Well.....It's Finally Out!!!!! Romantic Homes Holiday Edition for 2011

So "What's the Big Deal" with this issue of Romantic Homes, you ask?!?! Well, in this issue you will find my Vintage Style Tulle Wreaths and Trees featured in it. That's what the big deal is!!! :) My Tulle Wreaths and Trees are one of my big sellers for the Holidays and they finally got their spot in the limelight. I have been making these for years and years now and their Beauty and Romance still takes my breathe away. I used to create tulle trees when I was younger. You know the ones where you take the different widths of tulle and gather them in circles around a wooden dowel and then layer them from largest to smallest and then decorate them with little tiny ornaments and mercury glass balls? And as much as I loved making them, I could do what I wanted to do to them as they had no substance to them. So I put my twist on them. So I can fill them with all sorts of Vintage Goodies and Trinkets and Glitters and Mica Flakes and.... I think you get the picture.

I have always been passionate about crafting, creating, painting, sewing, cooking or anything that takes a keen eye or an imagination. For the biggest reason is not only my Love Love Love (did I say Love?) of creating, but for the fact that I can bring Joy and Happiness to others through my Creations. It's my outlet when I'm stressed or down. It's a way to bring Beauty to our sometimes mundane world. It's how I express myself and who I am. And through all of that, it is also another way that I have tried to show someone how much I care or bring a smile to ones face. I feel that I have truly been Blessed with my ability to create Beauty from nothing or something that someone else would see as junk or through it away. I can say though that one of the not so pleasant sides to it is that my mind has a hard time shutting down. I see Beauty in so many places you wouldn't expect to find it or see something and want to change it and make it into something else. Another part to the curse is the sometimes sleepless nights because my mind is thinking of my next project. Or even waking up in the middle of the night with an idea and having to down to my studio and start on it right away. Some people call me crazy, I just think I'm me! :)

For my Vintage Style Tulle Wreaths, those are inspired by a wreath that my grandmother made when I was a little girl. She had made it out of clear dry cleaner bags cut into strips. They had yellow writing on them so the wreath had touches of yellow here and there, but mostly looked white. I don't know what it was about that wreath that when I ran up to her door to knock and saw it, it would just make my heart skip a beat. If she had the door open I would just sit in the living room and just literally stare at it for hours. And that is why I love recreating the past with a Romantic Flair of my own. It's not just the nostalgia, but the invokation of the heart. The way those items made me feel when I was a child. Shaking that snow globe for hours to watch the snow fall. Watching the twinkling of the lights on the tree reflecting off of the icicles and ornaments. Giggling at the bubbles as they would float up to the top of those faux candle ornaments. So I take my time and create heirlooms for the future from memories of my past. :)

So, take a peek at my little pieces of Romance in the Romantic Homes mag. I do feel so Honored and Blessed to be asked to do some of them for their Holiday Guide....Blessings to All this Holiday Season and Beyond!!!....Big Hugs as Always...Jewel ;o)

My Aqua Wreath on the edge of the editorial page. Jacqueline was a Doll to work with. She's the one that contacted me to create some for their photo shoot. I had only a couple of days to get them done and mailed to them, talk about crafting through the night, as they each take a full day if not more to make. I at first thought it was a scam when she contacted me so I contacted my friend at Romantic Homes and asked her if it was real and she let me know that "Yes" it was real. But you have to be careful these days. There are so many out there that try to take advantage of people.

Again on the edge of the next page. Doesn't the little bird look so adorable sitting in her little pink nest? She looks so debonair. She just knows she's a star. LOL :)

Here are the two Vintage Style Tulle Wreaths I made and sent in. I think they look so good in the magazine. I wish I could take good pictures of my items like they do. I'm just not a photographer. I do have to say that my hubby is pretty good, so I try to get him to take as many pictures as I can. One of the things I wished I was good at. :)

And the info page about them. They did a great job on the descriptions and quotes. I know they couldn't add in all I had to say about them. When one is passionate what they do they tend to get a little wordy. And I'm definitely not an exception to that. LOL

And then I got a full page for my Vintage Style Tulle Trees!!! That was the most exciting. Jacqueline wouldn't let me see what they were up to, so I had to wait like everyone else to see what it was all going to look like. I am so pleased with it all. And the photos and descriptions really captured my essence and as well as the feel of them probably better than I could. So Thank You Thank You Miss Jacqueline. You are truly a Sweetheart!! :)

New for Halloween 2011 Vintage Style Candy Box Ornaments

I have always loved Vintage Candy Boxes. I love the details, the graphics and the love that went into making them. So over the years I have been designing Ornaments and Displays for various holidays that are inspired by them. I guess you can say it's my twist on them. This year I have some new ones listed for Halloween. I absolutely love creating these. The ones I have made in the past have been huge sellers so if you want to get in on the fun better get them while you can.

