Musings from Kim K.

A Kim K. Vintage Valentine Give-away!

2012-01-31T06:01:00.012-05:00

I'm ready to share a few of my favorite Kim K. Valentine vintage goodies with my blogging friends.

A pink/red vintage apron...complete with a Kim K. silk valentine flower pin.

A Kim K. box of chocolates, vintage doily, metal heart-shaped cookie cutter and Kim K. button flower bouquet.

A Kim K. glittered ornament

I'm also throwing in a bunch of my favorite vintage Valentine cards that I've color copied. I will even include tiny clothes pins in case you want to display them on your apron.

In order to be entered in the giveaway:

* Leave me a comment on this blog post. Period. That's it.
* Entries close at 8:00pm EST Thursday, February 2nd.
* Winner will be picked randomly by one of my two girls (whoever happens to be home and eager to be my assistant). I might even thrown in a few surprise items too.
* Past winners are always encouraged to enter again.

I would love for you all to become Followers, but there's absolutely no pressure. This is a giveaway for the pure joy of giving back to my blogging friends!

Good luck and Happy Valentines!

Linking up with:
It's a Very Cherry World: Rednesday

XOXO

♥

Editing weekend pics: An alternative to Picnik

2012-01-29T14:00:00.001-05:00

Many of us have lamented about the sad news that Picnik is ending its services on April 19th.

I'll admit it. I use Picnik almost daily. I even taught my faculty how to use this tool because it was so easy to use. Although I have have access to high-end software for photo editing, Picnik was just a quick way to get decent results for "free". I've been doing some research (in part to help my faculty) but selfishly to see what else I might be able to use for online photo editing. This weekend, I started playing around with FotoFlexer.

As you can see it has a working relationship with several photo-hosting sites. Most of my photos come directly from my memory card or laptop, but you can edit photos from photobucket, myspace, facebook, flickr, picassa and more. For a more detailed review of FotoFlexer, go here. If you would like to see a side-by-side comparison of other online photo editing software, see this site.

Here are a few of the photos that I edited this weekend using FotoFlexer.

It's been a very snowy weekend in West MI.
At least 6 inches of fresh snow, made for great outdoor adventures.

Be sure to check back first thing Tuesday morning.
I'll be announcing a no-strings attached
Valentines give-away.

XOXO

♥

Little Miss Muffet and doll bed(s) collection...

2012-01-27T06:50:00.001-05:00

It's Friday and so it's time for another Lil' Vintage Story Books Link Party.

Today's book is Little Miss Muffet and Other Nursery Rhymes, copyright 1956. It's a Rand McNally Elf Book, with illustrations by Mary Jane Chase.

While browsing through the book, I noticed several nursery rhymes that were unfamiliar.

Such delightful graphics.

Each week, I've tried to tie in a personal collection with a book illustration. Today's collection features my daughters' doll bed(s) collection and may look familiar to my followers. My mother (the talented seamstress) has always provided lovely bed linens for my girl's doll beds. Thanks, Mom!

The doll bed on the left was my first doll bed (Christmas 1969)

It also became Emma's first doll bed (Christmas 1999)

The doll bed on the right was picked up in Wisconsin when I attended a conference and I had an opportunity to browse a local antique store.

I just love the decals on the bed.

This was also the first doll bed Josie received
when she came home from China.

December 2008
(Josie had just undergone hand surgery...note the cast)

This next bed I found at a local antique store.

Aren't the decals are charming?

This bed is another one of my childhood doll beds.
The cloth China dolls were purchased while in Guangzhou.

My mother painted the sweet little pictures on this bed.

This last bed was picked up at my favorite local antique store where my mother gave it a complete make-over for Emma. She made beautiful bed linens, including a butterfly quilt and all new paint.

Christmas 2007

It's a good thing I have girls to justify my slight obsession...I mean collection.

Don't forgot to visit Corey Moortgat's blog for more great vintage books and illustrations.

