The Dawn Fairies.....

I was perusing some internet sites and came across this adorable little story of "The Dawn Fairies". Being as it is Monday, the start of another work week, my mind wandered to how wonderful it would be to start the day with the siting of "The Dawn Fairies"......

Once a little boy had heard of the Dawn Fairies and was so eager to see them that he got up long before daybreak—in fact, before the fairies themselves were up, for they sleep when it is really dark.

This little boy hid in the trunk of a tree. After what seemed a long time to him, the lovely Dawn Fairies came out from their sleeping places, and he heard them laugh their low bell-like laughs.

Suddenly one of them realized that someone was around and caught sight of the little boy. "Oh, dear," shrieked the fairy, "there's a huge person near us!" at which all the fairies scattered.

From that day to this, the fairy queen has been careful that no one else should see the Dawn Fairies, and so they all dress in invisible costumes.

Hope you all get to see "The Dawn Fairies" to start your day right! Have a wonderful week,

Kitty

New Etsy Items and a Very Vintage Halloween Swap

I've been in the "creative spirit" with some new paper items for Etsy. I couldn't resist making a very Fallish (is that a word?) journal for the upcoming season. A place to jot down lists, to-do items, creative thoughts, and even daily journaling. It's just a fun little journal that brightens the season!

I added some vintage millinery, a few rhinestones and lots of black swirly glitter.
Inside is a little pocket with a sweet little cupid tag. German silver glitter adorns the tag.

I could not resist printing some tags with these silhouettes of children feeding the chickens. What fun for the upcoming Thanksgiving season! Just a hint of black glitter and the yummy black and white polka dot ribbon!

And last, but not least, these sweet cupid tags, all done up in German glass glitter and silver cord. So sweet to add to a package.

I was in a "Very Vintage Halloween Swap" hosted by Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly. Unfortunately, my partner had some family illnesses, so I am not able to show you her creation. But, here is what I sent to Missy.

I was inspired to create this "pumpkin lady" from a design by Bethany Lowe. I just loved that the "little lady" had a house of her own, and of course, vintage sheet music seemed to be the way to go for wallpaper. I edged the window openings in black glitter and added the sentiment of the season "Halloween".

She holds a banner of "Halloween Wishes" and seems a bit shy as she peeks out her window. Since the weather is getting a bit chilly, I gave her a crepe paper collar and a muff for her hands.

And where would she go without a hat? Made of vintage sheet music and circled in glitter, it adds a delightful frame for her little pumpkin face.


So, a very Happy Halloween to all of you in the "Very Vintage Halloween Swap", and to all of my dear sweet friends in blogland!

Kitty

And The Lights Went Out.....

I came across this sketch by an artist by the name of "Sloan" and thought it to be appropriate (I guess in a romantic sort of way) for this past week. As Hurricane Ike hit Galveston and devestated that poor city, it continued on up through the country, all the way to my little town of Darlington, Pennsylvania. On that night, as we were watching the "Pittsburgh Steelers", the lights went out in Darlington.

The winds went on to "Howl" that night for about 4 hours. My dog, lady, who loves to be outside, would not step foot into the yard. I tried many times to get her to go out "to make herself more comfortable, so to speak", but she ran right back into the house. Do I blame her? Not one bit. For you see, those wind gusts hit 81 mph! Never in my life have I experienced such a frightening storm. A storm without one drop of rain! Just the constant sweep of wind.

In our area, we have many hills to break up the wind. In addition, we live down in a little valley and really did not get the full impact of the wind. But, living in the country, as we do, we got our share of downed limbs and sticks and green leaves that just blew right off the trees. We lost one tree. I thank the good Lord he chose to keep those tall oaks standing around our house. It truly is amazing how they bend and sway in the wind.

Needless to say, out came the candles and the oil lamps, and of course, thank goodness we had good batteries in the flashlights.

Since we had no electric and we have a well, we had no pump to pump the water. Thank goodness for the places that did have electric and gave us free water. My sweet hubby made many trips, with many containers to haul water. I have to tell you ladies that I have a "new appreciation" for the frontier women who toted and fetched water all day long. Water to drink, water to bathe, water to flush toilets, water for the dog. I can see why those women were in way better shape than I am!

