Birds of a Feather

magic & mystery ~

2008-09-30T10:54:00.005-04:00

it's getting to be that time of year again, the leaves are just starting to change and somehow i always feel more focused on creating. so much inspiration, with the holidays coming - fast! and i'm getting ready to head to omaha for silver bella ~ can't wait!

magic spell wands i created for my friend kari's sweet & sinister blog. she has an amazing host of creative people there, tons of talent and fabulous crafts! i was thrilled she asked me and glad to be part of it!

the mystery is solved ~ yes, that is my woodland cagie in the latest issue of somerset studio. thank you for all your e-mails. i was so excited to see they used my creation for the winter edition ad! it should be on stands soon, so keep your eye out! they never disappoint, there is always a ton of inspiration to be found within every issue!

new in the shop ~ halloween decor kit, comes with loads of crepe ruffle trim ~ of course! and lots of other goodies including wooden dowels so you can make your very own magic wands. also, new crepe ruffle trim colors will be added soon ~ lots of holiday colors!

thanks for stopping by!
xo heidi

Show & Tell group ~

2008-09-23T06:29:00.005-04:00

Have you used my Ruffled Crepe Trim in your craft, scrapbooking, or decorating projects? Then come join my new Show & Tell group called Birds of a Feather...create together! We all would love to see your fabulous creations! You will need a Flickr account, but membership is free. Here's the link ~ http://www.flickr.com/groups/846490@N24/.

Happy creating ~
xo Heidi

the best laid plans ~

2008-06-30T22:20:00.008-04:00

i had everything set to go...bella workshop schedule printed out with a very detailed, highlighted, doodled on system for class choices,
links all opened in several tabs, credit card ready...

and the link would N-O-T open!!! believe me, it was not pretty. my visions of glitter and bellas and blissful creativity were quickly dissolving before my eyes, and no amount of refreshing made the magic link appear...then queen teresa jumped in, always so gracious, trying to help. finally, another sweet friend, sadie, offered the magic link, and *poof* all was right in my world!
it was a cliffhanger, but i'm going to silver bella!

and the icing on the cake...i'm going to be a vendor!
when i got the e-mail from teresa i was over the moon thrilled to say the least! hubby and big girl were in the kitchen and i was dancing around...well, hubby says i was jumping, and big girl says i was skipping, anyway i could not be contained! very excited and so thrilled to finally meet more of my wonderful blog friends and customers in person ~ the icing on the cake for sure!

sweet bella dreams ~

a totally random post

2008-06-27T08:01:00.010-04:00

this was how the morning started ~ i heard a strange noise and looked out the window, aren't turkeys supposed to gobble? this one cackles. poor thing doesn't know what to do with itself, it's been hanging around for a week now, separated from it's flock. guess he's trying to make friends with smoochie ~ they went round and round the car, it was so funny! a couple days ago, when the little one was going to walk downtown, she came back in screaming, the turkey was apparently guarding the driveway and wouldn't let her out. yesterday, mr. turkey came right up to big girl and her friend while they were laying out by the pool ~ they screamed, and he flew way up into the tree. i thought turkey's couldn't fly? what's up with this crazy turkey ~ poor thing. not sure where he went, but i'm sure he'll be back! screaming and all he's just looking for a little love.

a lot of excitement can happen before 6 a.m. at least that's what i tell my kids, as they sleep their mornings away. i love starting my days in the garden, it's so peaceful ~ what? doesn't everyone garden in their jammies? i've claimed my daughter's crocs as my gardening shoes ~ the rest of my gardening attire hasn't come as far!

front porch ~ not sure why they call these roses "carpet roses," mine grow right up the porch

the wisteria didn't do much blooming this year ~ not sure why, but i love how full it gets, you can hardly see the pergola, and it's so fun to walk under!

my little garden by the shed ~ the pink roses are bursting!

loving these sweet fresh strawberries picked right from the farm down the street why can't we have delicious strawberries like this all year ~ yummie!