As usual I put a lot of detail into them with Vintage German Glass Glitters, Handmade Banners, Vintage Seam Binding, Vintage Style Tinsel and Chenille. The images come from Vintage & Antique Postcards and other ephemera that I have collected over the years. So take a peek and tell me what you think. If you would like some custom ones made for any occasion or theme I would love to make some for you.

Here is a Ghost carrying a Jack-O-Lantern on a stick in front of a Giant Moon

Two Adorable Children hiding behind a huge Jack-O-Lantern

Look at the Owl on the Jack-O-Lantern

Check out the Black Cat sitting in front of a big Orange Moon

Give A Way again at my friend Rebecca's

My friend Rebecca over at A Gathering Place is having another Amazing Give A Way. Head on over and just check it out. :)

French Lavender How I Love Thee

What do I do when I get stressed you ask? Well I reach for one of my French Lavender Sachet Pillows I have around my house, stick my nose up to it and breathe in deep. That always calms me down and helps me destress. I have to admit that when I first found lavender that I wasn't too thrilled with the smell of it. It smelled soapy to me. But not too long after I started working with it I sooo fell in love with it. Of course it took going through a few varieties to find the one that really made me say "Aaaahhh! Now that's more like it!". LOL I have been using imported French Lavender, from France of course, for many many years now. I have made Sachet Pillows, Envelope Sachets, Sachet Pouches, put it in bowls and vases, put it in and on candles (yes you heard me correct, on candles. Dip a candle in wax, or glue if you aren't going to burn it, and then immediately dip it in Lavender. A pretty way to get the aroma and decorate.) and the list goes on. Not only does the French Lavender smell the best (of course it's a little more expensive than the normal lavender), keep a prettier color, the most fragrant but, it lasts the longest as well. I have many sachets around my house that I made well over 10 years ago and they still smell like the day I made them. If I feel the smell is dissipating, then I just give the sachet a gentle squeeze or two to crush the buds a little and it releases some more of the essential oils that make it smell so heavenly.

Lavender has been used used for centuries for many things. Not only do people use it as a stress reliever, but it is used in culinary delights and as teas or in teas. It is a natural moth and bug repellent. It has also been used as a natural preservative. In Victorian times it was common to pack your wedding dress or other linens in lavender to preserve and protect them. It has also been speculated that it has healing properties as well.

Here are a few French Lavender Sachets that I have made over the years. Of course these are just a few of the thousands I have made, but I just thought I would give you an example of how you could use French Lavender to decorate in your own home. :)

I Hope you enjoyed some of my French Lavender Creations. Now Show me Yours! :)

More Vintage Style Christmas Delights!

I have been busy trying to get things done between custom orders and getting orders shipped. But I am determined to get some Christmas Goodies done besides the my custom ordered Christmas Goodies. LOL I make more in custom orders than I do to sell in my shoppes. LOL At least I get to make some pretty Christmas stuff. It is my favorite holiday to decorate and craft for. Valentines is my second favorite. :) Anyway, check out my new Goodies and let me know what you think. Feedback is very important to me as I create what I think you all want. So if I'm not making what you want, then I need to know. :) Have a Gorgeous Holiday Season to All! Enjoy!

New for Christmas 2010

I know I don't get a chance to blog that often, and most certainly not as often as I would like, but with family and orders and everything else that happens in life sometimes you just have to take cuts in other places. I have been busy working on new Christmas items for this season, although a little late in the game probably, but better than never. :) Check out my Vintage Style Christmas Trees and Christmas Gazebo Displays. I think they turned out so adorable. I also added a few wall hangings that would look Lovely even hanging from a door or drawer knobs. They all have lots of Vintage Goodies that I used to decorate them with. So check them out and let me know what you think. If you like what you see then visit my Etsy Shoppe TheShabbyBoutique to check out more Cottage and Vintage Style Christmas and Home Decor items!

Hugs and Blessings to All!

Featured on a Blog!

I want to say Thank You ever so much to Eaindar from Crafty Dream for Featuring one of my items on her blog. She featured my Pink Roses Wire Basket in a collage of Cottage Roses items. If you get a chance stop by her blog, tell her I sent you and give her a big "Hello!". She has a Gorgeous blog that I'm sure you will love to peruse through. You can find my Cathrine Klein Pink Roses Wire Basket here!

