Sharing Christmas Treasures

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas.  Here are some of the sweet treasures my husband gave me for Christmas.  Amongst them are Rachel Ashwell's newest book Shabby Chic Interiors,  a vintage bluebird planter,  Zula Kenyon's The Song of the Bluebird framed art,  a glittered pink chapel, flowered plates and a teacup.  I am so thankful for all that I have and all the thought he put into these gifts.  I feel very fortunate.

He also found this artwork at an estate sale.  It is a huge framed print called Morning Melodies.  I have never seen it before and I am curious what year it is from.

Here is an Old South Romance Box.  I have never seen one of these before.  On the back label it says it was made by Old South Perfumes & contains 1 Eau de Cologne, 1 Perfumed Sachet, 1 Guest Soap & 1 Talcum Powder.  The top of the box says "Be Still, My Beating Heart".  The inside of the box is decorated with an old Marriage certificate.  How Sweet!

You're Invited

How charming it would be to add this Bliss Invitation to a sweet care package of yummy hot chocolate and delicious goodies for Christmas!

Sweetest Bluebird Matches

Here is a sweet simple way to decorate a box of matches.  You can print your favorite image, use scrapbook paper or even wrapping paper.  Just cut to size and use a gluestick to adhere the paper to the matchbox.  I used some glitter on the leaves and flowers.  I love glitter!  It is amazing how such small details can add so much charm to a gift.  I do believe that putting in the extra love and time into a gift means so much.  It is also an inexpensive way to personalize a gift and make it special.  Presentation goes a long way.  Add your matchbox with a favorite scented candle for a lovely holiday gift. 

Christmas Confession

I have to confess I have Christmas on the brain.  I have been thinking about it since October.  It is my favorite holiday.  I think it is the anticipation that I love.  My mind is filled with gift ideas, yummy treats to bake,  crafts to make and of course the wonderful old Christmas music I love so much.  I have already pulled out some of my ornaments from storage.  I can't wait to share it all with you.

Bluebirds and Yo-Yos

 

I was so excited to receive a surprise package in the mail for my recent birthday.   It was this sweet little bluebird coin bank.  I just love it.   Pictured behind it, is a Yo-Yo quilt pillow my dear Grandma made.  The colors are amazing and so cheerful.   Ever since Country Living magazine did a cover story on the Yo-Yo quilt several years ago, my Grandma has been lovingly making quilts and pillows.  They are so beautiful and are lovely in any cottage style or shabby chic home.   Yo-Yo quilts were popular in America in the 1920's to 1940's.  They are small circles of fabric gathered up at the edges and sewn together.  Many women used fabric from feed sacks.  Sew Sweet!

My Lastest Thrift Store Treasure

I am always on the look-out for anything that is vintage bluebird.   The bluebird treasures I do find are few and far between.   It is even better when I find one and it is a deal.  Last week I was at a little church thrift store I frequent and found this cute happy anniversary bluebird vase for only a dollar.  It fits in nicely with my vintage cake topper collection.  Happy Treasure Hunting!

Sweet Bamboo Handled Bag Sewing Project

These bags are so easy and fun to make.  They make great gifts.  I use mine on hooks as decorative storage.  I got this project from the Sew Pretty Homestyle book.  It is full of charming cottage style projects.  I love to use vintage linens.  The bluebird pocket was made from an old pillowcase that was a bit tattered.  I have made bags from vintage tablecloths as well.  You will need fabric for the bag and lining.  You will need two pieces of fabric for the lining and two pieces of fabric for the bag.  Cut all four pieces 18 x 20 inches.  This includes a seam allowance.  You can adjust the size if you want a smaller bag.  If you would like to add a decorative pocket or embroidery it is a good idea to do that first to one of the fabric pieces of the bag. Trace a plate then cut round edges of the bottom of the bag on all four pieces.  Place the lining pieces right side to right side against the fabric pieces, sew them together on the top half of the bag.  Fold  the fabric and lining apart and place the two bag parts against eachother, fabric to fabric and lining to lining. Sew around the edges leaving an opening in the bottom of the lining so you can turn the bag right side out.  After stitching up the lining all you need to do is add the handle.  Fold the top of the bag 3 inches down and mark the 3 inch line with disappearing ink or pins.  The book shows to hand stitch the handles on, but I like to use my sewing machine.  Happy Sewing!

Recipe For Yummy Fall Pumpkin Cookies

My daughter and I made these fast and easy cookies this afternoon.  These yummy cake-like cookies are delicious when paired with a favorite cup of tea or coffee.   Enjoy!

Click Recipe To Enlarge

My Favorite Month...October

It's October 1st, there is a chill in the air.  The days are getting shorter.  Musical raindrops tap at the roof and windows.  The trees dance in the wind.  There is something magical about this time of year.  It may be the changing weather, the amazing fall colors, or the anticipation of the holidays.

Just follow this recipe for a warm, cozy October.

First you will need to light a glowing candle.  Next, prepare a mug of your favorite warm beverage.  Grab your favorite blanket and find a spot to nest.  Finally, add a book or magazine to complete the recipe.  Enjoy!

The Last of the Summer Flowers

Here are the last bouquets of the summer.  The last little bit of happiness the garden offers before all turns to orange and brown.  It is amazing how a few cut flowers brought into your home can cheer the atmosphere!  I love roses!  The more you cut, the more they grow.   A little work and the joy that it brings is endless.  It doesn't get any better than that. 

Here is an exerpt from Country Living magazine from several years ago that I really enjoyed!

To own a bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds, and watch the renewal of life -- this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do.

-Charles Dudley Warner,

My Summer in a Garden(1870)

Collecting Vintage Ephemera

Above is a vintage 1916 bluebird postcard from my collection. I love collecting vintage greeting cards and postcards.  They have such wonderful artwork and cheerful messages.  It is easy on the wallet.  I usually find mine for around a dollar a piece.  If I am lucky I stumble along them for less or I get a bundle for a couple bucks.  An easy way to start your collection is through eBay.  I have found many vintage treasures online.  The cost for shipping is minimal for such items.  Happy Collecting!

Collecting Things You Love

I have found that when I am drawn to something, whether it is because the color is speaking to me or it has a time worn charm, that it all seems to work well together in my home. Many people try to match their decor. I believe that you should stick to what you love. There is something comforting when you are surrounded by vintage items mixed carefully with new items that have been thoughtfully arranged in your home. Inside you, there is an artist, even if you don't know it. It doesn't have to be expensive to collect treasured items. Often times I find them at garage sales, thrift stores, estate sales and my favorite local antique shops.