VINTAGE EASTER POSTCARDS

Not sure how my collection of Easter cards grew quite so large?  Perhaps they are hatching?  I like to put these out early enough for you to use, so enjoy!


A favourite of mine!  It always makes me smile.  1906

A completely different one.

VINTAGE EASTER POSTCARDS

"Dear Cousin Lois" 1908

It's hard not to fall for the pretty frothy Easter scenes.

And then you have the decidedly odd ones!  I file this under "Two girls with pick axes"

"To Miss LD Mackay, Savannah 1910"

VINTAGE EASTER POSTCARDS

"To Junior from Aunt Sallie"

Perfect for a gluebook project!

To Miss Ada McKinlay of Plainsville

Sweet Chicks

Were you looking for ugly ducks?
Sweet Scene

LETTER LOVE - LESSON 5 WHIMSEY GRIDS

So many of the bloggers that I follow have been raving in their posts about an on-line course they have been taking  "LETTER LOVE".   I kept telling myself  "you have no time, don't even check it out".  Well of course I did check it out and now I am on Lesson 5!

"LETTER LOVE" taught on-line by Joanne Sharpe.   She promises that I will love my own handwriting by the end of the course ... hmm.. well I am having great fun and see that it might just be possible!  Since the course is on-line and available "forever" I can go at my own speed and even do a lesson or two at a hotel desk evenings when I am away on work.

I felt like I was getting ready for the first day of school buying a composition book, a mixed media journal, a bristol pad, a new watercolour pad AND checking out all of the pen possibilities!  Can you believe I have just bought my very first Copic?  Lesson 5 was an exercise for our Loving Letters journals!  So many of you do outstanding art journals, so just roll your eyes (privately of course LOL) at my attempts and know that I will likely get better LOL

ST PATRICK'S DAY - VINTAGE POSTCARD

A favourite!  Quite different from the usual.

ROW HOUSES - MI CASA ES SU CASA

I was warned that these would become an addiction!  Here is the 2nd set I've made for the Mixed Media Art Friends swap.  Background paper is G45 from the "Playtime Past Collection", bottom paper is vintage wallpaper from an old Eaton's 1942 sampler, the images are "Beautiful Faces" from PaperWhimsy, Birds on a Wire edge punch from MS, JBS number stickers, bingo type numbers from Tim Holtz, vintage dominoes edged with a Krylon gilt pen and the title stamp is from Hero Arts.

Again the inspiration for these comes from a video done by Nancy Maxwell James, you can find that on my earlier post.

ST PATRICK'S DAY - VINTAGE POSTCARD

This one has inspired several different projects.

ST PATRICK'S DAY - VINTAGE POSTCARD

Don't forget to right click on the image and save the next one for the best resolution!

A ST PATRICK'S DAY IMAGE

Are you starting to think about making a few lovely green pretties for St. Patrick's Day?  I will start posting a few so that you have plenty of time.  Here is a favorite.

I WON THE VALENTINE GIVE AWAY AT "THE DAVIS DIALOGUES"

I saw mention of this give away on another blog that I follow and the description of Lisa tickled my funny bone and I just had to check her out.  Yes she has just the sense of humour that I relate to.  Turns out that she lives just across the water from me in Sequim, Washington.  Having grown up in Washington of course I am also more than a little partial to anyone who sings the praises of the Pacific Northwest.  I was born in San Antonio, Texas so feel the same connection to anyone from Texas - well maybe not George Bush.

My package of goodies arrived!  Lisa, I have already pinned the flower brooch onto a jacket.  Already ate some of the M&Ms (the Canadian version Smarties really isn't as good and they don't do holiday colours!), the garland is a sweetie and I LOVE hangy things.  The bingo cards are headed for use on a July banner.  The cupcake papers into my Valentine stash!  Thank you!!!

ROW HOUSES - A NEW ADDICTION!

I joined a Mixed Media Art Swap group some time ago but until this week I haven`t joined any swaps.  This one caught my eye and when I checked it out I was thoroughly enchanted.  The video  used to inspire and demonstrate is from Nancy Maxwell James.

Here are my first efforts;

I used some Anna Griffin and 7gypsies pp, Prima flowers, vintage stamps, French General labels, JBS numbers, Scrapbook Parade chippie music note,  words are Retro Cafe Art and the images are PaperWhimsy Beautiful Faces.

LOUELLA MAXAM - SILENT FILM STAR 1917

REDBOOK MAGAZINE JANUARY 1917
PHOTOGRAPHIC ART STUDIES
BEAUTIFUL WOMEN OF THE STAGE

HEARTSTRINGS GARLAND

On my "must do" list for some time has been to take one of Nancy Maxwell Jame's  courses.  Yahoo!  What a great experience it has been.  Even though I haven't been home long enough to even start all of the projects, sharing and getting to know some different crafter's has been inspiring and all done in the warm, encouraging and comforting environment of a PaperWhimsey forum.

Hearts cut from the quilted border of a hanging long past it's prime (Toni, you know I take care of all the quilted pieces you have done for me!), backed with some sweet red and white dotted fabrics, bits of vintage doily and vintage white buttons layered on top and then strung together with lots of shimmery red organza ribbon!     This one is going to stay up all year long!

HARMONY ROAD STUDIO - GIVEAWAY

I won (!!) Leslie of HARMONY ROAD STUDIO's 300th post giveaway!  I have been following Leslie for some time, she is so generous in sharing any number of new projects.  She is a wonderful resource and inspiration.  Go and have a look!

