Pure Creativity

Liz's Fabric

Hi Everyone~

I would like to introduce you to 2 amazing women whose creativity is always in full-swing!

The first is Liz and her blog is called Lululiz in Lalaland~dreamy name, huh? She not only creates beautiful mixed media art, but she also has an online store in which she sells exquisite fabric and gorgeous creations.

Liz's Fabric

Precious Pillow Available in Liz's Shop

Another beautiful creation by Liz....Notice all the dreamy details!

Nancy's Collage

Nancy of The Trinket Collector is in constant "artistic mode" and I am always surprised by her gift of creativity!

Just look at this adorable lollipop that Nancy made out of fabric.

And aren't Nancy's Bunny Cookies adorable?

Nancy never ceases to amaze me with her daily projects that are always a surprise--and a joy!

I hope you'll pay Liz and Nancy a visit if you have time--I'm sure they'd love to hear from you!

Have a wonderful week, dear friends!

XO

Cindy

Two Special Blessings

Dore Callaway

Welcome Friends~I am so happy that you are here!

Dore Callaway

Today I am happy to introduce you to 2 fabulous artists. Their work is filled with heart and whimsy. Both of these women have had their work published in national magazines and have beautiful Etsy stores where you can shop to your heart’s content. And why am I featuring them? Not only because of their enormous talent, but also, because they are 2 special blessings in my life.

Dore Callaway

Dore Callaway from Burlap Luxe creates a special place where one is literally transported on her blog into a world of French charm. Dore’s gentleness and talent exude from its pages as she shares amazing creations that range from furniture to paintings that she creates...Have a look and you will be transported too!

Lynn Stevens--Pendants

Lynn Stevens from Trash to Treasure is a multi-talented artist who works in myriad genres from jewelry-making to altered art to faux painting. Lynn is a fireball of talent and just seems to create in her sleep as her fabulous creations appear unlimited in scope.

Lynn Stevens/Wall Mural for a Client

Lynn Stevens/Mixed Media on Paper

Nesting

Today I received my copy of Creating Vintage Charm magazine where I am the featured artist for their Spring issue. My "Nesting" piece, among other works I have created, was featured in it. This piece is in my Etsy shop waiting to find a permanent home.

Have a beautiful week--and happy creating!!!

XO

Cindy

Creativity Abounds

The magazine Creating Vintage Charm came out this week and wonder of wonders, I am in it--and I'm super excited! If you would like to order your own copy, it is available online and you can find it by clicking on their website.

Gail's Work

As so many of you know, I design for Shabby Cottage Studio. Well, I thought you would like to meet the wonderful woman behind all the creativity at a place I lovingly refer to as "the cottage." Her name is Gail and she not only has an online store filled with awesome graphics and craft items, but also a beautiful vintage store in the mountains of Tennessee....I wanted to show you pictures of her work and her storefront--pure beauty!!

Gisele's Work

But, this week's feature would not be complete without mentioning the news of the past few days regarding the tragedy in Japan. My heart goes out to those people and all that they are going through. Please keep that country in your prayers.

A few months ago, I had the privilege of meeting a fellow artist named Gisele from Canada. I fell in love with her Asian art and I wanted to share it with you today. So that you will know her better, perhaps reading the words from her delightful header will show you what a fun person she is.

"Welcome into my world; be careful not to trip over paper,buttons,brads,lace or any of the other toys I am always playing with... I am a cardmaker who dabbles in altered art..."

When I read this, I thought of my own work space and how I have to wade past boxes and bags and ribbons and flowers....I get organized, take a picture, and 2 days later, I'm back where I started--in pure "Mixed Media Heaven," or what my husband refers to as "Cindy's Art Chaos!" lol

Have a beautiful week...and remember, don't take all good things for granted!

If you have a chance this week, I hope you'll enjoy meeting these 2 women and getting to know them better.

XO

Cindy

Very Vintage

Vicky at Rusty Rooster Vintage

Hi Everyone~

Today I would like to share a little vintage inspiration by introducing you to some special women who have a knack for decorating, creating, and repurposing. Vicky at Rusty Rooster Vintage is always creating such wonderful pieces and sharing her amazing talents with so many in blogland...

Her awesome personality seems to leap off the pages of her blog as she invites us to see all the beautiful creations she works on in the midst of raising a family and blending all of her talents together! I hope you will visit her--You are in for a big treat as you "wow" your way through her blog! (And I think she looks like a movie star behind those sunglasses on her profile pic!)

Barbara at Treaures From the Heart

Barbara at Treasures From the Heart blends her artistic knack with repurposing and puts things together in such a way that I am always astounded by her talent and her gentle take on life....When I leave her blog, I feel nostalgic for simpler times...times when people took a moment to enjoy a bird's nest or a touch of lace. Barbara is a busy person and how she finds any time to blog is beyond me...