breakfast ~ couldn't help myself!

i'm declaring friday's this summer ~ NO WORK days! enough already, it's summer after all, and they're way too short here. my biggest challenge ~ getting teenagers out of bed before noon ~ maybe i can bribe them with strawberry shortcakes!

have a beautiful day!

drumroll please ~

2008-06-18T08:40:00.009-04:00

i truly wish i could send each of you a prize!

but here we go... and the lucky winners are ~

jill ~ cottage memories

peggy meyer graminski

and here you can see the mountain of crepe i need to package and ship out this morning! to the lucky winners, please send me an e-mail with your picks
(peek in my shop for choices.)
i'll get them right out to you!

to everyone who played along and stopped by my little corner of the world, thank you for all your sweet comments, i appreciate and treasure each and every one! if you'd like you can use the coupon above for your next purchase of crepe ruffle trim, ~ just convo me on etsy to redeem.

favorite flea finds ~

2008-06-15T08:53:00.007-04:00

good morning everyone, and happy father's day!

here are just a few of my favorite flea market finds ~

this first one is a McCoy birdbath pot. when i saw it my heart definitely skipped a beat! i knew i had to have it, but thought i'd have to brace myself for the price. turns out i got it for a song, didn't even barter ~ $15! i love the vintage aqua blue color. i bought it at brimfield market many years ago.

isn't the little bird just so sweet?
she has a curious little expression on her face

here are some of my italian tole chandeliers
(and a candelabra)

the pink rose chandelier (top left) is very sentimental to me.
about 15 years ago it was the first piece i spied at the brimfield market, but $160 was a bit steep for me. i couldn't get it out of my head though and went back as we were leaving ~ at this point i had to borrow a few bucks from my girlfriend because it was coming home with me!
when i walked in with it hubby asked where is that going?
now he gets it and asks, where do you want me to put that?
it is the piece that started a huge shift in my decorating, and little by little my cottage was transformed into a home that looked like i lived there. i love when people say, "that's so you," don't you?

have a wonderful father's day! i will be updating throughout the day. you can see the list of bloggers participating in my previous post. i'm off to bake 4 dozen cupcakes and a lemon meringue pie for my dad. it's his wife's b-day too so we're having a big celebration!

p.s. sherri (tied up in ribbons) please leave a link so all of us can see your lovely treasures! and everyone, don't forget to upload your treasures to flickr!

show & tell sunday ~ flea market finds

2008-06-13T15:29:00.029-04:00

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to host this week's Show & Tell Sunday!

The topic this week, June 15th, will be your Favorite Flea Market Find(s.) You know, the one that made your heart skip a beat when you spied it out of the corner of your eye, the one you slowly meandered towards hoping not to draw attention to, then casually asked the dealer in your calmest of voices, "what's your best price on this?" Which was quickly followed by, "I'LL TAKE IT!"

Post about your treasured piece(s), or collections ~ we'd love to see them, and read their story of how they came to you!

Enjoy ~

Here's the list of bloggers joining in ~

Teena ~ Kitschen Pink ~ Musings of an Eclectic Mind
Creative Musings with Mya
Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents
Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings
Melissa ~ Charmed Life
Miss Rhea's ~ Sweet n Shabby Roses
Jenn ~ Mysteries of the Juniper
Creative Rants from Nerissa
Rene ~ Miss Gracies House
Joanna ~ Sweet Finds
Kristin ~ My Polka Dotted World
Heidi ~ Just Being Crafty
Kathy ~ The Apron Queen
Di ~ Mamma B's Attic
Jeanie ~ The Marmalade Gypsy
Sadie Lou Who ~ Whimsical Creations
Couture de Papier
Sherri ~ Tied up in Ribbons
Lorena ~ Rose Chic Friends
Elly ~ My Everyday Things
Vintage Looking Glass
Lisa's Retro Style
Nancy ~ My Crafty Little Page
Steph ~ Sunshine and Ravioli
Barbara ~ Oodles and Doodles
Shannon ~ Faith and Chocolate
She's Sew Pretty
Karen ~ Cider Antiques
Andrea ~ Vintage Paper Bella
Fitty's Pinky Rose Cottage
Jill ~ Cottage of Memories
Vickie ~ Hollyhocks
Dolly ~ From My Cherry Heart
Karla's Cottage
Dede ~ Dream Create Share
Cerri ~ Little Pink Studio
Laverne ~ Riverside Studios
Mary Ann ~ Firstborn
Keli ~ A Galloping Horse
Black Eyed Susan's Kitchen