Enjoy

Hugs!

Jewel

A Gathering of Thoughts is having another Give-A-Way!

My dear Sweet Friend Rebecca over at A Gathering of Thoughts is having another Sweet Give-A-Way! She's giving away a Gorgeous Pillow and some Hand Painted Roses Ornaments. So head on over to her Blog and sign up. It ends on August 12th, 2010 so you better hurry! :)



So Sweet Handpainted Ornies

So Sweet Pillow

My new friend is having a Give-a-way!

Hello My Lovely Followers! I just wanted to pop in and let you all know that my new friend Rebbecca over at A Gathering Place is having a Give-a-way to celebrate the re-oping of her website A Gathering Place. She is giving away a Lovely old Hand Painted (with what you say? Pink Roses of course!) Sewing Table Drawer and a Lovely Sachet Pillow. So go check out her blog A Gathering of Thoughts and sign up for her Grand Re-opening Give-a-way!


Hugs to you All!
Jewel ;o)

Paper Dolls Garland Craft Kit is Here!

You have patiently been waiting and I know it had been killing you! But they have arrived! Get your Paper Dolls Garland Craft Kit Here TODAY! I have them listed in my Crafting Confections Etsy Shoppe, but if you purchase on the Pre-Order button on my last Blog Post, you will get yours for $5 off. I will only be making a limited number of these Craft Kits and most of them will be saved back for a show I'm doing this fall. But these are Great Fun to do with your kids this summer or to give as gifts to your favorite crafter or do yourself. And How Cute Are They? Aren't they Adorable? Of course yours will be different than mine or anyone elses, but just the dresses without any embellishments are just so darn Cute themselves. :) Take a Peek at the one I created.

And look at all of the Gorgeous Vintage and New Embellishments that you get with your Craft Kit. I had lots of stuff left over when I got finished with my Paper Dolls Garland, so I'm sure you will have everything you need to decorate them. Of course you can add your own embellishments too to make them unique and all your own. :)

You get all sorts of Goodies with you Paper Dolls Garland Kit:
* 6 Paper Doll Dresss
* Vintage Seam Binding Ribbon
* Ric Rac Trim
* Mini Pom Pom Fringe
* Vintage Silver German Glass Glitter
* Vintage Style Forget Me Nots
* Velvet Ribbon
* Vintage Lace

More Crafting Confections "Sweet As Pie" Craft Kits Coming Soon! So Keep Watching! :)

Be On The L@@kout For My Latest Craft Kit!!!!

I have been busy in my Studio recently putting together some fun Craft Kits that are so Adorable! I will be adding them shortly to my Crafting Confections Etsy Shoppe. But for now here is a sneak peek!...Hugs...Jewel ;o)

I will only be making a limited number of these Paper Doll Garland Craft Kits. So if you would like to pre-order yours today to make sure you get your kit when I get them all finished up, then click below to purchase your Kit Now.

This particular kit will include the following embellishments and more:

* Vintage Silky Rayon Seam Binding Ribbon
* Ric Rac Trim
* Mini Pom Pom Fringe
* Vintage German Glass Glitter
* Vintage Style Velvet/Flocked Forget Me Nots
* Velvet Ribbon
* Vintage Lace

What to do for your Wedding Registry if you want your Gifts from the Handmade Community

As we approach June, the season for weddings, we all know someone who is getting married or getting married ourselves. Me, I'm fortunate to already be married to the most Amazing man on this planet and have a Wonderful family. But to those getting married it is so frustrating trying to get registered somewhere. Where do I register? Do they really have all that I want? Is it really what I want? And for those of us who already have a household and don't really need anything per say, but would maybe just like some things to blend in with our already decorated home or perhaps have that room you would like to re-do, but don't really have the money to do it. With the Go Green or Buy Handmade attitude that we are getting today, maybe we want to help save the environment or help support an artisan with Vintage, Handmade, Repurposed or Upcycled gifts of our choosing.

My answer is simple. Find a site such as Etsy where you can find Quality Handmade, Vintage, Upcycled or Repurposed items that you Love. Create an account there and add all of the items that you want to your Favorites. Then in with your invitations, in emails to your quests or you can even make up business cards to hand out with the URL of your Account on them. Tell your guests to go there and pick from your Favorites for your gifts. Then you know you will be getting exactly what you really want, so you won't have to return 10 toasters. LOL They will be One of a Kind, Unique and Truly You....Hugs...Jewel ;o)

These would be my picks! :)

To see this registry and view and the items in it listed for sale, go Here!

