Liquid Paper

lost marbles

That's the name of the antique shop I finally made it to a couple of weeks ago: Lost Marbles. I really liked it and even better -- it's only about four blocks from our house. They have three+ levels of nicely organized items including vintage clothing, sewing supplies, a mid-century room and more! I need to go back again, a second visit is always easier for me because the first visit to a new antique or thrift store is always a bit overwhelming. But I did manage to pick up this vintage framed paper cut of a cricket. I don't know if it is a machine or hand made piece (I'm leaning toward the former) but I like it and it was a good deal. And therefore a done deal. 

Wonder Wall

I absolutely wanted everything in this photo. Which is why I bought nothing. I found myself typically frozen with indecisiveness when presented with so many choices. It's like trying to pick a favorite child -- this thing, it can not be done. If you live in the St. Paul, MN area and feel that you are up to the task, head over to Pete's Classic Retro shop and choose!

paper flower girl

Yesterday I managed to:

1. Dash over to Schmancy before my parking lot timer ran out. While I was there I got some great shop recommendations from the owner and super helpful Kristen Rask and picked up this bunny made by paper flower girl (picture below). So, in addition to all of the great shop ideas that you guys gave me in the comments of my last post, I should be set for shopping and eating. However, if you think of anything else, please let me know. Thanks all! 

2.  Tear a huge hole in my jeans on one of those iron chairs at a cafe. Yes, while I was wearing them! Fortunately, I was also wearing a long jacket so that it was not visible. (No picture available.)

3. I found another PG Wodehouse book at the Wessel & Lieberman used book shop. I'm a big fan of books with dust jacket designs like this one (picture below). 

And today I took a photo of Kate, who just turned 12, with roses in her hair. Isn't she lovely?

collecting blues

Recently Mark and I headed off to a local antique mall. I was hoping to find some Cathrineholm pieces. (Is it Catherineholm, Catherine Holm, Cathrine Holm? Help.) After four hours of looking up and down every-single-solitary aisle, we came away with a few things but not a stitch of Cathrineholm. What's up with that?

I consoled myself with this little chair -- I knew I'd seen something like it before. I've had it in my flickr favorites for a long time! Now, if only they'd had the tiny ottoman too.

Mark found this vintage Pelican to add to our collection. He's got a good eye, that man of mine.

winter pinks

It's snowing here today and perhaps it's just Valentine's day looming ahead of me, but I'm seeing pink everywhere.

Like the little bands of the softest pink that can be found in between the red and white of this Cineraria's petals.

And how much do I love the pink coat (the whole outfit really!) in this recent etsy purchase? It is called winter boots from photobird's etsy shop. I think I first saw this photo in Jenni's flickr and asked her where she'd gotten it. Thanks for the tip Jenni!

inspired

Whoops! She was the inspiration behind the title of my last post and I completely forgot to mention her. Fortunately, Holly over at decor8 has taken care of crediting Kerry with all of the praise that her work (under the name lushbella) justly deserves. I was as giddy as a kid when I found her work. Not because it is delicate and just plain wonderful, but, because she was one of my best friends in high school. We'd lost touch over the years and I've always wondered what became of her. And now I know! I gotta send flickr a huge thank you because that's how I found her again. Thanks guys!

Here's a link to decor8's interview with Kerry about her book i spy. I just bought a copy and you should too!

You can purchase her work in her lushbella etsy shop or in her online shop.

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*Images of i spy from blurb.

Oceans Don't Freeze

Mine, all mine! This came in the mail before Christmas but I never got a chance to show you. In the past, I always seemed to miss out on Jen Corace's work. Ahh, but this time I was in luck! The print is titled Oceans Don't Freeze and is from the Tiny Showcase Winter 2007 Seasonal Print Collection. If you like it too, you can get one for yourself because they are available through Spring of 2008.

vv rouleaux

All of these ribbons and the pom pom trim are from VV Rouleaux. I stopped in there when we were in London this past Summer. Mmm... good!

Oops... all of them except for the trim with yellow and blue birds, that's an online purchase but I can't remember where? Rats!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

doing that which is necessary

Making a teensy skirt for an elfette. It looks a little bit like a flower, don't you think?

Stacking up new fat quarters that I'm pretty sure I really needed. Yes, I'm almost positive that they were 75% necessary.

Piling up newly acquired fabric remnants from a tempting and strategically placed bin next to the check out counter.