This is the board that hangs above my computer desk. It's an ever-changing collage of memories, colors, cards, rosaries, photos, flowers, trinkets, and anything else that inspires me. I've always enjoyed peeking at other people's inspirations, so I thought I'd share mine with you.
I made this flag for my vendor tableat Silver Bella last year.
Some cream velvet strawberries {from this seller on etsy, who makes the cutest little berries ever}
Millinery, a golden A, and some other bits. That brass thing hanging there is a cookie cutter my great great grandma brought over from the Old Country.
Phoebe...I miss her. Rosaries, a favorite old prize ribbon and 1909 postcard.
A pretty pink velvet strawberry made by Holly. And I love that vintage Sweet 16 plastic heart. Rachel Ashwell had a photograph of one in one of her books, and I set out on a mad hunt to find one for myself. Finally did, on ebay.
My little men, a silver wishbone, and an oversized Sally Jean "mother" charm.
Cheapo plastic rosaries. Love the colors.
Silly photo booth pictures of Mario and me.
Me with food all over my face. My bib says "toy shop". Who knew someday I would own one!? And that diaper pin was mine as a baby.
Old button cards.
Hope & Mike's adorably illustrated Save-the-Date card and some vintage millinery.
Vintage berries and brooches.
I found these antique Catholic medals with paper doilies at a flea market. My mom remembers her grandmother having similar ones. Aren't they wonderful?
This picture shows my Great Grandmother and her bridesmaids on her wedding day. I love that we have photos of our ancestors. I think it's so important. And a velvet rose I made from ribbon.
A postcard of a church George and I went to in Almalfi, Italy. And a vintage pink celluloid necklace...plastic, yet one of my favorite pieces of jewelry ever.
All these things have meaning to me, no matter how silly or trivial. This board makes me happy when I glance up from tapping away at the keyboard and see it hanging there, spilling with inspiration. As they say, it's the little things....!
Absolutely LOVE your inspirational board. Makes me want to update mine a bit...
Posted by: Laura Melohn | October 07, 2009 at 12:09 PM
A great inspiration it is!!
It's nice to see what you see.
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | October 07, 2009 at 12:31 PM
I've been dying to put up an inspiration board but just never got around to doing it. Yours is so wonderful and filled with all kinds of lovely bits and pieces! I may finally have to go ahead and start putting one together.
Posted by: Diana | October 07, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Your inspiration board is beautiful!
Posted by: Shell | October 07, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Loooooooooove your board. I can see how it can inspire the creative mind. Thank you for sharing all those small, but precious treasures.
Posted by: SONIA AUDELO | October 07, 2009 at 08:26 PM
OMG! I'm just completely in love with your blog! Great job and congrats, sweetie!
xoxo
Miuxa*
Posted by: Miuxa | October 07, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Wow!! That's an amazing inspiration board!
Posted by: Karen Dodson | October 07, 2009 at 10:16 PM
what a lovely tour of your inspiration! a wonderful post.
xo
Posted by: elyse | October 07, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Thank You Andrea!
Thank you for sharing all your wonderful inspiration and wrtiting such a fabulous blog in the middle of raising such a wonderful family & your fabulous shop.
I appreciate it all!
Best WISHES ~
Joelle XOXO
Posted by: joelledolcebebe6.blogspot.com | October 07, 2009 at 11:04 PM
inspired!
Posted by: holly | October 08, 2009 at 12:58 AM
ooh yes, it is lovely to take a little nose around boards like this. Thank you for sharing it. I'm in the process of putting one together, but it's something that takes time to build up. I'm in no rush, it's nice finding things and knowing they will end up on the board. Once it's looking more substantial I'll share it on CR. :o)
Thanks for stopping by. It's always a lovely treat to see your name in the comments. I'm glad you like the Mr Bunbury thing! Such a great name!
xxx
Posted by: sadie | October 08, 2009 at 03:01 AM
Andrea, this is truly beautiful and heartfelt, I love it! You make me want to do something like this :)
Hugs,
Amy
Posted by: Bunny Rose Cottage | October 08, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Every inch is filled with inspiration to last a lifetime. Your ever-changing collage is truly a thing of beauty.
Posted by: Barbara Jacksier | October 08, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Andrea what a beautiful Inspiration Board, so many treasures
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | October 09, 2009 at 06:43 AM
The circus is going to be glorious fun!!! I love your board and the seashell necklace is like a rosary with all your happy thoughts up there. I am so glad to share this with you and wish you well. Blessings.
Posted by: amy faldet | October 09, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Breathtaking!!
Posted by: cammy@freckledfarm | October 09, 2009 at 07:54 AM
this is beautiful! I am a little jealous! i have a few boards above my desk with pretty things but nothing like this! I am inspired.
xoxo
kara
Posted by: kara | October 09, 2009 at 11:15 PM
It's a shabby chic board full of inspiration!
Posted by: Geralyn Gray | October 10, 2009 at 04:38 AM
What a beautiful board! And I love all the old religious articles. So beautiful!
Posted by: Rebecca | October 12, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Your page is great! I'm new to blogging and am looking to follow Shabby Chic lovers, garage sale and vintage collectors, Classic Hollywood lovers or just Mom's like myself. It would be great to make some new friends. I would love if you would come join my page and follow me, save my site and come back often:-) If you would like:-) Have a great day! Winona
http://shabbychicdiva4ever.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Winona | October 13, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Delicious-it's so YOU! Thank you for sharing those tine sweet bits with us!
Posted by: Jen Day~sugaredsongbird | October 14, 2009 at 02:11 PM
I have to say that even when you think it is messy, it is still pretty clean and organized. I really love coming over and being in your space - it is inspiring and it reflects YOU so perfectly. Makes me want to come play again soon!
Posted by: hope | paper relics | October 31, 2009 at 08:22 PM
Wonderful!!!!! Lovely!!!!
A eautiful inspiration!
Júlia
Portugal
Posted by: Júlia | August 26, 2010 at 09:43 AM
Hi Andrea! I've been thinking of making part of my bedroom into a creative space, so I just had to go look up your beautiful studio once again for inspiration!!! I'm drooling over my keyboard... love each and every little thing!!! And your inspiration board... oh my!!! Just completely gorgeous!!! May I ask what you used for the back (base) of your inspiration board? I have a pretty vintage frame I want to use, but it's not a standard size, so not sure what to do.
Hugs,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | April 01, 2011 at 12:57 PM