My Favorite Things

vintage fabrics ... meant to be used

Not long ago, my mom purchased some pillows from me that I had made from vintage fabric. I purchased that amazing vintage blue floral fabric that you see below many, many years ago. I was saving it for just the right project because I could barely stand cutting into it. There is something about actually using some vintage fabrics, and not just collecting it in order to look at it and touch it from time to time, that can be very difficult! Well, I finally bit the bullet and decided to use some of the fabric on these oh so comfy pillows. Well, my mom purchased them from me recently at a show to use on her family room sofa. Wouldn't you know that Sophie, my mom and dad's dog, has taken to these pillows as her favorites. And you know, I wouldn't have it any other way. It is just a small reminder that all of these fabrics that some of us collect and treasure are meant to be used and enjoyed, by both man and "beast" (and a very cute one at that :)).

until next time, melissa

my very own fairy garden

My friend Lisa and I concluded our trip to Chicago over the weekend with a stop at my most favorite flower nursery in Illinois, The Growing Place, in Naperville, IL. Unfortunately, we only had 30 minutes to look around before they closed, but that was better than nothing.I couldn't believe my eyes when I came upon a whole display of items that could be used to create a fairy garden. Am I the only one, or has anyone else dreamed of creating their very own fairy garden? Well, I have wanted to do this for the last couple of years since I read about one in a magazine, but I just never have taken the time. Well, I couldn't resist some of the absolutely adorable fairy items that were for sale, so I purchased a few, and committed to making a garden of my own. I decided to start small, and create a little fairy wonderland in a small galvanized bucket. I am absolutely in love with it!

until next time,

melissa

flea market time ... yipee

This last Saturday, my friend Lisa and I took a little road trip up to Chicago to what was formerly known as the Chicago Antique Market. It was so exciting to experience, for the first time this season, the thrill of the hunt for that one amazing treasure (or as in my case most of the time, MANY amazing treasures).

Although I did discover several things that I just could not live without, my most fabulous find was "Victoria" (pictured below), a pink painted metal dress form. My daughter, Julia, named her when I got back home. As I have mentioned before, Julia just has a way of picking out the most perfect names for my inanimate objects. I came upon Victoria early in the day, so I was on cloud nine the rest of the afternoon, reveling in my discovery. I will post photos of Victoria after I decide exactly how I am going to properly display her. I have several ideas brewing.

I think of the last 3 photos as "bins of potential." It is so fun to scour through bins like these because you just don't know what you may find that will inspire you to create.

having fun creating

I have had some fun adding appliques to my aprons. I felt like they needed a little something extra, and the embellishments did just the trick. I have also been having fun creating "Jane". My oldest daughter, Julia, names the rabbits for me once I am completely done creating them. The names always seem to fit the personality I imagine that doll to have ... I know, a little crazy sounding, but fun none the less. I enjoy having my kids participate in the creative process.

until next time,

melissa

creativity in baking

Lately, I have not spent as much time as I used to being creative in the kitchen. That changed this weekend when I happened upon a blog site called Bakerella (http://bakerella.blogspot.com/). I needed to take a dessert to a church fundraiser meal, and I was inspired by these amazing cupcake bites featured on this Angie Dudley's blog. Mine certainly do not have quite the visual appeal that Angie's do, but I was very pleased with the outcome, and even happier with the taste. My daughter described them as "little bites of goodness". Isn't this the best part of being part of the blogging community ... sharing ideas with one another?!

until next time,

melissa