The extent of this year's Halloween decor...

Yes my friends, one crow's feather from my yard is this year's Halloween mantle decor...big difference from last year's mantle would you say....sometimes life's other duties get in the way but I kinda like the simplicity. 

it  sits among a mantle of tattered books and candles

here's a view from afar...pay no attention to the dated brick front and wood mantle....I hate both but I have to work with what I have:) I decided to go with a rich, earthy feel without the fluff. Do you ever find yourself torn between two styles...sometimes I love the all white and shabby look, then other times I'm drawn to the deep rich tones of worn leather and dark woods. Tell me I'm not the only one!

I found the cast iron horse bust at Goodwill some time ago...so glad I decided to bring it home. Have you seen the more expensive ones in Restoration Hardware?

Have safe and Happy Halloween!

xo,

Abby

Roses blooming in my shop...and other tid bits

It's been a long while since I last listed some pretties in my Etsy shop and I've been a busy little bee trying to refill the shop once again. I had hoped to re-open with an array of pretties at the same time but alas life had other plans. So while I continue crafting away...I've listed the peat-potted roses and will soon be adding gift boxes, tags, and other bits and baubs. 

Here's a glimpse at a mini peat-potted rose that's now in the shop

and a few more peeks at a gift box that's still getting a few finishing touches. For some time I've wanted to create luxurious gift boxes for petite gifts or gift cards.

 they're covered in beautiful paper and trimmed with lace and other baubles....

and the inside will be just as beautiful as the outside. 

The peat-potted roses are now in the shop and I'll let you know when the rest of the pretties will join in.

Wishing you an amazing week!

xo,

Abby

Linking up with:

White Wednesday

Desperate measures inspire great things

So I'm going to a costume party tonight as Marie Antoinette (I'll try to post pics). This of course meant I'd need a lovely fan for my ensemble. I searched everywhere for an inexpensive but pretty one with no luck....so what's a crafty girl to do....of course create her own. 

It started with these two pieces....a dollar store fan and an old crochet blouse that's too small on me.

I added pearls and satin lace

and trimmed it with strands of ribbon, broken necklaces and even the straps from the shirt....then finished it with one of my dollar store cameos.

Not a bad way to up cycle a blouse huh!

Have a great weekend!

Abby

Linking up with:

Frugalicious Friday

Emma's new wings..and the winner of the Mingle giveaway

Ever since my very first encounter with the famous Jeanne d' Arc wings I have been in love with them...but at almost $100 I could never justify such a purchase.  

But just like that fateful day when I found Emma....such was my encounter with these wings....

and though they are not the authentic Jeanne d'Arc wings these wings are truly magnificent....

and I do believe Emma loves them too:)

Wishing you a fabulous week!

xo,

Abby

P.S. The winner of the Mingle giveaway is Kimberly Owens who contacted me via email. Kimberly, please email me your address and I'll mail the issue right away:) Thanks so much to all who entered!

Linking up with:

Show and Tell Friday

peat-potted roses in progress

Happy weekend friends! So how about a peek at the first of the peat-potted roses that will be filling my shop? They're a touch different than my original ones but I adore how they're turning out. 

Each petite pot is painted in a lovely shade of creamy white named Buttermilk by DecoArt....and just a touch here and there of the greenish-blue hues one would find on an old planter that's been sitting in nature for many seasons...named Sea Glass, also by DecoArt. Did I tell you about DecoArt craft paints? They were kind enough to send me a box full of beautiful paint colors, paint brushes, and other pretties to play with and I must say their products are top quality. The colors are rich and creamy, and a little goes a long way!

now, to add a touch more character I've even added a few cracks here and there for a continued old-world feel.

and of course pretty little leaves made of the loveliest pattern paper on one side and bits of silk on the other also joined in

each little pot is finished with bits of vintage sheet music, tulle, and sewing patterns tucked inside 

and finally a name for each to represent ones feeling, thought, or aspiration 

oh these tiny peat-potted roses are a true labor of love....every little detail makes my heart smile.

so friends, I'd love to know what you think...please share:)

Have a great weekend!

xo,

Abby

P.S. While you're here, remember to enter my giveaway. I'll be announcing a winner on Sunday October 16th.

Roses in bloom...and a great find

Hi friends, how's your week so far? On my side of the world we've been enjoying some glorious Indian Summer days...love it! 

So, how about a peek at what I've been up to....

I was inspired to create more of my fabric roses in hopes of refilling my Etsy shop in the near future. 

Some will be peat-potted roses like the ones published in Somerset Life, while others will be sold as single white roses....

and if time allows I hope to create a few rose bouquets too

I adore how ethereal they look sitting atop vintage linens and books

and speaking of books...take a look at this glorious Webster's Dictionary! It is literally a foot thick and filled with pages and pages of vintage love....and it's all mine:)

Well that's it for now....chat soon!

xo,

Abby

P.S. here's little peek at the beginnings of another little something I'm working on...altered gift boxes for any occasion.

P.P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway. I'll be announcing the winner soon!

Linking up with:

White Wednesday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Feathered Nest Friday

Inspiration Friday

Show and Tell Friday

Let's Mingle with a Giveaway!

Hi all, and happy weekend!!!

So I'll make this post short and sweet...would you like a chance at winning a copy of the newest member of the Stampington & Co publications? It's called Mingle and it's fabulous! It's filled with stories and pictures that will tug at your heart, make you smile, and inspire you to plan a gathering filled with whimsy and delight! 

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post for a chance to win. I know there are some recent problems with commenting on posts so if for some reason you can't please email me (link on the sidebar) and I'll add your name to the list.  

Here are some pictures to tease your curiousity just a bit:)

And a couple of collages for a little fun....

Have a great weekend!

xo,

Abby