everyone into the pool ~

2008-06-09T17:24:00.012-04:00

if you live on the east coast i don't need to tell you it has been H-O-T!
we have spent the last couple days by the pool trying to stay cool.

one of the best things about working from home - no stuffy dress code.
today my "office" attire has been a bikini and bare feet.
i know what you're thinking, and no, photos will not be posted, phew!
with no a/c i've moved operations downstairs to my dining room which hubby has named my official "seat shop." he's just kidding of course, i mean, it doesn't get much cooler than being able to work in your bikini!
one of my sweet customers said, "i could just swim in these ruffles!" that's what i've been doing, swimming in piles of ruffles! thank you, i really appreciate all your support! after many requests for pale blue ruffles, i'm happy to announce i have finally found a color and quality that i like in a pastel baby blue. i'll have them listed
in the shop tomorrow!

and don't forget to enter my giveaway, click the link to leave a comment for a chance to win!

stay cool ~

fun stuff & giveaway ~

2008-06-05T08:40:00.038-04:00

so much to tell all of you...

if you are looking for the perfect bridal shower or wedding gift, look no further than these lovely gift baskets full of treasured keepsakes, that sadie lou put together with the help of CSST contributing artists ~ too much fun! they are being sold on etsy, so go on over and take a peek!

more goodies...

these little candy cups were my contribution
each is adorned with vintage lilly of the valley millinery

this month's offerings at glitter & grunge
a cottage mirror, summer journal, sweet nest, and whimsical bird basket

a while back kara & darcy from mcmaster & storm contacted me about creating some little lovelies for their sweet department store ~ here's a sneak peek at one of the petite treasures that will be available soon. they were taking their sweet time arriving ~ hope they're there now!

and for a limited time ~ crepe trim collection in patriotic stripe,
the perfect touch to spark up your summer crafts and festivities!

just in time for summer travels and lazy days ~
i'm having a blue skies & sunny days giveaway!

two lucky winners will win six packages each of ruffled crepe trim!
it's my way of saying thank you to all of you who have supported my little business and my blog. the best part is that you get to choose the colors and styles you want! make sure to leave a link where i can reach you.
take a peek in my shop to see all the delicious colors and styles.
drawing will close on june 17th at midnight est, and winners will be drawn june 18th.

best of luck!

~ bridal basket photos taken by sadie lou

bring on the sun ~

2008-05-19T08:56:00.025-04:00

it's always exciting when hubby uncovers the pool, it means blue skies and warm sunny days are on their way, and with the magic of chemicals ~ voila! ~ it's a beautiful sparkling blue again (i know scary.)
getting the house and yard ready for big girl's graduation party.
still lots to do, but it feels good to be checking things off the list.

i think i've visited every garden center in my travels lately.
i love these ruffle edge pansies i found.

clementine, my little helper always at my side.

dandelion staying close and looking cute (hoping she's not needed.)

smoochie, napping as usual. not sure where rosie is...

i guess this has turned into a show & tell garden post ~

years ago hubby built this stone wall, my only input was that it needed to look like it's been there for 100 years. a few ferns have made their home in it here and there ~ love that.

creeping phlox draping over the edge.

i love bleeding hearts, especially these pink ones.

and white

love these sweet little viburnum pom poms

azalea not my fave, but pink and flowering

the wisteria just starting to bloom!

that's what's blooming in my little corner of the world,
now all that's needed is for the sun to shine on big girl's special
day ~ hope that's on the weather man's checklist!

looks like clem's ready for another garden run!

have a fun and safe memorial day weekend with your friends and families ~

back from brimfield ~

2008-05-15T06:17:00.033-04:00

yesterday i headed out for the brimfield flea market
with my son, hunter, the "big guy," as he's known around here.
usually i go with my girlfriends, but they couldn't make it.
just as well, as i don't get to spend many days alone with him.

