Hopelessly Romantic Art Studio

Snippets

2012-01-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

So I received a perplexing e-mail yesterday. Pic nik, the photo editing site, that I use is closing in April. The e-mail directed future former users to go to google + for editing. Hmmm.... so I did, and it turned out to be picasa. I downloaded it and began to fiddle. Voila! Here is the result of my experimentation with a new editing program. Little bits of Hopelessly Romantic Art Studio's year of 2011

What do you think?

Waiting,,,,

2012-01-17T04:16:00.000-08:00

for our first grand baby girl to arrive! It's soooo terribly hard to sit still. Knitting and purling away on another sweet blankie for our bundle of joy helps...

BTW, i am using Debbie Bliss, baby chashmerino in light pink for this so soft blankie

should be soon now....sigh

would sooooo love to hear from you, dearies!

Cheery New Yeary!

2011-12-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

It's time to say so long to the Christmas season and hello to the

New Year!

Happy wishes to all!

Lil Pressies for Christmas!

2011-12-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

A little mug cosie, sporting a blue and red stripey pattern and pom pom accent is just the right pressie for loved ones this Christmas!

Inspired by a sweet design featured in the crafting magazine Mollie Makes!

Pom poms are fun!

Don't forget to.....

this holiday season

Have a very merry Christmas!!!!!

Cupcake Love!!!

2011-12-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

Red velvet cupcakes with blue buttercream frosting, made especially for Hope's baby shower. Why red and blue at such a PINK event?

They were inspired by the storybook, The Velvetteen Rabbit, of course!

Baby Bloomer Bunting

2011-12-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Adorable baby bloomer bunting....made by yours truly for the tiny bundle of joy due to arrive in January.

all in shades of pink!

Cuteness!!!!

Inspiration Colors

2011-12-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

Icecream Social jelly bellies, pink stripey straws, Cath Kidson napkins, and pink, polka dotted ones too inspire dreams of a perfectly pink baby shower color scheme!

And... dreams do come true....

Hope your dreams come true too!

Big Project Blues

2011-11-07T04:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been absent even more from my usual sporadic posting. I have taken on a major project that has to do with ...

Lots and lots and lots of paint!

Wonderful, winsome,white paint. Talk about being covered from head to toe with paint, white paint. Don't know what I was thinking taking on such a huge,way over my head project before the Thanksgiving Holiday. Oh my, it will all be worth it when done.

Because the painted somethings will match this color palette. I can't wait to see how this ginormous project will turn out!

Pumpking Bunting!

2011-10-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

I created this pumpkin bunting from black board ATC cards, then wrote a little message on them!

Happy October 31st

and a happy m

Monday filled with more treats than tricks!!!!!!!

Apple Picking

2011-10-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and I am ready for an adventure! Time to head for the hills in search of apples to pick. And it is an an adventure.... at least a new experience, because I have never actually picked any before. Hillcrest Farms has just the right orchard!

There is something so charming about apples in the tree! It would be lovely to leave them there, but even more lovely to taste their sweet fresh flavor!

hmmm this one will be just right....

for the cute little apple jackets I chrocheted, inspired by my new fav magazine, Mollie Makes.

All in a row now!

Since we are picking apples, which apple with its cosy jacket is your favorite?

Waiting For the Next Color!

2011-09-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Back in June our daughter, Hope, along with her husband Jeremy announced they were expecting their first child. Yippee!!!!! Our first grandchild, I'm soooooo excited!

The plan was to find out out as soon as possible whether the bundle of joy, be boy or girl. Sooooo I decided to start on a baby blanket. I couldn't help myself. Inspired by Maaike's (creJJtion.blogspot.com) baby boy blanket in a Chevron pattern , I began crocheting, however using pastel colors. Working with the chevron pattern, brought back fond momories of my learning to crochet at the age of 14 with this very pattern. I kept crocheting until I had to know whether the next color would be a darker blue or pink. Hmmmm

Finally , the much awaited date of "finding out" arrived. The baby cooperated and the next color is pink!!!!!

Now, I am happy as a clam crocheting away on my grandaughter's blanket!!! Did I mention I am soooo excited to be a grandma!!!!

p.s. I borrowed the idea of the yarn in the bowl from Koralee at bluebird notes.blogspot.com

He he he.....

2011-09-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some pretty fall flowers from the garden with you! Pretty pink dahlias and some fushia yarrow.
Happy September to you!

Wowzzers....

2011-09-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

was one of the comments I heard, about this flower arangement with the gumballs. Here it is in its rightful place beside the cupcake stand on the dessert table!

The event: Lloyd and Aundi's wedding rehearsal dinner.

Little Favors...

2011-09-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

are sweet things to give and to do for others...
being open to opportunities to brighten someone's day with a heartfelt expression...

can bring a sense of delight to ourselves in return!

I was excited to make these sweet favors for my son's wedding rehearsal dinner! From the macarons to the crocheted hearts, it was a delightful way to express our family's gratitude to the wedding party for being a part of such a special time in our son's life!

Ohh, the heart design came from Maaike, the lovely creator of the blog creJJtion. Her tutorial was so easy to follow; I was hooked! I knew the hearts would be the perfect embellishment for the macaron boxes!

My First Try....

2011-08-30T13:05:00.001-07:00

at macarons. My guide to entering the world of preparing these french delicasies was, I Heart Macarons by Hisako Ogita. I learned about this how to book from Anne Marie, of the famed Na Da Farm. Anne Marie shared a post about her first batch of macarons. Since I am the queen of do it yourself, I had to get my hands on the book. And i did! :) I finally got around to making the sweet morsels for the special occasion of my son's wedding rehearsal dinner. I had heard they were quite difficult to make so if they didn't turn out well I would have to have a plan B. Hmmmm

The first pan!!!!

The most important factor that determines a successful macaron is the "pied" or foot that forms at the base of the macaron.... I did a little happy dance around the kitchen when all the macarons on the pan had their tiny feet.

Voila! Green colored macorons with a green apple marshmellow filling!

Made forty of these babies to use as favors for my son's wedding rehearsal dinner. I was so relieved that I could actually make these! Even better they were super yummy, if I do say so myself.

After eating quite a few of the miss shaped misfits....

p.s. Why so much green you may ask. The color theme for the wedding was classic white and black with a green apple accents. I just love a theme!!!!!

Goody, Goody Gumballs!