God bless my mother for having a generator for us to use so we didn't lose everything in our freezer. Those peaches that were picked and frozen to enjoy in the middle of winter, would surely have been missed!

But here we are, a week later, and the lights came back on at 6PM last night, right when the Steeler game was on! It's like I dreamed all this......

have a wonderful week,
Kitty

The End of Summer Antique Fair

Well, it has been a month since the last antique fair. I was happy that my schedule allowed me to attend this one, as there is only one more for this year (sigh). How can it possibly be that the summer is gone?

Well, I guess that means I just have to cozy up in my chair, light the fire, read a good book and work on some new projects! But, before that snow flies, take a little trip with me to the Washington Antiques Fair.....

Doesn't the above chair have such wonderful form? Can't you just see it reupholstered in your favorite yummy fabric? Wouldn't it be wonderful to go to one antique sale and have enough money to buy what you wanted and THEN........ have enough money to fix what needs fixed! I think I have purchased lots of things that need fixin' in my life, but not enough have gotten out the other end, refurbished! Projects for another day!

Isn't this picture a beauty! This particular table had LOTS of pictures. Just gorgeous. This one, in particular, reminds me of two sisters, playing happily. Good times, indeed!

These doors caught my eye. Looks like someone used some creative license on them. I think I like the one on the right better than the one on the left. But great colors, don't you think?

Now who can't use a fabric screen? I have a weakness for these. I own only one, but, boy, could I own more! There's that money thing again... Hmmmmmm.......

And, another screen. Cute dishes. Great table for the porch or a kitchen.

Sweet arrangements.

Love that white drop front desk in the background. I have just the place for it! (No, it didn't go home with me (sigh))!

Lots of tables with small items. Lots of silver at this booth. So pretty!

A few of my treasures. These little babies were a steal! Aren't they adorable?

These light switch covers are metal facings mounted on wood. Wouldn't they be so cute incorporated into a collage? Can't you just see some sweet little faces peeking out through the holes?

And this little china hat will be making its way to my Etsy. Perfect condition. It's just adorable!

Well that's it for today's trip to the antique fair. Hopefully I'll have one more trip to show you pictures and hopefully some purchases. I did get some great shell buttons at this sale, as well. Happy Hunting!

Kitty

A Little Shopping

My husband and I were out doing errands the other day and I passed by a local store that I can usually find "something" to brighten the day! LOL! I found this little purse with woven wooden strips and a wooden handle. Now the "fruit", although probably lovely in its day, is not what I have envisioned to adorn this lovely purse. Can't you just see it with vintage millinery flowers and an elegant ribbon? And maybe some adorable little trinket on the front?

The inside of the purse showed this label. I've never seen a label saying "Hand Made in British Hong Kong". So, I will be "updating" this lovely purse and will later give you pictures. It will probably go for sale on my "Etsy".

I also found these 2 mini oil lamps that are 7" high. I thought they would be very cute in someone's collection or to decorate for the upcoming holidays. These are now listed in my Etsy.

These reflectors (I believe to be vintage) are so cute. I got quite a few of these in red and gold, blue and pink. The blue and pink I am having trouble letting go of, but I will list the red and gold in Etsy soon. But, as they say, you can't keep everything, right? It's quite possible the blue and pink will make its way over to the shop. I can just see little ornaments, or who knows what, made with these adorable things! I can just see something made with the inside of the reflector as the skirt! LOL!


Included in the basket with the reflectors were these little bells. Some are larger than others and some show signs of age (which is what we love). So, these too, will be making their way to my Etsy shop.



That's my treasures to show for today. I wish you all successful hunting!

Kitty

Bella Enchanted's Magic Wand Swap

I was recently in a swap to make a magic wand hosted by Bella Enchanted. It sounded fun and something a bit different. So, Lori, from Morning Glories and Moonflowers, and I were partnered. It was great fun getting to know a bit about Lori and her two lovely daughters. Lori home schools her two daughters. I admire anyone that can have such dedication to their children's education!

