My home at Christmas time..

Doggy Bed?

Also good for the kitties..

COZY...

the key word this Christmas, according to my teenage daughters. The way our home feels and smells combined with the dimly lit white lights everywhere. But it's not complete until they snuggle into a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa. So I put together a little "hot cocoa station" for them! (The light brown color of the cocoa and gingerbread marshmallows just happen to look great in my pink and brown kitchen too!) I couldn't resist the gingerbread and little snowmen marshmallows. And of course, they had to be displayed in vintage jars.

Vintage Bulb Wreath

I love vintage Christmas bulbs-especially pink ones! I put this wreath together to sell at my local shop. It's sold-yay!

RePurposed Necklace on Etsy

Better Homes & Gardens Holiday Mantle

Fun & Festive Holiday Color Schemes

Love This!!

Fun & Festive Holiday Color Schemes

Holiday preparations

I am working hard to get new pieces to my shops for this weekend!  Why do the cats seem to think I need their help??!!  I will be posting some photos shortly.
 

11 Handmade Holiday Gifts

11 Handmade Holiday Gifts

Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces

Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces

Holiday Fireplace Decorations

Holiday Fireplace Decorations

Christmas arrives in Medina

Holiday Shadow Box

Used an old drawer and vintage pieces to make this adorable little shadowbox.

Holiday Scene

Made this sweet little winter scene with vintage pieces and glitter inside an apothecary jar. 

Glitter House

Vintage Chic Pet Bed

Just finished these pet beds for Perfectly Charming.  I found some great vintage, down pillows that fit perfect in an old drawer, and VOILA!

Vintage Button Rings

I have been trying to find the time to make these for some time now, and finally was able to put a few together to sell at my shop space.  I absolutely love the necklaces, bracelets and rings that are being made out of old vintage findings!!  I have been collecting lots of treasures to make more of these one of a kind pieces to sell!

Glitter Pumpkin

I made this black glittery pumpkin to sell.  I purchased a papier mache pumpkin that I spray painted black.  When it dried, I brushed on white craft glue and dipped into a bowl of black glitter!  I had to do the top first and let dry before I did the rest of the pumpkin.

Sneak Peek at Vintage White Holiday Ideas

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/indoor-decorating/vintage-white-christmas-decorations/

Better Homes & Gardens Holiday Decorating

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/halloween/outdoor-decorations/gourds-pumpkins-uses/

Happy Fall!

I have been busy with my mom putting together our flea market and garage sale finds to make "spooky" jars and other fun Halloween items.  I have posted a few pictures here.
Other news:  I recently quit my "day job" and hope to be able to work with my treasures and decorating full time now.  No better time to start than the Holidays!  I have a massive to-do pile of projects to put together for Christmas. (my poor husband)   But, I finally set up a little studio for myself so that I can be inspired by all my vintage trinkets and treasures, and we can now eat at our dining room table again.  I have also opened a shop on Etsy and have loads of items to post.  Stay tuned!

Colorful Backyard Decorating Ideas

Colorful Backyard Decorating Ideas

My first posting!

Well  I have finally decided to join the blog world!  I have read interesting blogs that I learned of through my favorite magazines, such as Romantic Country and Romantic Homes, but never really thought of myself as a 'blogger'.  Time to get with the times.  

A little bit about myself:  I reside in Ohio with my three beautiful daughters and wonderful husband of 18 years.  We live on a beautiful piece of property in the country complete with chickens, rabbits, and Nubian goats.   I guess we have what you would call a  a "hobby farm".  


I have always had an interest in crafts and gardening (and of course, shopping).  As Shabby Chic came about, I began to get away from the crafts and go head over heels for anything rusty, chippy and just plain "junky".  Always avid garage-salers,  my mom and I began to seek out flea markets and antique shops to find what we considered treasures to decorate our homes.  My home was eventually transformed into a shabby, cottage style with white furniture, pastel colors (my favorites are pink and aqua) and anything with roses.   


So the flea market addiction began.  If you have never been to one, you are missing out.  Not all flea markets have good "junk", however.  I prefer the ones  that offer a variety of antiques, collectibles, vintage treasures, and architectural pieces.  You never know what you will find!   And take your seats out of your mini van--just in case.  If you see something that you absolutely LOVE, but don't know where you will put it, buy it anyway!   You may get home and realize it's time to donate that boring picture over your mantel, that matches your curtains and sofa perfectly (there is such a thing as "too" matchy) to Goodwill.  In it's place, hang that chipped old frame you just bought.  Attach your favorite wreath inside with a ribbon,  and you have a beautiful new look, that probably cost you pennies.  

That's all for now. I hope to bring more interesting tips and projects in the weeks to come.
Thanks for reading!
Michelle