2011-08-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

850 green apple flavored ones to be precise. What in the world would one do with sooooo many gumballs? What would you do with that many gumballs?

I actually do have plans for all these gumballs. Would you care to venture a guess on what those plans might be? In the mean time I'll be seeing green and counting gummy orbs of goodness to fall asleep instead of sheep! LOL

Gifts

2011-08-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

"One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach---- waiting for a gift from the sea."
said Anne Morrow Lindbergh in her book, Gift From the Sea. Each year I like to read this highly, introspective book, along with taking a trip back to Florida to spend some much needed time at the beach. My gifts this year- shells! Most of these shells were collected from the beach where my husband and I honeymooned years ago.

My other gift, new memories to add to many others...

the beach baby to the right of the gentleman is me, the gentleman is my father and the other beachbaby is my older brother...this is one of my favorite pictures; taken in 1960...

" The waves echo behind me. Patience-Faith-Openess,

is what the sea has to teach"

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

The Cup cake speaks....

2011-07-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Summer is quickly slipping by .... take time to taste its goodness!

Blueberry picking...

2011-07-05T16:36:00.001-07:00

amounts to a whole lot of summer yum. My sweet Zoe came all the way from Indiana for a visit. One of the things we did together was pick blueberries, along with Zoe's mom and my good friend, Chrissy. Of course we sampled as we picked, but still came away with enough berries for a pie or two.
Zoe was kind enough to don an apron and give you a peek at our pickings.

What have you been picking lately?

More Wedding Pictures!

2011-06-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

Getting ready ... Here comes the bride...

Joy carried a bouquet of twenty-five white peonies and lambs ear. Although it was a vintage inspired wedding there are touches of the modern. All the men in the wedding wore gray converse shoes, aka chucks.

Exchanging of the vows!

Joy with her brides maids and man of honor.

Matt with his groomsmen...

Lil tug o war fun....

Look out below!

The wedding was such a joyously, fun event. These pictures are courtesy of

Hope Adams Photograpy..... please like her on facebook! Hope is also the proud sister of the bride and juggled her wedding duties beautifully.

Thanks for sharing in the Posey-Lesley wedding joy!

A penny for my shoe.

2011-06-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. So the old saying goes

My daughter Joy was married last Saturday. It was a very beautiful event with a sentimental vintage theme. Just one of these sentiments was the detail of having pennies to tuck inside her wedding shoes. It's hard to find pennies from 1956, but she did it!

the something blue is on her shoeclips... Joy ordered these from etsy, then we embellished them with some vintage hat netting and buttons from great grandma's button jar.

The something borrowed is my mother's wedding dress... she wore it June 30th 1956...thus the year of the penny.

Doesn't it look lovely on Joy... June 11th 2011!

Pink...

2011-05-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

is blooming in the garden... old english roses on a silver tray.

I adore the many petaled cabbage rose.

A closer look.

Here's a smidge of shabby chic~ness. Another variety of english rose in a peachy pink tone. These roses smell heavenly !

Old fashioned hollihocks are sweet too!

What's blooming in your garden, hmmmmmn ?

Alas... not meant to be...

2011-05-17T04:53:00.000-07:00

these yellow straws were supposed to accompany Sanpellgrino bottles for my daughter, Joy's, wedding reception. But, the venue would not allow outside bevereges to come in. I ordered the straws from Shop sweet LuLu. These lil beauties make me smile.

The packaging was even happy!

Onehundred-twenty yellow striped straws! On the bright side, we can still use them with the other drinks.

But, I don't think they will look as sweet or pretty.

Cest la vie...in the meantime, I will enjoy a tasty little sip!

Life

2011-05-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Whether via circumstances, relationships, or emotions life can seem like a tangled mess... but, with a little time, effort, and thoughtfullness the mess can be straightened out... because some things in life are to valuable to discard...

and eventually the beauty that results is worth the trouble.

Sort of like the cashmere yarn that became tangled; it was too valuable to throw out. After four frustrating hours I was able to get it untangled and into a workable form. Do you like the results?

2011-04-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
This is Hope here. I thought I would post a few of the engagement photographs of my little brother and his finace! That is right we have another wedding in the works here at Hopelessly Romantic Art Studio! This one will be in August and everyone is excited! Espeically Gerri (mom) This is will the final wedding for the Lesley family! Now if she could only convince us to have some grandbabies, instead of brining home grand puppies!!!! Lol. Enjoy the photos, I defintly had fun taking them.

More to come ...

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Let me share some bunny...

Withyou! This is Toots my new rabbit. She is a dwarf rabbit so she won't get much larger. she arrived just in time for Easter!

She is gray with a little brown....

I call her my little dust bunny,lol

May the joy of Easter and the miracle of new beginnings be yours!

Baby Love

2011-04-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a few baby things. My friend Kelley is hosting a baby shower for another friend's daughter. Banner for the shower! A little collage to see the details...

Matching hat and those spoken for booties. Peter Rabbit is one of my favorite childrens books to read aloud. Kelley is using Peter Rabbit as a theme for the shower.

Baby spoon! I collect them... because you never know when one might come in handy.

it's all about...

Craving Lemon Cake

2011-04-12T04:31:00.001-07:00

I've been on a lemon kick lately. I suppose it all started with that lemon cupcake and french lemonade. My mother used to make a mouth watering lemon cake ... I couldn't get it off my mind...so the only thing to do was make one. Eggs from my hens, Madeline and Meg... Beat them till frothy, then add the cake mix....

After popping the cake in the oven, time to make the glaze... lemon juice,butter, and powdered sugar

Melt it all together in a pot...

then spoon on top...

Voila! lemon cake. Lemony yummyliciousness!

Baby Love!

2011-04-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

So I've been working on some baby things....spring is in the air you know. These little blue and yellow booties are made from a baby alpca yarn, and are amazingly soft...and are already spoken for. But, these little darlings are being offered in our etsy shop. they are made of the softest 100% cashmere. Sooooo soft!

Sweet Mary Janes with tiny flower buttons.

Baby booties, don't you love them!

A Great Find!

2011-04-04T15:46:00.001-07:00

While I was out antiqueing a couple of weeks ago, I happened upon Dawn Edmomdson's french milled soap! I was so tickled. I share Dawn's love of birds. And the sight of a blue egg always brings a smile to my face. I just love the packaging.... it's almost a shame to take the eggs out to put them in a pretty dish. Five eggs! They smell heavenly.

