Valentines

It is several days after Valentines Day and the sun is shining.  I'm still enjoying the beautiful roses my hubby gave me along with a sweet gift box of goodies from a friend at work.  How sweet she is to include a bluebird valentine.  It is little details like this that really show people you care.  How charming!

Songs for Valentines Day

Here are some tunes for Valentines Day.  Enjoy!









And for all you singles...

More Embroidery

Here is my second embroidery project.  I think I am addicted!  Once I started I couldn't stop.   I wanted to embroider an image for my profile picture with a cute little bluebird, so I drew this and added a bluebird from a transfer I already had.  For the finishing touch I used pink chalk  for a little blush on her cheeks.  It took all day long, but was worth it. 

A Craft From The Past

I've always enjoyed collecting vintage embroidered linens with the sweet images of cartoon animals, flowerbaskets, southernbelles and bluebirds, so when I  saw this awesome book Embroidered Effects, I was inspired!  I decided to try my hand at embroidery.   Reading the book took the intimidation factor away.  The author of this book has an amazing website that offers fun projects and walks you through embroidery step by step.  http://www.sublimestitching.com/

I also found another blogger who shares her  charming vintage transfers with us to enjoy at http://www.mytransfers.blogspot.com/   I found a cute little teacup to start with.   All I needed to get started was an embroidery hoop, embroidery thread, a needle, a transfer pencil, some cotton fabric and an image.   First, I traced over the image with the pencil and transferred it onto the fabric using an iron.  Then, I put the fabric in the hoop and started to embroider.  I looked at some of my vintage embroidery to see how the stitches were done, but in the end decided to go with the split stitch suggested by Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching.  I had so much fun and can't wait to do more.  My next project will be some cute little bluebirds.

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.