My first giveaway win!

I was the winner of the giveaway that Kimberly Laws at artjoystuff.blogspot.com was having when she reached 50 followers.  I never win, but got lucky this time and this is what I received. . . . . This wonderful
little book, that Kimberly is one of the featured artists.  This is her page and design.  Little does she know that this is just the kind of book I would purchase if I found it to inspire my creativity. Thanks so much to Kimberly!

My Christmas in July package came!

   I am absolutely in love with all the wonderful goodies sent me to me by. . . . . . .  

Kimberly Laws of artjoystuff.blogspot.com who made me this beautiful handmade ornament, and put in this lovely blown glass classic Christmas mushroom ornament then also. . . .

Crafted this creative decoration made from wood, trim,
old drawer handle, and Chandelier chrystals.

Then she added in a little kit for making vintage tags,
and this box of vintage pieces and ornaments.

She also added in another vintage ornament, some adorable
vintage package ties and then some "Harry and David"
Dark chocolate.  I love love love dark chocolate. 
And it was all packaged up so wonderfully.
She used old patterns and pattern instructions as wrapping
paper & tied everything with the lace and package ties.
It was an amazing Christmas in July experience.  Thanks so much to
talented Kimberly Laws, one of my best blogging buddies.

Making it a Vintage Trip

While at my daughters for the birth of her baby, I was able to steel away a bit, and visit some antique shops and malls. My daughter lives in a really great location for these types of shops. Here is some of the stuff I found at these malls and shops, while there. I was especially excited about all the vintage trims and laces I was able to find.

I will probably paint the frame, and I collect small white pitchers and mercury glass. The sugar bowl was aquired very cheaply as the lid was not there.

Making it a Vintage Trip cont.

Okay seriously, this has to be the most amazing of all my finds. I found these old button and charm cards (very old) folded up into a little zip lock bag. You could not even see what it was unless you took it out and unfolded it. This was at a thrift shop and no price was attached. Some of these bold buttons are glass and they are all very unique and interesting. The other card with the tree and tiny charms sewn on is so unusual. These tiny charms will be researched a bit more. I don't know how old they are , but i am guessing the 30's on these. but i took it up to the checkout and the girl there did not want to price it , so she called over a superior. I was holding my breath, until he said 50 cents. this was definitely my most amazing vintage find on this last trip.

An old filigree brass finding, the middle one is lead and bends very easily, and the top piece is a little pewter shell from an antique shop.

These tiny charms are just a fraction of an inch. I love to imagine what child so lovingly sewed these on the cards.

More of the good stuff. Doilies, yellow ric rac trim intertwined in this vintage trim. The puffy hearts are German store stock. and the letters shown here are very old also.

This is where I have been! My beautiful sweet daughter Tara and her newborn baby girl Lyla, and below is her older daughter Evelyn, who Grammy has been with for the past week. We went to the park many times, read lots of books and sang many songs. It was hard to leave them, but it was time! I miss that wonderful smell of a newborn baby, and Evelyn calling me Dammy. Tara, no one should look that good in the hospital! Love you all!