Maybe I will keep them in the packaging for just a little longer... just because it is a pleasure to behold! Ohhh, be sure to check out Dawn's blog, The Feathered Nest. (link on my blog roll)

2011-04-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

Shopping Spree!

2011-03-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

After getting my taxes done last, I went shopping. Figured I deserved to treat myself a little after such a disagreeble task. The yarn store always puts me in a good mood. To my surprise a Fresh Market store opened in the same retail center. Whoo hoo, the day instantly improved. Some of my purchases~ Lorina sparkling lemonade, daffodils, and a yummy, lemon~coconut cupcake.

Taxes forgotten, the warm, spring day's highlight was the delightful repast enjoyed in the sunroom with my feet up

That cupcake was better than it looks!

The Shower Part II Intro

2011-03-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks Hope for creating this amazing video!

The Shower Part II

2011-03-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

The first guests arrive: left to right~ (partially pictured) Chandra, Kris ( soon to be mother in love), Julie, Kelley, and those feet are Aundi ( bridesmaid) Ohhh... the lovely lady in the mirror is Jennifer!

Waiting......

We played one ice breaker game then made button rings....

They also served well as the party favor!

Ring choices.....Hmmmmmn

Putting them together.... I think everyone enjoyed themselves! You do see a guy! That is Jordan, Joy's man of honor. He will be standing up for her with the bride's maids and matorn.

He was a great sport!

Choices, choices... soooo many buttons.

Some results! Everyone did a great job creating their ring and all left the shower with a unique memento!

Jordan's masculine take.

Opening gifts.... Yay!

Herbs for the kitchen from mom in love, Kris...

Sweet handmade love birds from Chandra...

There were many more gifts, of course, all greatly appreciated!

Next the big "I do"!

To see more of Joy's wedding preparations visit her blog, whimsy wedding bliss.

Find her link on our blog roll!

52...

2011-03-17T15:18:00.001-07:00

Violets, one for each year iv'e been blessed with...

life on this beautiful earth!

We choose the manner of living we conduct ourselves in.

I choose to live creatively, thankfully, and joyfully!

Pretty!

2011-03-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

The first grape hyacinths of spring! Three tiny blooms with a promise of more to come...

Sort of like this post after a while of not having internet access. There will be more posts to come from me! My wonderful children gifted me with a new lap top computer for my birthday and in an attempt to solve our internet connection problems I unknowingly updated to a wireless modem. Sooooo I am in techy heaven!

Blissfully yours, Gerri

Remember...

2011-03-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

those yellow buttons? The ones I hand dyed. I used them to make invitations for my daughter Joy's bridal shower. Buttons will play a considerable part in her wedding theme. Soooo we decided to extend that theme to the shower as well! See if you can guess the two main colors of the wedding.

I designed the invite, Hope brought the vision to reality with her graphic art skills; then i embellished to my hearts content.

The vintagesque button card invitations followed the vintage theme of Joy's vision for her wedding.... then came the shower

vintage table cloth, napkins, and vases on the table...

Lovely vintage dress Joy is wearing!

Cupcakes and button sugar cookies; all yummy!

My mother made the cupcakes. Lemon cake filled with lemon curd with cream cheese incing or whipped vanilla cream icing. We made sweet fondant buttons for them to wear!

Daffodils in vintage milk glass vases.

The quintessential party planner diva put the forks in the cocktail purse. Totally love it!

Three generations of women in our family came together to make and celebrate this special event!

lft. to rt~ Mary Lou (my mother), Jennifer, Hope, Joy,(my daughters) and moi~

The bride....

Visit again for the bridal shower part II.

The next "it" thing...

2011-03-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

according to the quintessintial party planning diva is...

an elegant dessert fit for those special occasions of life, which threatens the popularity of the cupcake. Actually my Fla. BFF, Kelley, brought these delightful confections all the way from a french bakery on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, FL to moi.

And being a lover of all things French they were tres magnifique!!!!

XOXO Kelley !!!!

MMmmmmn mmmmn Good!

2011-02-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

Mr. Romantic whipped up this sweetheart of a breakfast for me one morning.
Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream. He also brewed a pot of my favorite flavored coffe and served it in my favorite cup!

He is such a...
XOXO

Button Box Tops...

2011-02-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

To borrow a phrase, are a good thing!

Twenty box tops nestled around a pink primrose are even better!

Have I mentioned that I adore buttons!

These tops along with their bottoms will house some spiffy button rings that will be made at an upcoming event!

I heart...

2011-02-15T14:09:00.001-08:00

Pink german glass glitter and silver boullion. I put the two together in the form of a tiny heart garland.

I also adore buttons!

A closer look reveals this lil heart needs a touch up of glitter to make its rosy cheek shine.

Now to find the perfect object to wrap these hearts around.... hmmm

wishing all a...

2011-02-13T17:24:00.000-08:00

This is an ATC sized Valentine I made especially for all my blog friends on the most celebrated romantic days of the year.

Actually, I challenged myself to make one of these special sentiments each day before the 14th. Unfortunately i decided to do this the 9th of February, lol, better late than never. I love collage, and it was great to exercise that side of my brain once again!
Sooooo I hope you have a great and most romantic Valentines Day!

XOXO

Eye Candy!

2011-02-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

I just .... this sweets spot in my kitchen

jars full of love...

for all my sweet hearts!

Welcome February...

2011-02-01T04:08:00.000-08:00

a month of romance... in mid winter...

to celebrate warm, heartfelt sentiments!

Dishing up Some Vintage Goodness...

2011-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

from the Nicholas Kniel Store in Atlanta, Ga. This is an odd assortment of frippery that I picked up from this amazing store last Saturday. Millinery flowers, silver boullion, dresden will all be used is some project or another!

Or they can sit in a silver vase in the studio until inspiration strikes... spring is coming, after all.

but, first February will arrive, bringing Valentines Day with it. These little posies will make a fine offering don't you think?

Adieu, mes amis!

Hands Full....

2011-01-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

of buttons! Vintage buttons that have been dyed yellow by moi! What shall become of them? For now, they will rest in a jar...waiting to be used in a special project.

Curious?

A New Year A New Season

2011-01-17T13:16:00.000-08:00

Sending you a belated Happy New Year wish! Much has been going on in the realm of the glitzy pixies, eventhough we have not posted as dilegently as we should... Gerri has been hard at work on the home front shabby chicing her home. Hope has been hard at work bringing photography bliss to many a bride and groom.