...here are a few pics of our day ~

one day is not enough time ~ so many treasures to uncover and hunt for!

arrg! i'm kicking myself that i didn't get a picture of big guy ~
i know bad mum. anyway, i'll give you a visual ~
hair down to his shoulders with a vintage black bowler hat ~
too cool. here's a pic of him on his b~day.

he'd be thrilled that i posted him with cottage furnishings...haha!
when we came upon a booth that looked like my style, he'd say, "looks like they read your dreams." he's a sweetie and a keeper. we didn't buy much, but we had a fabulous day together!

gone fleaing ~

2008-05-13T23:09:00.004-04:00

photo from ~ New England Motel & Antiques Market

mother's day & crowns ~

2008-05-12T11:12:00.014-04:00

hope everyone had a wonderful mother's day!

it was gorgeous here so we spent the afternoon in the garden.
here's one of my gifts, an altered matchbox which says,
a mother's love is our first love ~ isn't that sweet.

the girlies and beasts all hung around while hubby and i did some gardening.
i did get them to pull a few weeds.

i wanted to show these treasures ~
the little one bought for me at some of my favorite chick mafia
stores in cali. pretty and pink, which reminds me of her
~ she knows her mommy!

in other news ~
starting today my blogging friend gabriela delworth is hosting an on-line crown making class over at melba's blog, just be connected ~ hope you'll stop over to get some great tips and create a crown for yourself. the crown queen is also having a fun giveaway for girls in honor of victoria day!

ruffles and other goodies ~

2008-05-04T15:39:00.016-04:00

delicious new crepe ruffle colors available in the shop!

ivory, ballet, chocolate, and pearl gray.
they remind me of frosting ~ yum!

introducing a new style too ~ petite ruffle!

also in the shop ~ a cottage garden mirror
what could be more sweet? it's full of vintage millinery
blooms and leaves. i think this one is my fave yet!

and lots of new baskets in fresh spring colors with birds
and blooms, of course!

today i'm heading off to the garden center to buy some real flowers, and having a little pre-mother's day lunch with some special ladies!

thanks for stopping by ~

wild violets ~

2008-05-01T08:51:00.021-04:00

happy may day everyone! i love these wild violets that pop up in my yard. i know they are a weed, and they seem to have spread, but they are so sweet and cheery. these and the forsythia are the only thing blooming right now, so my choices are limited for cutting. i'm not a big yellow fan, and every year i say i'm going to chop down the forsythia bushes ~ they get so scraggly. a gorgeous pink cherry blossom would be nice in it's place, but i guess i don't have the heart to do it...

ta da! here are my glitter & grunge offerings ~

a spring nest ~ "primrose"

jardin du rose ~ french basket

this one is exclusive to G & G
spring fete ~ french basket

and last but not least ~
rose garden mirror made from vintage
capodimonte roses and leaves, and velvet millinery leaves ~
very pretty!

all are listed in my etsy shop and lots of new goodies too!
new crepe ruffles in pearl grey, ivory, chocolate, and french vanilla ~
don't they sound delicious!
hope you'll stop over and take a peek.

p.s. sadie lou the admin for the cottage style street team blog featured my etsy shop, birds of a feather today!
thanks sadie lou, very sweet of you!

sneak peek ~

2008-04-29T14:36:00.006-04:00

just a little sneak peek of my glitter & grunge offerings
come by may 1st to see what's new!

one more b-day ~ tomorrow big guy's turning 21!
now i'm back to my studio ~ see ya!

