A Long One!!

Oh- it's been so long!! I have many updates and lots of pictures! Are you ready? Here is one of my latest creations.

First, I painted this shelf pink and then went over it with white pearl paint to give it pretty shimmer. Then I decorated each side with sweet pink flowers with pearl stamens and added pearl strands to them. Then I slipped a string of pearls underneath the pegs and lined the top edge with yummy pink millinery posies. You can find it here :)

This piece I painted white and then layered on a champagne colored pearl. Then I put pearl strand around the top edge and accented the heart with them. Shiny beaded ribbon completes this piece for a simple, but pretty look.

These shelves were therapeutic to make. Many of you know that last week wasn't so well- as we had to go to two wakes and one funeral. A lot of moping around the house and staring at the TV went on, so we didn't get too much done. But I was able to get some time in my craft room and was grateful for the play time.

Here is a picture of the altered Rolodex card I made for the ArtHaven swap. I made 16 of these! This was my first attempt at making these crepe paper medallions!! Honestly, a couple of them did not turn out as perfect as I wanted them, but I was already about 2 weeks late getting these out!! These were more difficult than I thought they would be- I don't have a sewing machine, so I had to use some double sided tape and pray for the best :) I don't think you can tell from the picture, but there are tiny surprises on each card... you'll see when you get them! :)

This is the Ace of Hearts card I came up with for another ArtHaven swap. LOL- I loved the idea, but this too, was more difficult than I originally thought it would be!! Lace is so finicky... And lining up the pattern of the paper took some time to get just right... It's always the littlest things!!

This is the ATC I made for the Cutest Pumpkin ArtHaven swap. At first, I didn't like how it was turning out because it was just the words and pumpkin graphic, but then I had the idea to do some embossing and added the colorful flowers and sparkley rhinestones. And added pom pom trim and that tiny spider (which took forever to cut out!!)... and I think it looks pretty cute all finished.

In other news, I won another blog giveaway!!! This one was from the Lollishops blog. Sadie was giving away an original piece of artwork by herself and Design Team Kits that had been mailed out to Lollishops very first Design Team! I couldn't believe I won!!!! Actually, there were 3 chances to win and mine was the last number chosen, so I didn't think I would be receiving a piece of artwork, but then THIS came in the mail!!!!

Isn't the angel Dollie sooooooooo cute?!?!?! I love how she made this look like a couch. The paper in the background is gorgeous too!

And here is the Inspiration Kit:

I love, love, LOVE that tiny yellow velvet flower. Ummm, so much so that I had to purchase some... These came from the Tin Tiara on Lollishops also known as Christopher Pines on etsy.

And then... My popalicioustoo order arrived!!! Actually, it came right after I went to the funeral and was a wonderful surprise. Andrea makes sure to include "some surprises" with each order- but I have to say, she outdid herself!!! There were over 5 yards of pearl flower strands, vintage jewelry, those gorgeous white bells, tiny pink bears, tiny pink clothespins, gorgeous purple ribbon flowers, little cherubs, two extra dachshund magnets, and foot long white lily of the valley with pearl strands! And these were all included for free in my order!! If you need craft supplies, Andrea is definitely someone you want to buy from. Her prices are excellent, she sells items I haven't seen elsewhere- like those beautiful gowned girls- and she is one of the most WONDERFUL people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. And she loves dachshunds (like ME!!) and does dachshund rescue. A portion of your sale goes to fund dachshund rescue through Almost Home Dachshund Rescue and All American Dachshund Rescue.

I also recently got this order in the mail from Angela Harris. I was sent to her Etsy shop by Tales from an OC Cottage. And obviously, I couldn't resist!!!! Well. It was for a good cause!!! Proceeds from these tags went to support Operation Christmas Child. There are still 4 sets left in her Etsy store. Such a great price around $7 for 3 tags and 2-3 pieces of vintage jewelry!

Now for the house... If you haven't heard, I've moved! From a duplex into an actual house! We couldn't believe we got the house at such a low price per month (we're just renting). It was only $15 more per month than what we were paying for the duplex. And it is a 4 bed, 1.5 bath house! Yes, too much space, but it's ok if the heat bill isn't too bad (crossing fingers!). Here's a picture of my pink feather tree all lit up.... These two gorgeous birds came from Walmart!!! Can you believe it?!?! And only $2 for each!!! They have soooo many ornaments there- super pretty ones!- for only 1 or 2 dollars!! Again, this tip came from Tales from an OC Cottage.... I have to stop visiting her blog before I go broke!!! LOL

Here is a picture of our living room... I was able to decorate for Christmas- and then I realized how nothing really matched each other! You can kind of see my awesome curtains!! lol I love them :) They're a light beige taffeta with brownish colored embroidered roses. I got them at Burlington Coat Factory for only $25. Matt thinks they're too light because they almost get lost in the wall... I have no decorating sense- do people decorate with light colored curtains??? Or are they usually darker?

That terrible dark spot above the mantle is not my camera nor your eyes playing tricks on you!! It is really bad!!! So I went and bought stuff to make a feather wreath with to cover it up. Boy, I didn't have any idea it would cost so much!! It was about $9 for the styrofoam, $9 for each of the boas, and $4 for the bird to put on it... I could have bought one already made for less than that! Lol Live and learn I guess :) I am not done with it yet, but I'll be sure to post pictures when it's done.

Here is a picture of the vintage hobnail milk glass lamp that was left by the previous owner. (And yes, those are my cherries curtains in the background!!!)

Ok... just one last picture and I have to say goodnight!!! Here are my vintage dachshund salt and pepper shakers!! Aren't they cute kissing? :)

Lol- I just realized how many links I had to add in here :) I like to do this so you might find other blogs and stores you're interested in too! That's how I've learned about many stores and blogs I visit, so I'd like to return the favor!! Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!!