New Seasons: Alas, due to the practicality of earning a living I (Gerri) have had to work more hours away from home and studio and have not been able to create or develop workshops. Actually we have come to the sad conclusion, that we will have to postpone the workshops for a time... hopefully not to long.

But do not despair we will be offering some little whimsies on our etsy store and promise to let you know what we are up to, dear blog friends.

Fit for a Princess!

2010-11-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share some pics of the latest glittery delight a certain glitzy pixie whipped up for a little girl's birthday party!

The little darling turned ...
and was having a butterfly themed party...

She was gleefully delighted with her butterfly crown.... as any princess would be.

Oh... there may be an extra one of these lying around if your interested!

Chapeaus!

2010-11-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

You may have been wondering what I (Gerri) have been up to while Hope has been working for her worthy cause. The answer is knitting! I have recently added two hats to our etsy store.

This super, soft pink, slouch beret~

Here's a little close up so you can see the embroidered details. Oh, and that is a vintage button my dears.
This one is my favorite~ A charcoal gray tweed with crocheted flowers, and vintage millinery leaves!

Of course, a little bling added in the form of rhinestones!

Don't you think my model looks like Lorelie Gilmore, from the sitcom Gilmore Girls?

Actually, she is my daughter Joy. Check out her blog, Whimsy Wedding Bliss, you can see what else I've been up to lately.

Hugs, Gerri

Pink

2010-11-02T11:34:00.001-07:00

Hope and the chick-fil-a chicks successfully completed the 60 mile 3 day walk for the Susan G. Komen foundation. Their team raised close to ten thousand dollars! So, thanks ladies, for all those who donated to the cause!

~ HIP HIP HURRAY FOR THE CHICK~FIL~A CHICKS

Walking for the cure!

2010-10-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

The chick fil a chicks have been busy training for the Susan G Komen 3 day walk for life! It's a little more than a week away, eeek!

Even more grueling, is the fund raising... Hope is soooo close to her goal!

If you would consider, dear blog friends, helping her reach her fund raising goal, and in reality being part of the truly noble goal of finding a cure for breast cancer, I along with the chick fil a chicks, would be eternally grateful!

Oh... the donation link is super easy to use... so easy I could even use it!

Thanks and bless you, for being apart of Hope's journey!

p.s From left to right in the pic: Hope Adams ( my daughter), Laura Lee Nix (owner operator of the Thorton Rd. Chick Fil A, and Connie Woods(good friend and chick fil a employee)

The First Step

2010-08-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
This is Hope here the silent partner of Hopelessly Romantic Art studio. You are probably wondering what has taken over our blog and why my running shoes are on the banner of our blog. Well my shoes and I are about to take of one the biggest adventures of my life! I have taken an incredible challenge. On October 22 -24, 2010, me and my shoes will be walking 60 miles over the course of three days, camping out at night with thousands of other women and men who are taking this journey with me. It's for an event called the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. All of the net proceeds are invested in community based breast health programs and breast cancer research. Susan G. Komen for the Cure works hard to build a future without breast cancer, and I plan on raising $2,300 to help bring us closer to that goal.
This is quite an undertaking for me. I will be walking in a team with my boss and co-workers. Our team name is the Chick-fil-A Chicks! We are so excited to be doing this, and one of our team members is a breast cancer survivor. We are honored to have her with us. When Laura Lee (my boss) first approached me about walking I was pretty hesitant. I mean 60 miles in three days is an amazing feat!!!! I wasn't sure if I was up to it. I was like, I haven't ever really been affected by breast cancer, why would I be walking? Then I started to talking to people around me, women I have known for years and began to find out how many of them have been affected by this disease. Wonderful women who I would have never had the privilege to know or still have in my life, if they had not beat breast cancer. I even found out from my mother that one of my Great Aunts passed away from breast caner. I realized that this disease while not directly altering my life has touched so many around me. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. When I sit down and think about how many women I know and are related to, it really hits home how close this disease is to touching my life and the lives of women around me. So that is when I made my decision, I was going to walk. It didn't matter that it was 60 miles, what is that compared to fighting for my life. I am proud to say that I going to make a difference and help bring us closer to the future where breast cancer is curable. Who knows maybe it will be my sister, or daughter, or niece, or granddaughter that will one day benefit from the work Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure is doing.
Please consider giving a donation to become a part of this journey with me. I am going to be updating everyone from time to time on how I am doing on training, during the walk and more. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog. I am so excited on taking my first adventure, and I hope you will join me!

Hope

Texture...

2010-08-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

One example of the different textures used in the Boho Eclectic wedding decorating scheme is the happy Couple's Collage Centerpiece I made for the guest book table. I used a wonderful vintage frame I found at Refind Maison Jardin (link on blog roll). I love the yummy chippy white carvings of this frame.

The backround, a map of France by Cavalini Papers and old green velvet material, is layered with a blown up poster of one of the couple's engagement photos. This pic is one of the ones used for their wedding invitation Hope designed using Vista Print. Ohh... Hope also took the engagement photos and the wedding pics. She really captured the romance of the whole affair!

Also in this pic are old vintage millenry flowers and some new paper petals, with vintage hand dyed seem binding.

A strip of burlap( I also used burlap for the table runners at the reception) with glittered numbers and more engagement photos. Check out the hearts in the red doors (center).

The newlyweds got to go home with the collage....but I kept the frame lol.

Naming a style.

2010-08-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I described Jennifer's (daughter#3) wedding decorating syle as Bohemian Eclectic. Bohemian is the sense as unconventional and non conforming to traditional patterns of decoration. Eclectic as in selecting materials from various sources of style.

The elements of Boho Eclectic are: color (lots of it!), texture, layers, various patterns, along with whimsical, vintage, and cultural accents. An excellent example- the guest book.
Made from an antique French book.

Corner detail- Hand dyed seam binding from the Ribbon Emporium, at Lakewood.

Oh... Boho Eclectic also includes oodles of flowers!

Decorative paper from the Paper Source; a store in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood of Atlanta. I just love it!

Machine stitched vintage printed paper on the old pages of the antique book.

I used the crop a dile to punch the holes into the book's front and back. Then had to reinforce the holes in the book pages. Love all the texture?

Not the usual guest book.... but we like it!