a pink b-day & glitter & grunge

2008-04-27T15:03:00.026-04:00

she's back, and had the most amazing trip, topped off with a party with her friends last night. whew, we're all wiped out!

did i mention that hair dying was part of the itinerary for the big 13th b-day cali trip? we didn't recognize big guy when he got off the plane bleach blond with little blue tips in front, big girl got one fuschia stripe underneath, and the little one went for pinkie tuscadero! (she has it pulled up in front here, but really it just peeks out from underneath when it's down.) i wouldn't have expected any other color, she's been the pink girl from the start.

so, was this all natural momma always so chill about colored hair ~ no!
what my kids have taught me is, the colored hair will fade and their natural hair will grow back, but the memories of all the love that has been showered on them will last a lifetime. wishing you all rosey b-days and happy days sweetie! xo

now for some birds of a feather news ~
i have joined the fabulously talented women over at glitter & grunge! starting may 1st you can find my wares listed in their on~line co~operative boutique. i was thrilled when clare asked if i would join! may is such an inspiring month with may day, mother's day, and spring in full bloom, so i've been creating new paper baskets, mirrors, nests, and other goodies in the spirit of the season. did you catch the post on vintage indie, they've now partnered with g & g. can't wait to see the exciting creative things to come.

on the hunt ~

2008-04-24T06:49:00.011-04:00

what makes me weak in the knees, and my heart skip a beat ~ vintage millinery!
what have i been up to while the little one's been away? searching for vintage goodies on-line. not quite the same as the thrill of discovery finding a stash at an estate sale, flea market, or shop. the flowers are getting harder to find ~ looks like i know why, since these ladies seem to have quite the amazing collections! every day packages arrive, and hubby asks, what's in this one ~ more flowers and leaves? yup!

for all you millinery lovers, i have sad news ~ dulkin & derrick is closing it's doors in august! my friend lisa and i discovered this magical place years ago on a trip to nyc. a huge hulking frenchman formed each petal for their gorgeous flowers using metal molds, heated over a steaming cauldron ~ fascinating, and sadly a dying art!

lots to do today, as the little one touches down tomorrow at 7 a.m.~ on her birthday! a little family gathering tomorrow night, and then saturday her friends' celebration will surely rock the house! sunday you can bet we'll all be hanging out ~ i will be planting flowers!

My flickr Millinery Fave's ~ 1. Old Purse, 2. Details, 3. My Dress form, 4. pink chair, 5. lace and roses, 6. vintage millinery, 7. Vintage Millinery Trim, 8. Vintage Hat, 9. Vintage Pink Rose Hat, 10. Vintage Paper Flowers, 11. Vintage Ballerina Tutus, 12. Vintage millinery, 13. Velvet Pansies14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available

happy earth day ~

2008-04-22T20:47:00.009-04:00

happy earth day!

click on "earth" above ~ a special gift for the earth and you, enjoy!

these little nests are made from 100% recycled paper; i cut specialty papers, vintage text, and old letterhead into slivers and then shape into a sturdy little nest!

hope you enjoyed the day ~ it was glorious here!

nests & wings

2008-04-18T06:48:00.013-04:00

just like birds, i gather a little bit of this and that, mostly scraps of my specialty papers too small to use, vintage print from books and magazines, and sheets of old business letterhead in creamy white and ivory stock, cut into slivers, to create my paper nests ~ very resourceful and 100% recycled! shown here in the very rough beginning stage, just taking shape.

notes from the kitchen chalkboard ~

roots and wings...seems my little flock is growing faster each day. the little one got her wings yesterday, literally, as she flew off to california, solo. my sister & her hubby's gift to each of our kids when they turn 13. she looked back a couple of times, confident but unsure of what lay ahead, as i watched her go through security (with a lump in my throat, and a heart filled with joy for all the "gifts" she would be given along this journey.) an exciting trip to mark the beginning of her new grown up life. before she left, she informed us that she would be too busy and having too much fun to miss us! yes, she's ready to start spreading her wings. she called as soon as she touched down to tell us "i'm here!"