This was waiting for me when I came home last week...oh my!  Some of her burnt glue butterflies, altered clothes pins, handmade tissue tape!  All projects I haven't yet tried.  And so much more - what fun!!  It's a lovely stash of goodies, thank you so much Leslie.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

As said by someone "events conspired against me"!  Just wanted to wish all of you a very sweet Valentine's Day.    I don't consider the day only for those in love or part of a couple but also a day for me to remember my friends.    This year especially;  Cheryl F who continues to win the battle against cancer, Deb a childhood friend who faces a long surgical recovery with mostly good cheer, Darlene and Cheryl J who have kept me going through any number of bumps,  my two crafting buddies Marilyn and Marlene who are still my friends even though I am away weeks at a time and hardly connect and all of my bloggy followers and friends but especially Helene who always makes me feel talented, Valerie who always makes me laugh and Scarlett whose bravery touches me deeply. 

I am blessed to have a great number of special women in my life, the most important of course my daughter Allison.  Independent, smart, creative, loyal, the mother of four children and she still has a wicked sense of humour.  

My Valentine to all of you!  An ATC sized shadow box in which I used REAL vintage German Scrap!

MARGUERITE LESLIE - SILENT FILM STAR

JANUARY 1917 REDBOOK MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHIC ART STUDIES
BEAUTIFUL WOMEN OF THE STAGE

RETRO CAFE ART VALENTINE'S CONTEST

Click on the title of this post to go directly to the details!  Every participant receives a free digi file from Kristin!  Yahoo!   Bad day for pictures...too wet and dark..and though the piece has an easel back I couldn't get a usable upright picture..sigh!

I used Kristin's "Hello Dollie Valentine" collage sheet for both images. The pp and diecut covering it are from Martha Stewart, Dresden white paper trim, which I have chalked to soften the look from ArtChix Studio, Platinum, Pink and Red Stickles, Prima leaves, miscl flowers and Glossy Accents on the hearts.

MARION DAVIES - SILENT FILM STAR

JANUARY 1917 REDBOOK MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHIC ART STUDIES

BEAUTIFUL WOMEN OF THE STAGE

It's relatively easy to find information on Marion Davies not only was she a film star but she was also the long time "mistress" of wealthy publisher Randolph Hearst.

BE MY VALENTINE SWAP (VINTAGE DRAGONFLY) ALTERED MATCHBOX

I am tickled to share with you what I received in this swap!  The artist is Karen of  Karen`s Monday Musings, do check out her blog - she has some great pictures of CHA right now.

 Not only did I receive this sweet altered matchbox but she generously included all of these lovely bits!

I can hardly wait for the next swap!  I feel so fortunate to be included in the BE MY VALENTINE SWAP - oh my what a talented group!  Thank you again Joanne!

A WIN! A TUTORIAL! A VALENTINE'S DAY CONTEST!

I have so much to catch up on!  The goddess's are definitely looking on me lately - I have several wins to share with you.

I won a $25 gift certificate for Retro Cafe Art from Denise of Birdnuts Mixed Media !  If you aren't familiar with Denise's work, you have quite a treat instore.  She has an an ATC Challenge and a brand new tutorial on her blog for a CIGAR BOX ASSEMBLAGE.  Thank you again Denise, you know I am thrilled to win your giveaway!

I discovered Retro Cafe Art just before Halloween last year and I am just in love with Kristin's art!  Another fabulous site for you to discover.  I will have a lot of fun deciding how to spend my gift certificate. There is a Valentine's Day Contest going on and time to still enter!

JUST CATCHING UP!

I am home for a few days and hope to do a bit of catching up :)   I spent an incredible Saturday afternoon at MacLeod's Bookstore in Vancouver BC...the picture hardly does it justice honestly!  I brought home some lovely finds which I will be sharing with you over the next while.

NONA THOMAS - SILENT FILM STAR

From the January 1917 Redbook Magazine

Photographic Art Studies

Beautiful Women of the Stage

A timeless beauty who wouldn't be out of place now.

VINTAGE VALENTINE POSTCARDS - CIRCA 1910

These are some of my favourites for incorporating into a simple tag, card or an ATC, from my own collection.

SO PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE!

 Jack Donald Wellman Mylymok

January 24, 2012 at 8:36 am

7 lbs 12 oz

After a bit of a rough start Jack and his parents Allison and Spencer are all now home with big brother McLean and sisters Lucy and Olivia! 

BE MY VALENTINE SWAP - ALTERED MATCHBOX

 I was fortunate to be a participant in  Joanna's of  VINTAGE DRAGONFLY  Be My Valentine Swap.  The assignment was to alter a small 32 count matchbox and fill it with 3 mini ATCs.   I have focused on the vintage Rosen Co Lollipop Valentine cards this year for my projects and here too.

I only had a few days at home in January, so another picture taken with my cell phone on the counter of the postal outlet.  I do need to allow myself a bit more time for a better package and wrap treatment but still had a lovely thank you from my swap partner Karen H.  I will post what I received from her when I get home to receive it :)

I think the paperline I have used is by Making Memories from several years ago, the kraft background and muted oldish looking colours are perfect with the Rosen Co images.

I wrapped the outer box, inked the edges and corners with the new holiday red from Tim, added some tiny red braid from Belgrade, two I Am Roses roses inked again with the red, a MS Valentine Bird punch inked with Tea Dye then covered with Glossy Accents and hightlighted with a red coloured mini rhinestone.  Finally I then trimmed all the edges and corners .with my favourite Platinum Stickles.

The inside of the box was trimmed with another pattern from the same paperline.  I ran a bead of Glossy Accents along the creases using that to adhere some MS mini hearts glitter.  The keys are from another MS punch and I put those in loose.

The mini ATCs are three of the Rosen Co Lollipop Valentine cards printed out "contact" size, adhered to black cardstock, topped of with another MS Valentine Bird punch which I covered with Glossy Accents and added a mini red rhinestone to at the heart and then trimmed all the edges again with Platinum Stickles.

To see more examples check out The Vintage Dragonfly.