Bunch of Butonniers

2010-08-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

Daughter #3 naively consented to let me handle the decorating and a few other things for her wedding; keeping her preferences in mind, of course. hehehe. The wedding is less than two weeks away eeeeeekkkkk! If there is a particular style for this event it would have to be called Bohemian Eclectic.

One of the "other things" is making the boutonnieres. Here goes!
Materials: Wool, old shirt, burlap, and felt

Process:

All cut out!

Middle of leaves:

Felt backing:

Sewing the rosettes:
(I had to change the color of the burlap because the darker could not be dyed to the right color.)

Voila!

Knitting Fever...

2010-07-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

I had mentioned in an earlier post that this malady has come upon me early this year. I can trace the beginnings of this contagion back to the first time I spied Jenny Doh's cabbage rose knitted cuff on her blog. To my absoulute delight she offers a kit on her website CRESCENDOh.com. I quickly ordered it.

If Jenny only knew how "me" this cuff is! Waiting for it to come in the mail was excruciating. Actually, it came very quickly (kudos to CRESCENDOh). Those of you who have followed this blog for awhile know how much I appreciate great packaging. Well, I was not dissapointed when it came time to open the joli paquet. It came enclosed in a cellophane bag~ the better to get a peek~ A gift of post cards with Jenny Doh's mantra Art Saves in the form of art work by Danita (left) and Michelle Ward (top). A stamped muslin draw string bag held the makings of the cuff.

These are going on my heart board!

Inside the bag!

I'm in love with these knitting needles wrapped in script and tied with twine.

The hemp and ribbon on vintage spools~Totally Cool~

I adore the buttons in the cellophane bag stapeled closed with the vintage dictionary script "Devote"
I could sense the devotion to detail that went into packaging this sweet kit.

I couldn't wait to get started. I loved working with the hemp and silk ribbon. The directions were easy peasy to follow.
~ Voila~ The front.

The back view

On me

Thanks, Jenny, for a great project and your devotion to art that inspires creativity!
For those of you who aren't afraid of catching a creative fever, click on Jenny's link found on our blog roll!

Beauty for Ashes...

2010-07-20T04:57:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year a horrible thing happened my photogropher, daughter Hope. Her camera was stolen. This inspired me to go ahead and invest in a better camera for our business and blogging purposes. Here is a pic she took with our new Nikon CoolPix L110

Though we may weep through the night... joy comes in the morning!

Etoiles de la Mer!

2010-07-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

One of these things is not like the others ~ I took some tiny star fish gathered from my travels to Tarpon Springs, FL tourist trap called the sponge docks. They sell all sorts of shells, sharks teeth, and sponges there. I pained the dainty etoiles with white paint, then applied white german glass glitter, and finally glued a ribbon tie. These little babies can be hung from various creative places. Quite a handful I must say.

I love this vintage brooch.

Makes me want to go to the beach!

Baby Shower Gifts

2010-07-13T03:19:00.000-07:00

Hope and I went to a baby shower Sunday. Unlike a normal person, who goes to the store picks out something nice, from the registry of course, I just have to "make" something.
Check out this onesies and wash cloth bouquet. The idea came from Kelley Bell the quintessential party planning diva. She does these for all the baby showers she plans.

They are a lot harder to do than they look

Knitting fever has hit early this year in the form of ~Sweet Mary Janes~

Just love the buttons

Not hard to guess the gender of the new bundle of joy!

Par Hasard....

2010-07-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

Which is French for random. I wanted to share some random experimental pictures I took with my new camera, A Nikon Cool Pix L110, I am sooooo excited I just have to speak in exclamation points!!!!!!!!

Here is my first shot with the zoom lens, this little vingette sits on our kitchen table...

This is a little vintage shoe I picked up on a treasure hunt, embellished with vintage millenry flowers ... this shoe will be the inspiration for something dreamy.... you know how much I love shoes! I think this shot is a little out of focus though.

Close up of the vintage earing.... love it!!!!!!

I might be a little unsual on the nerdy side to get so excited about such a thing as a new camera... but I can't help myself. Do you have a camera story to share? :)

The summer is flying by tooo fast...

2010-06-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

while i am racing around .... ( Yes that is me holding on for dear life in the passenger seat) cleaning up after the new puppy...its soooo worth it; I am totally smitten...

cleaning vintage bottles for the upcoming wedding #1 (more later)

Hunting crinolines for a certain wedding dress.... (wedding #2)

But I am taking time to smell the daisies... (Thanks Hassie)

~ Because, after all, life is a great ride! ~

Isn't it funny....

2010-06-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

how you will be talking with someone about a particular thing...
and low and behold that particular thing pops up again in a totlly unrelated way.
This particular thing of which I speak is Sanpellgrino limonata.
My daughter #1 (I have 3) is getting married in June 2011 and wanted to have this particular beverage served at the reception. Why, because the bottle is pretty and the right color. The colors of the wedding will be blue and yellow. I had heard of Sanpellegrino, but never tasted or seen one..... A few weeks later my dear friend Hassie and I got together to go treasure hunting aka antique and thrift store shopping. Look what she gifted me with a beautiful blue hydrangea in of all things a Sanpellegrino limonata bottle! OMG, of course, I had to tell her all about daghter #1's plans for said beverage...

a few weeks later while shopping with daughter #1 and daughter #3 for daughter #3's wedding this August, eeeeeek, what did we happen upon sooo unexpectedly, a case of Sanpellegrino limonata. SQUEELS of delight ensued as we quickly purchased the case, eager to taste this stylish drink.

I must say Sanpellegrino limonata, to coin a phrase is a good thing. It also makes a great vase for a blue hydrangea!

Please tell me it's not wrong to pick a reception drink because the bottle is pretty.

Blessings

2010-05-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Creatively counting your blessings seems to be the trend in the art and blog world these days.
This is one trend I can embrace whole heartedly. One of my greatest blessings is my friend Kelley, of dear jane fame. She is one of the most giving, thoughtful, and encouraging people I know, along with being the best party planning diva ever!

Thanks Kelley for being a blessing to this Hopeless Romantic.

Ohh... and she loves cupcakes almost as much as I do!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to send a big Happy Mother's Day to all my blog friends and share some pics of a few flowers that are blooming in the garden....

Pretty in pink peonys

Here are some white peonys and Iceberg roses.

and some pretty English roses too!

I just love all the shades of pink!