Marie Antionette LET THEM EAT CAKE Place Settings / Chair Hangers

I got an email from one of my clients a couple of weeks ago. She had purchased my Marie Antoinette "Let Them Eat Cake" Note Cards to use for her little girls' Birthday Party Invitations. She asked me if I could make some sort of Place Setting Cards/Chair Hangers for all of the little girls at the party and I took the challenge. This is what I came up with. These turned out so Adorable I decided to add them to my Romantic Inspirations Etsy Shoppe.

They are 5"x7" and are created from the imagery I used to make the note cards. I printed them on heavy cardstock and then I hand glittered each one with Vintage Silver German Glass Glitter. This one pictured was the one for the Birthday Girl, the others just had their name without Princess so the Birthday Girl was a little more special. :) I then added some Vintage Seam Binding Ribbon Bows in two different shades of pink and extra for hanging on the back of the chairs. I topped it all off with Vintage Style Millinery Forget Me Nots. Aren't they so Sweet?

I can do them in any theme or from imagery from any of my existing note cards or gift tags in my shoppe. I can also do party hats, cupcake toppers and much more to give your party an overall theme.

These would be great for Bridal Showers, Dinner Parties, Luncheonettes, Baby Showers, Parties, Masquerades and more. Order yours today here! :)

Featured on Another New Blogland Friends Blog

I want to Thank another gal blogger for featuring one of my Shabby Vintage Wares on her blog. She included my Sweet Cottage Vintage Chippy Wire Basket along some other fellow artisans in her piece on "Beautiful Shabby Chic Style Home Decor". Here is a link to view her blog, you can tell her Jewel send you there. :) If you don't want to follow the link, here is the basket she used which is available, for now, in my Etsy Shoppe TheShabbyBoutique.



I have been working hard on getting all of my Etsy Shoppes organized and straightened out, as well as get back to the roots of what Shabby Boutique is about. And that is Romantic Home Decor. The past few years I have been concentrating on web design, graphic design, stationary and gift tags as well as new and vintage craft supplies. I had taken a break from the Home Decor end of things after I closed down my brick and mortar shop due to too many issues with trying to take care of my grandmother after she fell and broke her hip. It was just too much to run a shoppe, take care of her and take care of my own family. My shoppe was my Dream, but just not the right time. My family comes first. I will do it again, but later when the kids and family don't need me so much. :) My craft supplies have been packed up in the garage, but I have finally felt like getting back in the home decor chair and bring you all some lovely home decor items. I will still be doing the stationary, craft supplies, web design, etc,. as it is all part of what I do and Love doing, just refocusing again. So be on the look out for new items coming soon! I have also been digging some of my items out that I had made several years ago for the shoppe and already have a few of those items listed.

If you are interested in my craft supplies line you can go to CraftingConfections on Etsy and for my stationary and gift tags you can go to RomanticInspirations. I will be moving my graphic design, business card, banners, and digital collage sheets over to a new shoppe soon as well. But I still don't have a name for it and I want to get the shoppes that I already have squared away first. I am also wanting to start doing jewelry again as well and I'm not sure if I want to open a new store for that, or combine it with RomanticInspiration or TheShabbyBoutique. I really need to get my website back up and going again so I can have everything under one roof again, but I just don't have the time right now. And I do Love Etsy and I do enjoy selling from there. It has been such a pleasurable experience over the last two years and I have met so many wonderful people there. Which is probably why I haven't been in too big of a hurry to get my own website going again.

I am leaving eBay though. I will leave a few templates listed for a while, but I will be closing my eBay store. Their fees have just gone outrageous and then to pay for a store and have to pay an exuberant amount of listing fees as well and then have like 12% of the final value fees also go to them. Then they own PayPal and they take fees out there as well. No Thank You! They are trying to become something that they are not as well as something that they weren't started or meant to be. It's no fun anymore and the policies that they keep putting in place to overpower the buyer and tip the scales in their favor instead of having an even playing field. I don't think anyone is really happy there anymore unless you are a drop shipper or large company selling tons of items a month. As for the small businesses or the little guy, it just not worth it anymore. I'm not sure why companies don't understand the principal of, "If it's not broke, don't fix it".

I will still be here though, I'm not going anywhere, just down a different path. So to the thousands of you that bought eBay templates, storefronts, etc,. from me in the past, present or future, I am still here to help or answer questions or support those templates and eBay stores. Don't worry about that. And I will still do custom graphics for eBay for you as well. I do what I Love and I Love what I do! :)

Well, I guess that's it for now! I will chat with you all later! Hugs and Blessings to you All!

Jewel ;o)