My Weblog

Flea Market Addiction. . .

Ventured off to the flea market again on Sunday for some "me" time.  I realize I have become hooked on getting up early on Sunday mornings when the house is still asleep and sneaking out for a few hours to walk around all those booths of goodies.  The whole antique and vintage world is so new to me -- I was raised in a 70's vibe home, complete with avocado appliances, tweed textured wallpaper and shag carpets.  I remember my Mom wearing those cool bell bottom pants and groovy vests -- she was always a fashion statement and still is.  I am loving this new addiction though.  Looking at all the beautiful linens, figurines, jewelry, china and photographs and wondering what their secret history holds.  Thus, I am a newbie of sorts and SO in envie of those homes I see on the Blogs filled to the brim with all those vintage lovelies.  I am taking baby steps, trying not to go too crazy and enjoying every minute. . .

 

Thought I would share a few things I have picked up recently.  I just CAN'T have a post without pictures!!  These are some of the things I bought at La Maison Rustique a couple of weeks ago.  I couldn't pass up the old pink trash can for my craft room.  The sign in the background greeted guests that attended my first  An Artistic Affaire in May. . .

I finally also bought one of Sherry's gorgeous necklaces and funky vintage t-shirts.  I also fell in love with Christie Repasy's beautiful notecards.  The sweet cordial glasses are for a special little project I am working on for the Fall Artistic Affaire.  That's ALL I'm saying though. . .

And I am completely addicted (I sure am using that word a bunch today) to these button bracelets also sold at La Maison.  I wear them all the time. . .

I found this little sweetie at the Santa Monica Flea Market on Sunday.  She is a Weil Ware piece from the 1940's.  Max Weil of California was a pottery company right here in Los Angeles from the 1930's - 1950's.  I love these lovely figurine planters.  I bought her to go with this little girlie that greets me in the kitchen every morning. . .

 

I am also trying to resist the urge to scoop HER up to join the fun. . .

I have been searching for a while now for an old photo album and finally found this one and picked up some bits and pieces of jewelry for Amy Hanna's class at Art in Ashland. . .

I guess you could say I have been a busy girl!  Thanks for coming along for a little show and tell. . .

Birds & Bonnets Vintage Workshop

Finally, took some creative time out for myself last week and made my panels for Karla and Beth's vintage swap.  It was such a wonderful exchange -- each participant created 4 panels (back and front) with some lovely vintage bird and bonnet clip art provided to us by The Vintage Workshop for playing along.  I realized I am a bit rusty so I need to make more time for myself to sit and do what I love. . .  Nevertheless, here are the pieces.  I am so excited to receive the other panels sometime soon -- they will be so lovely to display now that the weather is warm and the birds are singing. . .

 

 

 

   

Off to the post office to ship these lovelies some goodies for hosting such inspiration and picking this up at the bookstore for a much needed "Meyer Fix".  Oh, and I LOVE that darling David Cook -- so thrilled a rocker finally won.  His voice gives me chills!  Now, if they would tell us where they moved the island, my life will be complete!  Hope you are having a wonderful day. . .

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue. . .

As promised, here are some sneakie peekies for Candice's upcoming classes that she will be teaching at our Fourth of July Holiday Bash on Saturday, June 21st.  I am so excited to create some patriotic dazzle with her and the lovely girlies that attend our events.  There are a few spots left so don't wait too long to get into the spirit with some pre-Independence Day festivities.  You can read all about the details here.

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue Patriotic Mini-Book

Please join Candice and create a darling HEART shaped "Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue" mini-book!  We will be embellishing a Maya Road mini-book with new Jenni Bowlin patterned paper, Americana tissue garland, vintage inspired fabric, oodles of felt, navy blue posies, pearl blossoms and much more! There is even a little bit of messy hand stitching involved in making our sweet fabric appliques.  This mini book is sturdy and has three ring binding.  We will be embellishing 6 chipboard pages in this 2 1/2 class. . .

Happy Fourth of July Banner!

If you sign up for this additional class, we will be creating a banner that is five pennants long and is covered with colorful pattern papers, adorable patriotic clip art, Americana tissue garland, Basic Grey chipboard letters, royal blue glass glitter and more!  These pennants will be made with the fabulous May Road chipboard pennants.  This will sure to be a festive addition to your patriotic decor for this year's 4th of July celebrations! 

Los Angeles Experiences Sweltering Heat. . .

which of course didn't stop me from treating the hubs to a visit out to Temecula to see my fun shabby friends at La Maison Rustique!  OK, fine -- I was taking him for the wine and me for the vintage finds but still it was an ENTIRE day without children, soccer or laundry so I was thrilled even though the temperature registered at 100 degrees when we pulled into that little dirt road to see this. . .

  It just makes my heart skip a beat to turn the corner and see all those lovely treasures.  Since I hadn't seen Linda, Sherry or Joy, in what felt like forever -- there was much hugging, chatting and laughter to be had.  That was until I saw a savvy shopper casually walk by with the most amazing vintage pink tub AND found out that my new dear friend, Karen, had already visited and shopped with a vengeance!  HELLO, am I going to need to camp out next month?  Of course, La Maison did not disappoint and not only did I find a sweet old PINK flip lid trash can but also one of Sherry's fabulous new T-shirts and her handmade necklace!

I have to say, it was so wonderful getting to catch up with these lovely ladies.  They are so kind and generous -- I just wish they lived closer!  However, that didn't stop us from conspiring on a way for them to shabby up one of my future Affaire's and I also happen to know that they are in the midst of planning some amazing summer blogging surprises which I am so excited to hear more about!

After a leisurely lunch and wine tasting, it was time to head home.  What a perfect day. . . 