meet my new studio assistant ~

2008-04-14T06:23:00.023-04:00

matilda, sent by my sister and her hubby, isn't she sweet, kind of "vintage," but i've updated her, now she's hip, and on-line for the first time in her life (that was no small feat, and a huge learning curve for me!) now i can check orders and keep up to date all from my tiny upstairs studio. she is excellent at assisting my on-line purchasing too, which lately has been a whirl wind event. lots of pretty fabulous supplies coming in!

look all pictures, we're gonna get along just fine! don't get me wrong, i love to read books, just not instructions ~ too left brain for me...matilda understands. (yes, apple lovers, what can i say, i'm a late bloomer!)

since i seem to be on an office~y kick here...loved talking with kara the other day, felt like an old friend. i hope to visit her and darcy at their amazing shop, mcmaster & storm, someday. i've been eyeing their sweet italian staplers for some time and had to have one! are there really 1000 staples in that tiny box ~ really? i'm loving it, thanks girls!

this is my organizing station for packing orders. just about everything i need is right here; packaging, order forms, shipping labels, thank you tags, and ribbons.

my favorite pen ~ pilot razor point II. i love to write with it and doodle. hard to find, but worth the hunt.

well, that's what i've been up to lately.
working on some wonderful new designs,
can't wait to spill the beans about it all soon ~ promise!

gratitude

2008-04-04T09:52:00.009-04:00

sorry guys my listings have not been what i had hoped...this is a new kit, in the shop!

it's been a strange week, i've felt like i've been operating in slo-mo. the big guy has been really sick with a fever and called tuesday, just wanted mum to know. it's hard that he lives far away, it was all i could do to not drop everything and bring him food and be there with him. yesterday he was coming home to do some errands, car inspection, banking and stuff, getting ready for his big european adventure this summer. i felt so proud and impressed that he was planning so far in advance. he called me as he was leaving, and it was so good to hear his voice - he sounded so much better! then i got a call about an hour and a half later, "mom i'm 100% totally fine," and some guy bellowing next to him, "get off the phone!" that was a long few minutes until he called back. he had been in an accident, flipped his car twice and landed on the guard rail! everyone; the dr, officer, and junk yard guys all said, he's very lucky, that if he hadn't been wearing his seat belt things would have been very different, even still ~ he's VERY lucky! this was his first trip to the hospital, ever, and only a few minor scrapes, very lucky indeed! we've always called him the golden boy, good fortune seems to follow him, so glad this day it shined on him. all i know is today we are all so very grateful to have him, to be able to hold him, and tell him we love him!

this photo is when he turned 16, the day my father-in-law gave him his old honda. he was thrilled! my father-in-law bought it about six months before the big guy was born, and when he was little he put a puffy dandelion seed in the back ashtray, and it was still there. he appreciates little things like that, very sentimental he is. he loved that car, lots of great memories, like an old friend, and is sad that it's gone. fortunately it can be replaced. in 25 days we'll be celebrating all the more on big guy's 21st b-day ~ that is for sure!

buy glitter ~ change a life

2008-04-03T11:22:00.021-04:00

did any of you see the ellen degenerous show where she interviewed hillary clinton, and asked her if there was anything she could do to ban glitter? i recorded it, and it was too funny! ellen is co-hosting the american idol gives back fundraiser to benefit children and young people living in poverty, she then contacted a very crafty and generous chica, kathy, over at etsy, who created the charity glitter art sale. it's not too late, they are looking for lots of talented and sparkly artists to donate their work, so gather your materials and some glitter and contact kathy to sign up! now through april 9th you can buy art to help change children's lives.

This french style paper bucket with bird, ruffles, and a dusting of clear glass glitter is my donation, available in my shop.

SOLD ~ sweet heather from the speckled egg scooped up the basket!

thanks heather!