Selah!!!

More Flowers!

2010-04-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Lately... I've been experimenting with crocheted flowers. I purchased a tutorial video of a crocheted flower and button necklace designed by the sensational Jenny Doh of Somerset fame.

She makes her's with hemp yarn and dyed vintage buttons. But, I have been infatuated with a certain yellow lace weight baby alpaca yarn... soooo I used it instead along with sweet ,tiffany ,blue buttons, gleaned from my grandmother, Flossie's, button jar. Oh, did I mention that yarn is super yummylicious soft.

Then..I added vintage rhinestones for some bling

Voila...Instant charm

If you want to check out Jenny Doh's necklace or purchase a kit from her, click onto her link found on our blog list

Meanwhile.... flowers are popping out all over the place here.

It's Spring and...

2010-04-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

I caught a wild hare.... Who knows what bout of creative frenzy it may bring on...

But first I must clean the studio.... From

Top to....

bottom...
Happy Spring!

A little green...

2010-03-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

Especially when it's Wendy Addison's citron glass glitter!!!!

Which just happens to be the twinkley muse for an upcoming workshop!!!!!

Stay tuned.....for more info

Inspiration!

2010-03-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

A sweet breeze of inspiration blew in from New Hampshire via sunny Florida, affecting a lovely, rosy glow on the once pale cheeks of creativity....

AKA, my friend Lynne. She and her family stopped in for a visit on their way back home. Lynne is a fantastic artist. We had an, oh soooo short morning to create together before she had to head north. She showed me a stamping technique that I had been wanting to learn. She also took out some goodies from her travel "tool kit" in order to show me her latest obsession...

Flowers!!!!!!! Missing from the picture above is the great set of punches she had....

Felt, burlap, sheet music, tulle, twine, ink, and a little glitter and voila, a sweet boutonniere perhaps...

And a "vintage" crepe paper lovely!

Oh the wonders of vintage sheet music and coffee filters.

Lynne shared with me the technique to get that hazy glow of color along with the tinted edge... so simple... yet so unattainable with everything I had tried before... just move the stamp in a circular motion... and of course, use Tim Holtz"s products.

~ Thanks, Lynne, for the inspiration and visit... oh, and the sharing of stash :) ~

February...

2010-02-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

has simply flown by. I haven't posted much or have been very creative, but I have thought of you dear blog friends often... musing over what pretty vingette to put to together, photograph, and upload to share with you all. This blog land has been a great experience and opened up new flights of fancy, sense of belonging, and oodles of inspiration for me. You all mean so much...

Life has away of sweeping you away and making you see things from a new perspective... Responsbilities have made it necessary for me to work outside the home., leaving less time for studio fun and creative pursuits. Honestly, I have just been plane tired. Maybe its the dreary winter days having their effect or a case of the doldrums. But, I am totally longing for spring and a new season of creativiy. I am sure it will be here soon.

Thank you dear blog friends for letting me open up a little....

This little treat box was made with vintage wall paper, crepe paper, velvet leaves, and millenry flowers....

I heart shoes!!!!!!!!

2010-02-12T05:22:00.000-08:00

Another post about shoes....just can't help myself. The little cobbler pixies were busy making these sweet slippers just in time for the most romantic of holidays.

~ Happy Valentines Day! ~

Romantic Cuff

2010-02-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

I just had to share these pics with you! What a difference between Hope's photography and mine. This hand made cuff is now available on our etsy shop. Along with another romantic addition... more about that later in another post. I am always amazed at Hope's talent and eye for a great composition! I can't help it if I am biased and a proud mother...

Hmmmm... I wonder what I could do with a better camera :)

I felt it...

2010-02-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

is the answer to the question- what do I do when I can't find a good quality felt for a project. Umm hmmm... Neccessity is the mother of invention!

Take 100% wool yarn, then knit to desired size. Throw it in the wash and then ~

Voila~ felt

And what is the felt for, you may ask. A romantic cuff! Our latest workshop project.

Check out these beauties-from the "Wearing our hearts on our sleeves" workshop. All the ladies did a great job.

The hearts are made of paper clay, then stamped and painted, then embellished with the saying "eternal devotion". One of the attendees made the observation that it's amazing how different each person's project turns out even when using the same supplies. It's wonderful how we are all unique with our own creative vision.

As always we had a great time!

I'm Seeing Red...

2010-01-15T04:07:00.000-08:00

for an upcoming project for our Etsy Shop...

Glitter, flowers, buttons, and ribbon -just a few of my favorite things!

White Wednesday!

2010-01-13T05:52:00.001-08:00

I might be jumping into this univited... but I had to share this lovely find.

Vintage silk fleurs purchased at Nicholas Kniel's beautiful shop in Sandy Springs, Ga.
Why for? To make an amazing head piece for a most beautiful bride to be's hair!!!!!

More about that later..... I'm soooooo excited!

Hard to put away...

2010-01-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

is this Christmas tree topper hat.

It was a gift from "monn ami", Kelley, of dear jane fame. She is the quintessential party planning diva, and my chief enabler and now cohort in the creation of whimsy, glittery, and pretty. She gets me and never asks (about my handmade trifles), what is that for, why, or what do you do with it?

Kelley was good enough to share the fruits of her first workshop with me. I adore it so much I thought I would spread the joy! A close up of the featured project. A sweeeet hat for the Christmas tree!

See some peeks of the work shop on her link on my blog roll. You'll be glad you did!

BTW, It is updated.

Wonder

2010-01-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

The other day, while trying to fill the void tween Christmas n the New Year, I picked up Sarah Ban Breathnach's book, Romancing the Ordinary, A Year of Simple Spledor. Since this is hopelessly romantic talking here, the title immediately applealed to me. I was not dissapointed. In one of her essays, Sarah, speaks of the "Essence of Wonder", and how easily the sense of wonder is replaced by indifference, due to the work-a-day, deadline,and chore filled lives we lead. For us artistic folk exposure to, or infection of this sort of apathy can be disheartening, if not toxic to our sensitive souls.

Ms. Ban Breathnach explains, "wonder is that extravagant state of bliss induced by something new- the strange, astonishing, mysterious, and the unexpected." She encourages us that, "each glorious day should begin and end in the reverence and rapture of wonder."

Then, she challenges us to find five reasons each day to say, "this is wonderful", and to keep track of our wonders by writing them down in some sort of journal......