Candice Carpenter 4th of July Class Update. . .

Candice and I  have been asked by some of the ladies who ADORE her if we could possibly move our festive Fourth of July Bash.  It appears that quite a few of our lovelies are deep into the summer holidays by the date we originally picked.  Thus, by popular demand, our get together will now take place on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (or until 4:30 if you register for the additional banner class).  There are some spots still available so we hope you can join us.  I am so thrilled that Candice is coming back so soon after our May Affaire that I may even try to grab a seat and create along with you!!  We will be posting some sneak peeks on Tuesday so make sure to check back then too . . .

Fourth of July Holiday Bash. . .

                                          

When: Saturday, June 28, 2008

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: Culver City, CA

Cost: $75.00

Please come join us and get in the spirit of Independence Day with Candice Carpenter. We will be creating a spectacular vintage inspired 4th of July mini-book followed by a festive backyard BBQ.  Our day will include this fabulous mini-book, give-a-ways, a Peacoats and Party Hats shopping boutique and a delicious BBQ.

If all this fun is not enough, Candice is also offering a 4th of July banner class immediately following our backyard bash from 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM.  This class is being offered in addition to our morning festivities at a cost of $45.

Seats are limited, so act fast and come join us!  You can register for this unique experience by emailing us at ArtisticAffaire@aol.com.  Please indicate in your email whether you would like to attend the afternoon banner class in addition to the holiday bash, as well as whether you prefer to pay via PayPal or check.  All spots are reserved on a first-come basis.  The event is pre-paid and non-refundable.

Gifts on Parade. . .

One of the most touching aspects of hosting An Artistic Affaire was being witness to the mind-boggling generosity of the women that participate in our craft. Not only was I completely unexpectedly showered with gifts by these lovely women but they showered each other as well. Honestly, I don't think I have ever encountered such a sweet bunch, unless, of course, you count Silver Bella, oh and there was Sparkle Bella, oh and I can't forget all those giving ladies at Creativity in Bloom . . . well, you get the picture -- there is so much goodness out there.  Thanks for joining my sweet parade of gifts. . . I can't say thank you enough for such wonderfulness. . .

 

Jessi outdid herself, as always, and made EACH of us one of these beautiful soldered Artistic Affaire necklaces. I wear mine ALL the time. . .

This gorgeous birdhouse (I love to collect them) was from Cheryl. It is made from vintage dishes each matched so perfectly. I screamed so loudly when I opened it, I think I must have scared the neighbors.

a fabulous personalized tee from Amy and a sweet journal she created for me to keep all my "Artistic" thoughts. Don't you LOVE that pen -- the girlies signed in with it. . .

 

Joy and her wonderful partner-in-crime, Kelly, brought me this amazing box of goodies. Kelly even hand painted one the frames to match Miss Kate's room. I love the French Journal. . . so lovely. . .

 

wonderful perfumed soaps and sachet from Alice. . .

this darling Raggedy Ann charm bracelet was from Debbie. . .

 

a pincushion and vial of wishes from Maija. . .

 

much needed foot pampering from Suzanne. . .

 

a wonderful Gardenia scented candle from Susan. . .

 

scrapping fun from Sherin. . .

 

and these gorgeous flowers from Theresa that are still thriving nearly 2 weeks after the event and make me smile every time I look at them . . .

Thank you again ladies from the bottom of my heart. I miss you all already. . .

There's Something About Mother's Day. . .

or any holiday for that matter, that makes it the worst time to take pictures. Actually, I am beginning to think that any holiday photo session is a sure fire recipe for disaster. It always seems that those HUGE moments are just the time that the lighting is horrible or everyone is complaining about being taken away from their fun to "pose" for that shot that takes in all the emotions of the day. Being gluten's for punishment, our little family participated in the same painful process this Mother's Day once again and rounded up the kids (who were perfectly happy with what they were already up to) to the SAME bench in the backyard for the SAME picture as last year with my Mom.  After protests, frowns, wiggling, bad lighting and my darling husband saying "Look at me Kate 100 times", here is the pitiful result. . .

Don't you love the sun on my Mom? Ugh. . .

After we all gave up and decided that a "Mommy portrait" just wasn't in the cards this year, I caught these wonderful candid moments between Daddy and Daughter. 

Thinking I may save these for Father's Day. Wow, a holiday to look forward to with no picture taking pressure. Hoping that Karen Russell's online photography class I am taking in July will help me with some of these technical difficulties. . . Of course, if anyone has any picture taking tips bring em' on. I could use all the help out there!

Happy Mother's Day. . .

Sending out a special Mother's Day wish to each and every wonderful women that is already a Mother, hoping to be a Mother or remembering a Mother on this blessed day.  I am forever grateful that my life has been touched by each of you. . .

An Artistic Affaire Sponsors Extrodinaire. . .

It comes as no surprise that I am basically "small potatoes" in the paper arts and scrapbooking world.  So when it came to finding sponsors for my May Affaire, I turned to friends and artists I LOVE to ask for donations.  As I should have expected, not only did they say "yes" but they also added their own special touch to each sweet gift.  Here is only a small sampling of the lovelies we put together to fill each goodie bag.

I had such fun flea marketing to find just the right goodies to throw in to make a wonderful assortment of treasures.  Thus, a HUGE thank you to: Amy Tangerine, Lori Marie, Kim at Miss Alayneeah, Hope at Paper Relics, Candice at Peacoats & Party Hats, Catherine at Pink Rose Pastries, Diane at Splinters & Rags, and Teresa Collins for their over the top contributions.  An Artistic Affaire was made more special because of your generosity.  Big hugs coming your way from all of us. . .