Everyday Beauty

Love Tokens

 
What is it about things on a stick? I'm not sure, but they always look like fun and remind me to keep a child-like spirit. Wands and pinwheels, candy apples, lollipops and cotton candy. All good stuff on a stick. See what I mean?

 
I made just a handful of Valentine's Day goodies for my shop....some of which happen to be on sticks! These Sweetheart Pops are twirling with streamers, covered with vintage ledger paper and wrapped in velvet ribbon.

 

I also made a few Heart Trinket Boxes. These can be filled with candies or other small treats, and I think they'd be a sweet surprise for a gal pal, mother, sister,etc.

 

 
All of these Love Tokens are in the shop now if you want to take a peek. Orders will ship lickity split since Cupid will be here before we know it!

Bonne Fete

 

This is the third round of the Paper Doll Journal that Lori, Heather, Holly and I are doing together. I just finished these pages in Holly's journal, and it's on the way to Heather's house now.

 

I decided to go with a little party theme for this one, and I have to say these pages were inspired by Mario, my balloon-loving son. I used the balloon-shaped paper punch from the Martha Stewart collection at Michael's, and just went to town punching and adding strings 'til I had a nice full balloon bouquet.

 

And I can't seem to escape my love of prize ribbons. Love the shape, the streamers, the pleats, the satin. All of it! I used wallpaper, cardboard, crepe paper and glitter to make this one.

And now I will begin working on Heather's journal, the last one in the round for me. I already have my own completed journal back, and I love to look through it from time to time. It reminds me of my faraway friends who love the same things I love. It's something I'll always treasure.

 

Gilded Glow

 
So, I really love these candles and wanted to share the love.

 
They are hand-poured soy wax and they come in these gorgeous distressed tumblers embossed with a Fleur de Lys motif. They burn beautifully and fill the house with a soft fragrance. The kicker: they are only $12. I thought it was a typo at first, but it's true. These were something I had contemplated selling in my shop {when I used to sell things like this} but decided not to for breakage reasons.


I have tried several of the scents and haven't been disappointed yet. Shown above {L to R} are Honeysuckle, Red Currant and Pink Peony. You can find them in all their beauty by clicking here.

Cupid Loves Ruffles

I had signed up for Heather's on-line class in December because I so loved her Sweet Messengers of Christmas project and wanted to make one of my own. Loved it! And now that I have Valentine's Day on my brain, I used her wonderful technique to make this heart-shaped decoration for my home.

 

Of course I can't give away the details of her class, but I just checked and saw that the class is still open if you want to sign up. Click here. By following her step-by-step instructions, you can ruffle-ize just about anything.

   
I added a layer of hot pink lace and an arrow I fashioned from dowel rods, ribbon and cardstock.

 
Favorite soft shades.

 
Cupid was here.

 
This bow was an afterthought, but it adds a nice dash of color.

  
Flowers and ribbon loops are tucked in here and there.

Love is in the air.

 
And speaking of love, my heart was overflowing from all of your baby girl comments. Thank you, my friends, for sharing in our excitement and joy!

It's a Girl!

 
I had my 20-week ultrasound, and we found out we're having a baby girl! I still can't believe it! I was shocked as I was totally expecting to have another sweet little boy. It's been so exciting and emotional and fun and all of those wonderful things that go along with preparing for a new baby's arrival. And now I don't know what to do first......make hair bows or pick out crib bedding or buy dresses or sew curtains! I think about her and my eyes fill with tears of joy. George is already planning how to train her brothers to protect her from teenage boys, years from now.....LOL....I guess that's what men think about.

But for now, we are feeling blessed, overjoyed and very excited to meet our daughter this Spring! 

Happy New Year!

 
Happy New Year, friends! I hope you had a fun New Year's Eve. I made it until 10:00 then hit the sack. I'm such a party animal.

Thank you for your visits here in 2009. It's wonderful to know you all share my passion for pretty things and creativity.

May 2010 bring you all good things!

xo andrea