You see, she has an online shop, but also has a beautiful shop in the town where she lives....Oh, how I wish I could visit and see all that she creates in person!!! I hope you will pay her a visit...It will be a treat, for certain!

Erin at Like Grandma's

Erin has a special talent for repurposing and her work can be seen on her blog called Like

Grandma's....Just look at this wonderful project she did recently...She took a lamp shade...

and turned it into this beautiful creation! Many more of her projects are on her blog and I know you'll love being inspired by her!!! Erin's ability to look at the "ordinary" and turn it into the "extraordinary" is amazing!

And lastly, I would like to announce the winner of my Blog Candy~It is none other than Karen at She Uses Her Words! Congratulations Karen!!! I can't wait to see what you create with this kit that has so many wonderful "beachy" items!

Wishing all of you a beautiful, carefree week full of wonder!!!

XO

Cindy

Nostalgia

Debra

Hi Everyone!

I think that one of the key factors in enjoying work that has a vintage touch is the sense of nostalgia that we all enjoy~reminders of days past. The special women that I would like to introduce you to today capture this in their work.

Debra of Capers of the Vintage Vixens owns an online shop with her daughter Nicole that is full of vintage charm. I hope that you will pay them a visit and see all that is in store!

But, that’s not all. Debra lives in a huge converted farmhouse that is beyond comprehension. This is just a taste of what it is like. You can read more about her and see photos of her amazing home at Melinda’s brand-new online magazine called A Vintage Inspired Home.

A fabulous new online magazine

Terry

When I saw Terry’s collage, I knew that it had to be part of this nostalgic journey that I prepared for you today. Terry’s work encompasses a variety of styles and methods and much of what she does provides a delightful learning process for me as I watch her experiment with so many different mediums. You can reach her blog at Terry 2 Dogs

and see all that she has created.

Ginger

Ginger of Glitter and Roses is an Etsy shop owner and her work is filled with pink and shabby goodness! I love garlands and hearts and cupcakes and teapots. Those are some of my favorite things and Ginger’s shop has all of those goodies just waiting for you to see!

Julie

When I visit Julie's blog, A Vintage Chic, I am always “taken back in time” with her beautiful pieces so carefully crafted. But, that’s not all. Julie shares amazing vintage photos and stories to accompany each piece of artwork that she creates. A visit to Julie’s is like going back to the wonder and joy of childhood!

Jill

With just one visit to Jill’s blog Feathers and Flight, you will see that it is a nostalgic journey all its own. She works in several different mediums including digital art and this is just one example of what you will see on her blog. Jill just received word from Somerset Studios that her work is going to be featured there soon--Congratulations, Jill!

I hope that you have enjoyed this special glimpse of whimsy. My drawing for Beach Party Blog Candy is still in full swing. If you would like to enter the drawing to win it, just leave me a message on this post to let me know. The lucky winner will be announced Monday, March 7!

Seaside Living

Debbie

This week, I hope that you will enjoy a fun excursion to “seaside living.” So, if you’re ready, put on some flip flops, pull up an Adirondike chair, and enjoy my new guests!

My first guest is Debbie from Love of the Sea. Debbie has a natural flair for decorating, impeccable taste, and enjoys creating vignettes that are positively beautiful AND she lives on the water...So, how fantastic is that? When I’m missing the sand, I just grab a soft drink, turn on my computer, and visit her blog--pure fun!

Cameron

Cameron from Paint Myself Pretty is a wonderful painter with numerous original works on her blog and in her online store. Here are some examples of her dreamy mermaids. She has natural talent and a style of her own that is soothing and truly speaks to the soul.

Brenda

Brenda is a mixed media artist who created this beautiful piece. When I saw it, I just knew that her work would be a treat for each of you to see. Every day, she has new work to share on her blog and is full of inspiration for those of you who love to create art.

Donnie

And I knew that this edition would not be complete without introducing you to Donnie of New Blessing Every Day. She is a very beloved person in the blog world who has a zest for life. Her blog is filled with good times, including a visit to an aquarium where this picture was taken.

Here is Donnie outside of the aquarium posing as a mermaid--don’t you just love it? I know that this picture just has to put a smile on your face!

For the past couple of weeks, I have had a contest on my personal blog for someone to win this vintage necklace....The winner was picked randomly and it is Heather--Congratulations, Heather!

I have put together this Beach Party blog candy that will be sent to one lucky winner.

Just leave a message if you would like to be in the drawing to win this “treasure chest” of crafting fun.

It includes handmade tags, as well as stickers, glittered shells, party confetti, and genuine seed pearls to use in your creations. If you would like to be in the drawing, just become a follower and leave a message on here and let me know if you’d like to be in the contest. Easy, peasy. I will announce the winner in 2 weeks, so come back to see if it is you!

If you would like to try your hand at decorating with a seaside motif, I wanted to show you this latest tag creation that’s in my Etsy shop--It’s entitled “A Walk on the Beach.” (I love burlap and I love the beach--so this is a piece that was created with two items that I adore!)