So, as I sit looking out my window at the cold, bleak, drippy January day, my heart skips a beat while the words bliss, mysterious, astonishing, glorious, rapture, and revernce pass through my mind. "Yes, yes", I exclaim, "This is a good thing!" I will take full joy in the gift of each day and with reverence find the wonder in it. I will prick my ears in hope of hearing whispers of eternity.

Although..... five things might be a bit overwhelming at first, I will at least be on the lookout for one wonderous thing each day

As this day turns to evening, I contemplate the wonder of the comfort of candle light...

What, Dear blog friends, do you find wonderful?

~ Hmmm..... a book full of wonders... sigh ~

"Klompen"

2009-12-23T14:15:00.001-08:00

I have another shoe story for you.... I found these little hand carved dutch shoes known as "klompen" in a little antique store in a verrrry small town in Alabama. I was just going to purchase one, but the crusty, old proprietor insisted rather brusquely, I might add, that I must have two. I replied, "I only need one." "Every shoe needs its mate", he insisted as he pointed out another shoe, saying that it matched. I did not think so, but I will let you be the judge. I relented and agreed to get both, afterall who can argue with someone's grandpa. After dickering back and forth, I paid a whopping three dollars for the pair, and as I was feeling rather impudent did so all in change.

I paired them with a vintage Christmas poscard that LuLu, of Lulu Redstar Antiques so graciously gave me when I visited her booth at Scotts in November. They all have an honored place on our fireplace mantel.

Just a couple more Christmas pictures...

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year!

This holiday season ....

2009-12-17T05:52:00.000-08:00

has been bountiful in challenges for our family, with a job lay off and three car accidents in two weeks, leaving us with limited funds and transportation.

~ But, most importantly this season has been bountiful in the blessings of our wonderful

children pitching in to help their parents cope.

~ Also, a sweet mother who brings Christmas with her from, of all places, Florida.

~ And friends, who bless us with their prayers, gifts, and presence. ~

~ What shines brightest for us this season are not the problems, but the blessings! ~

~ The bountiful goodness of God's grace, mercy, love, provision, and peace. ~

~ I wish you a Bountiful Holiday Season full to the brim with joy and love! ~

A College Graduate!

2009-12-17T04:47:00.000-08:00

Our baby daughter, graduated college last Saturday, with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing!

In a sea on graduates, Jen, your face shines out.

We are so proud of you, Jennifer, and blessed to have you as our daughter!

It's a shoe thing!

2009-12-04T12:18:00.001-08:00

The women in our family have an extreme affection for shoes, so I thought I would share a few posts about them.

This child's shoe was rescued from a dumpster, the mate was nowhere to be found. However, we did find the button hook in an old silk and lace bag, that was sadly falling apart.

This shoe "thing" has been passed down for three generations, from my mother to myself, and from me to my three daughters. We all lovvvvvvvvve shoes!

It's been said,"With the right pair of shoes you can do anything!" Does that include getting ready for Christmas in less than a month? EEEEEEK!

In this busy season, think I'll put my comfy shoes on!

November Workshop...Belles Etoile

2009-11-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

Patrica Mallory hosted our workshop once again at her shop, Refind~Maison~Jardin, in Powder Springs. We had a great time creating, talking, and shopping. Our project this month was a Wendy Addison inspired star.

Tracing our stars after we had folded them into shape.

Placing our stars on the backing,then...

glueing our stars to the backing

Sarah Jane Bell, from dear jane is a belle etoile herself. Thanks for coming all the way from Fl.

Carefully, carefully setting the eyelettes.

Kelley Bell, the quintessential party planning diva, won the door prize.

After we giddily glittered our stars voila! Sept belles etoile!

. Ladies you are all stars in our crown!!!!!!!!!

~Just teasing~

2009-11-10T02:28:00.000-08:00

Twinkle~

Twinkle~ vintage german glass glitter, "it's a good thing"!!!!

Twinkle~ crystal, silver, and rhinestone are too!

Three more days until our next workshop. Can't wait!!!!!

November Workshop

2009-10-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hopelessly Romantic Art Studio's next workshop will be held November 12, 2009 at 6pm. It will be held at Refind in Powder Springs. We are going to make a Wendy Addison inspired Christmas star with vintage glass glitter. Spaces are filling fast so please let us know is you want to be there.

Call us at 770-289-0709 or

Pat at Refind at 770-222-6438.

This is going to be a great time so don't miss out.

Here are some photos or our other workshops!

A cup of tea....

2009-10-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

in the "October" cup...

is just the thing to sit a minute and contemplate these mellow days.

Just like the leaves changing colors, life has away of changing and dazzling you!

Selah... I will think calmly and appreciate the bountiful goodness of these days, and have an oatmeal cookie while I'm at it.

Yummmmmmmmmmm.

My latest creation...

2009-10-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

is a top hat for a lady, who is" tops" in my book!

Chartotte Malone and her wonderful mother, Margo, threw a great birthday party for my friend Pat Mallory today. Charlotte made beautiful name tags for all the ladies who attended the party. Of course they were personalized . This is Pat's

My contribution was a birthday top hat for the birthday girl, aka junk queen!

Pat wears it well!

Hope you have had a happy birthday Pat!!!!!!! May you have a blessed and prosperous year.

Autumn....

2009-10-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Is not officially here until the arrival of candy corn!!!!!!

This year a humble angel bears the sweet treat. Yummmm

Showers!

2009-10-01T03:53:00.000-07:00

This October, may showers of blessing rain down upon you.....
And may you have great joy playing in the puddles!!!!!!

The Little French General...

2009-09-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this Le Petit Francais General hat this weekend. It would be perfect for a little boy's party!

"the little", is stamped on tiny tags and the star is covered with black glass glitter.

A closer look at the French General banner; it's glittered in white gold as well as the feather.

A real feather plume would look great too!

The hat is also sprinkled with clear german glass glitter. Glitter makes everything look better!

Do you love it dear jane?

What I've been up to...

2009-09-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

lately is knitting!

I have been enthralled with lace this season! This scarf is made from an ecru alpaca-silk blend yarn. It is sooooooo deliciously soft.

A little closer view. And a blue one!

Flower detail.

Ohh.... and we've been making these!

Sorry it's so foggy.

~What do you think?~

"Secret Anniversaries...