Here's the results of our labor and the wand created for me. Lori used a vibrant pink for the base and silver glitter paint. Trimmed in luscious pearls and of course edged in her trademark, those beautiful buttons! She added the delicious wire ribbon with silver accents and glittered the shaft of the wand. Just beautiful!

All that silver glitter! Yummy!

Buttons and pearls - a nice pair, don't you think?

Lori told me she loved the color combination of blue and white, so that was my inspiration for her wand (see below). I love using vintage materials, so I felt that it was absolutely necessary to add the vintage glass drawer pull as the top of the wand. I topped it with a vintage rhinestone pin. The shaft of the wand was painted white, glittered with a stamp design, french blue ribbon, and of course the bling of blue rhinestones. I couldn't leave out her two precious daughters. So, flower fairy wands were in order for them.

Lori and I decided that we would wish for peace and contentment, and of course, good health. So, I added those tags to the wand to remind of us of what's important.

Flower wands for two little girls!

Thank you Lori for making the swap so much fun. I loved your magic wand you created for me and am hopeful you loved the one I created for you, as well.

Kitty

Lovin' all the Lovelies!

This past weekend I took a jaunt to a local spot that I check out from time-to-time and found some great stuff! Love these adorable victorian calling cards. Isn't it a shame in this day and age that we don't do more things like this. How quaint!

The paper doll books are not ancient, but a little vintage and in great shape. Some of this stuff will make its way to my Etsy Shop. I haven't been very good about putting new items in the store, so hopefully I'll get to this soon.

There are many outfits that go with each of these books. All new old stock. Nothing is cut or discolored. Absolutely beautiful! Gotta love these designer looks!

Then I stumbled on 3 different hats. I liked this vintage millinery hat for fall. Thought the colors were pristine! A few velvet flowers here and there, mixed in. Lovely! And don't you just love the hat base!

This feather hat is in absolutely perfect condition. A smattering of rhinestones and the veil (even though I can't figure it out) is perfect.

This little cutie is adorable. Love the pink flowers and the style is just too cute! These 3 hats are in impeccable condition. It would be difficult to tear them up for creating, but decide for yourselves. Sometimes you just have to do it! LOL!

A number of weekends ago, Lori from Faerie Window was here to shop and spend the day with Heather and myself, and she sent the nicest little gifts to us. Thanks so much, Lori. I love all of the great stuff to create with. Your little collage was just so dear, and I absolutely, positively love the sparkly "K", as well as the other supplies. Thanks for being so thoughtful. Loved having you here with us. Can't wait to "shop" with you again.

I was recently in a fairy wand swap and will be posting those pictures of what I created soon. Hope you all are having some fun mixed in your days. Have a wonderful week!

Kitty

Before The Blooms Are Lost

I was thinking today of how far we are into the summer, and how short the life is of those gorgeous annuals and perennials (until next year) that we planted not long ago. So, as I sat there, a little poem started developing in my mind. Every once in a while, it hits me to put to paper what I am thinking and feeling.

So, please enjoy "Before The Blooms Are Lost", not only with paper and pen, but with images from my garden.....

BEFORE THE BLOOMS ARE LOST

Oh look! They’re there! As a saunter down the lane,
How lovely to see that the pinks and blues remain;
The green has grown so tall and the buds no longer small;
As if they know to hurry ’cause their color intrudes on fall.

The dimming of the light and the swaying of the trees;
A leaf floats along, as if sailing on the seas.
How sweet those sounds of the bees and the birds;
A twitter and a buzz are their only sweet words.

But before the blooms are lost, I must take a look around;
I must press into my memory, the lovelies that abound.
For soon this precious green will be lost to quiet white;
Not that I’m complaining, just lingering in its sight.

So before the blooms are lost, I will take just one more look;
Not long into the future, I’ll possess a fire and book.
To sit beside and think again of pinks and blues and greens;
“So long, until next year“, I’ll say, as I sit and think and dream.

Have a lovely day,

Kitty