And with the springtime ahead of us, what could be dreamier than a seaside tussie mussie? This “Nantucket Cottage” piece combines shabby goodness and seaside decorating possibilities. You will find it in my Etsy shop.

Special Note: Although I don't usually add to my posting on here, I would love for you to visit Joanna! This wonderful artist just happened to leave a comment on here, I went to her blog and I know that you will LOVE her amazing seaside card--it is gorgeous. You can find her blog here. Her work is also on my sidebar.

Wishing you a happy week and the sand between your toes!

Linking this to Blue Monday!

and Coastal Charm!!!

A Little Romance

Hi Everyone:

Happy Valentine’s Day! I have lots of dreamy goodness to share with you today!

Brenda of Shabby Cats and Roses created this beautiful pink pillow and it is only one of the many lovely creations you will see on her blog--I hope you will pay her a visit to see her dreamy posts!

Sue of Little Imperfections has created this gorgeous organza journal...I know you will love browsing through the pages of her blog as she creates beautiful treasures from both fabric and paper...This journal is just one example of her romantic creations!

Connie of Connie Eyberg Originals actually made this blue pillow for her mother as a gift...But, there’s more to this story. It is truly heartfelt. You see, Connie painted an exquisite painting and later transferred the image to her computer in order to put her original art work on this pillow...Then, she did this intricate needlework. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Look at the detail...It is astounding!

Petra of Kunterbunt Cottage is a cutting-edge artist who always thinks “outside the box” to astound her followers! Just look at what she created with this coffee filter...It is a precious book. If you go to her blog, you can see all the pages--it is gorgeous.

But--there’s more. Petra has decided to have a giveaway and she is sending this beautiful creation to Terry at Terry2dogs who just WON it in a random drawing that Petra did !!!! I was given the honor of announcing the winner--Congratulations Terry!

Manni of I Bake Cakes astounded you last week and this week is no exception. Look at these cakes and cupcakes!

Wow!

And wouldn’t they look fantastic on this table that Debra of Deja Renew repurposed? I fell in love with this table when I saw it...and she has instructions on how to achieve this spectacular look right on her blog.

I thought I would share some more romantic goodness with you~this is my newest necklace featured in my Etsy shop~It is called “Queen of My Heart.”

Next week, please don't miss a special feature called "Seaside Living." If you love the beach, you'll love that issue. And there is a giveaway for my vintage seashell necklace--the winner will be announced on here. If you have not signed up, just pop over to my personal blog to enter. Click here!

I hope that all of you will be “serving up” lots of Valentine happiness today!

Doll It Up!

With spring time “just around the corner,” many of you may want to make some simple changes around the house. Please enjoy a look at these amazing blogs--they are pure inspiration!

A visit to Jojeana’s (pictured above) at Secret Garden Cottage is a rare treat! If you love vintage and decorating and acres of beautiful gardens, you will want to pay Jo a visit...She’s as sweet as she is inspiring! Her blog is like stepping into another world--I know you’ll enjoy your magical visit!

Gail of Gail’s Decorative Touch is an interior decorator who has beautiful “dolling it up” projects on her blog. Here, she took a lamp and added a rosette and burlap border around it. What a fabulous idea!

Kathy at Creative Home Expressions is an interior decorator who has some amazing decorative “makeovers” on her blog. She has her own Etsy shop where she has many of her creative treasures. Here the “before” and “after” pictures of a lamp that was updated....Don’t you just love the new shade? I love the bird tag hanging from her lamp too!

Sissie from Sissie’s Shabby Cottage is a boutique owner and also has her own Etsy shop. Her blog is always filled with sensational home goods, including pillows and furniture. Here is a look at what she made from peat pots.

Take a look at these--(I know you must be drooling!) These creations were made by Manni from I Bake Cakes. There are recipes on her blog, but don’t miss her photo gallery--you will be astounded!

Sheer perfection--I'll bet it tastes yummy!

Remember the garland I posted last week? I pulled a name from the list of comments left on the blog to have a little “surprise giveaway.” Congratulations Cameron--you won it! The only thing that is not included are the clothespins and ribbon to hang it on....That way you can embellish it any way you want for your home.

But, there’s more--I loved making the garland so much, that I made a 2nd one. It has splashes of turquoise in it, but it was made with the same basic images. And I made it for a giveaway--Congratulations Rhonda! Just add ribbon and you’re all set! (By the way, these garlands have hearts, but who doesn’t love hearts all year ‘round?)

Also, it's not too late to enter my Valentine Blog Candy event!!! I will announce the winner on February 14, so one of my blog friends will be having something extra to be excited about that day. Just push the button on the sidebar of this blog to enter...(It's up near the top and it will take you to that post...just leave a comment and you'll be in the drawing.)

Have a "Sweet" week everyone!