2009-09-17T03:59:00.000-07:00

of the heart," is what Henry Wadsworth Longfellow called the quiet rituals of everyday life; the personal ceremonies we keep to celebrate the passing of time, or the changing of seasons. They "lend poetry to our days and meaning to our lives." They pay homage to the goodness of "every dayness."

One of the "secret anniversaries" that I keep, a "little holiday...apart", is having tea in the afternoon. (when I can) With the arrival of each new month, I choose a different cup from my collection. These cups affectionately become known by the month they are used.

~This is my Septermber cup ~ It reminds me of the mellow days ahead, the last roses of the season, the warm, rich tone of the change of light.... that is Autumn!

What is a "secret anniversary of the heart" that you keep? Please share!!!!! :)

Cat's Meow!!!!!!!

2009-09-10T04:17:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer my Fl BFF , Kelley, and I went to Ellenton to visit the Holt's in thier new location. What a treat! Mark and Susie were as gracious as ever. Kelley and I lingered so long that they offered us a cup of afternoon coffee, served in china cups. We sooooo enjoyed our visit and came away with wonderful treasures.

Entre vous..

This is the front room, that Susie has filled with slipcovered furniture. I love the way she fills the windows with lace. sorry its so dark. Hmmmm, I wonder what's up there? Later...

Wouldn't you just love to have this dining room. I neeeeeeed that angel !

A closer look. Wonderful Magnolia Pearl garments were displayed throughout the store. Wish I may...... Getting your beauty rest takes on a whole new meaning in this bedroom. The linens were so yummy!!!! A view of the upstairs kitchen area, with more lace, china, and furniture!!!! View of the table from up stairs. Those slipcovers are made from a cotton gauze material that has such an ethreal quality the camera can not do it justice. This super chippy door was beautiful, but of course, it was sold. Oh! The owner of that bumm shall remain nameless. lol

Another window full of lace; I just loved the doll. But it was NFS, Susie knows a treasure when she see's it. Wouldn't it be nice to ride home on this bike... Meet you later Kelley!!

Thanks Mark and Susie for a delightfilled afternoon!!!!!!

Signs....

2009-08-24T04:39:00.000-07:00

This sign hangs just outside my studio door. It conveys my sentiments, especially for this month of August. For me this month has been filled with goodbyes to friends feathered, furry, and of the human variety.

~Looking at the bigger picture...

I wish I could have more time with them all, or at least, spent what I had more wisely.

Through it all I have been working on little creations here and there.... that I will share a little

later. :)

Look Pat!!!!

2009-08-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer my friend Pat and I did some trading. On my side of the bargain~four vintage chippy white chairs. Perfect for my kitchen table !!!!!!!!

Pat threw in some material to recover the seat cushions. What do you think?

A summer vingette- Anabelle hydrangeas, shells, bleached starfish, and old photo of my mom and her sisters. Mom is the little girl far right.

Oh for a walk on the beach right now~sigh.....

Hope's Handiwork

2009-08-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a couple more examples of Hope's creativity with you. Because I got the picture order mixed up you get to view the close up first. This is a necklace she made using ribbon (love that color), vintage chain , keyhole plate, and key, with a few crystal beads. I love the pop of red! There is a bracelet to match that didn't make the photo shoot for some odd reason.

Hope is partial to ribbon;she uses it many of her creations. Pink ribbon and a green Bakelite button. Simply beautiful!

A close up!

Once upon a time....

2009-07-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

My daughter and business partner, Hope, is an excellent photographer. She had an inspired idea to have a photo shoot. It all started with a hat and a dream of a dress that she found on Etsy. The idea was to do a dawn photo shoot in the misty morning light of our pasture. That didn't work out so she decided to have one in the foggy bottom of our pasture one evening before her cousin Rose had to go back to Fla. Hope's favorite model is her little sister, oops younger sister Jennifer. We girls will use any excuse to dress up in dreamy clothes!

Isn't my baby girl lovely! Hope found this wonderful hat in an antique store in North Carolina for only six dollars. I'm sure the ladies who wrapped it in tissue paper so lovingly thought it would be put on a shelf somewhere, but Hope had other plans for it!!!! It reminds me of a hat Emma Thompson wore in Sense and Sensibility.

My niece Rose took part in the photo shoot as well. She is so gorgeous!

A closer look. You can see the cut work on the sleeve and all those tucks!

I just love my little women!

Lookee Here

2009-07-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photographs from our Altered Apron Workshop. Enjoy.

Here are the ladies with their aprons! Great job everybody.

Today's the Day!!!!

2009-07-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

For the apron-ology workshop inspired by Somerset !

Another apron . Creative chaos ! To make these... Look at that vintage pattern pom pom, thanks again Dawn!

Can't wait to see what the ladies create!

Aprons 101

2009-07-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few of the vintage linen scraps used to embellish the aprons.

Now to the sewing machine! One of the apron bases modeled by, Toots, my vintage dress form.

Now to sew on the pockets. I just love rickrack!!!!!!

For some of the pockets I used vintage embroidered pieces. On others, I customized by using a trick I learned from Dawn Edmonson, yes "the Dawn from the Feathered Nest". To print an image onto fabric, iron the fabric to freezer paper then run it through your printer and voila, a personalized image on fabric. The possibilites are only limited by an eight by eleven piece of cloth! Here's another image copied onto fabric. Isn't see just the cutest!!!!!

Oh, and the packaging- altered hangers!!

Back to work! Instead of counting sheep to fall asleep, I will be counting aprons. One...two..three...

Busy Bees

2009-07-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Things have been buzzing along in the Hopelessly Romantic Art Studio as we get ready for our next workshop.

It all started with a bag full of tea stained flour sack towels.... and then grew into the idea for an altered apron; times eight!

All cut out. Now to the sewing machine!

More later :)

Another Look...

2009-07-10T04:20:00.000-07:00

at that chunky cross. I just love all the textures in this piece. I tried several beads and findings with it but none would do. It called for something special. So on the hunt I went...looking....looking... for just the right things...and then you know it when you see it!!! Oh, what bliss! Turquoise stones and beads, with just the right shade of blue. Et Voila!!!!

The divine art charm is from The French Market, found on my trip to Savannah, the vintage findings from Etsy, and the other bobs from our stash. Just loved the blue in the charm and could't rest until I found the perfect stone to go with it. Funny how one piece or color can inspire!!!! One may wear it short or long. I just wanted to show the vintage findings used for the clasp!