintage porcelain

 

 

vintage china

 

vintage ceramics

 

vintage stoneware

 

And no garden,

indoor or outdoor,

would be complete without a

 

beautiful bird's nest

 

 

Flower gardens are a blessing from God.

We have to count our blessings every single day.

 

Especially right now.

 

So if you have a garden,

enjoy it to the fullest.

 

If you don't,

be creative and make one of your own!

 

Stop and smell the roses...

 



a few of my favorite things

One of the most popular projects I ever developed for a magazine article was one I was very reluctant to write. I love to make things that are really sentimental. This project was based on the song lyrics... "these are a few of my favorite things".

 

I wanted to make a wreath made out of my favorite things. So the first thing I needed to do was come up with my list...

 

ONE

vintage figurine ornaments

 

 

TWO

tiny mittens

 

 

THREE

demitasse cups

 

 

FOUR

birds and nests

 

 

FIVE

glass ornaments

 

 

SIX

small bottle brush trees

 

 

SEVEN

holiday ephemera

 

 

EIGHT

handkerchiefs

 

 

NINE

pretty colored pencils

 

 

TEN

old buttons

 

 

The easy part was coming up with my top ten favorite things. Now it was time to turn this beautiful pile vintage treasures into a wreath. Stay tuned...! You'll see the finished project and I'll share why I was reluctant to put this in a magazine...