Happy Friday!
Happy playing!
Have a thrifty crafty weekend!

XOXO

♥

Valentine wreath... another Target transformation!

2012-01-26T06:35:00.003-05:00

In case you are heading to Target in the near future, you might want to browse the $1 and $2.50 bins. One of the many things that ended up in my cart recently was this $2.50 wreath.

A few strips of material tied onto the wreath, gives it a whole new fuller look.

A few other things you might want to pick up in the$1 dollar bins at Target, include these clear containers, a few chocolate candy boxes and some mini mailboxes.

I've got easy ideas for vintage transformations.
Pinky swear.

XOXO

♥

Counting down to Valentines...

2012-01-25T05:27:00.009-05:00

Although CNY celebrations continue all week long at our house, I've decided to give my blog a makeover in preparation for Valentines. I have a favorite vendor at Changing Thymes (who also happens to be at this etsy site - Honeybees & Roses: Sweet Vintage Treasures) who keeps me well stocked with all sorts of vintage goodies. Last year, I purchased this apron and then attached a few of my favorite vintage Valentine cards with mini clothespins. This apron is now permanently on display on the door of my craft room.

The apron also got a few heart buttons and a new silk flower pin embellished with a Valentine cupcake pick.

As you can imagine, I've got all sorts of Valentine crafts swirling in my head...including a no-strings attached give-away in the near future. I might just even include another valentine-inspired vintage apron. Be sure to check back often!

Linking up with It's A very Cherry World: Rednesday!

and

Coloradolady: Vintage Thingie Thursday

Very Merry Vintage Style

XOXO

♥

Chinese New Year...Kindergarten Style!

2012-01-24T05:21:00.018-05:00

As you can imagine, our house was full of excitement prior to morning kindergarten.

Josie was very proud to wear her special outfit to school.

At circle time, we talked about the significance of the dragon and then Josie's classmates got busy decorating their masks.

After their masks were colored, the students posed for pictures.

Don't they make fabulous dragons!!

We then celebrated with a short Chinese New Year parade down the hallway, where we came back to the classroom and set off bubble wrapping firecrackers.

Josie then passed out her red envelopes and gold chocolate coins.

A fun time was had by all.
Happy Chinese New Year!

XOXO

♥

Gung hay fat choy!

2012-01-23T05:23:00.011-05:00

Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year! We spent Sunday afternoon filling 24 red envelopes with gold chocolate coins to bring into Josie's classroom. I'll be joining her class the last hour of morning kindergarten to assist in our very own CNY celebration.

In case you are wondering, red is the color of happiness. Special envelopes (like these) are filled with a gift of money and are traditionally given to children (and unmarried adults) on Chinese New Year. In addition to sharing these special envelopes with Josie's classmates, we'll also be coloring dragon masks so that we can have our very own Chinese New Year's parade.

The dragon, represents strength and brings good luck. Every Chinese New Year's parade ends with a dragon.

source

The dragon has the eyes of a rabbit, the mouth of a camel, the antlers of a deer, the scales of a carp, the whiskers of a catfish, the talons of an eagle, the legs of a tiger, the ears of a cow and the body of a serpent. As the dragon passes by fireworks explode all around.

The old year ends with a roar as people celebrate the beginning of a new one.

As you can imagine, Josie is very excited about sharing her special holiday with her classmates. I'll be bringing the camera along and can't wait to capture our amazing celebration.

Happy Year of the Dragon!!

XOXO

♥

Princess for the night...

2012-01-21T18:22:00.010-05:00

Josie's elementary school is having a daddy/daughter dance this evening.

Emma is my girly girl and Josie prefers play clothes over dresses. This afternoon was spent fussing with her hair and nails.

I love my two princesses.

XOXO

♥

Dolls from Around the World for Lil' Vintage Story Books Link Party

2012-01-20T05:19:00.021-05:00

It's Friday and so it's time for another Lil' Vintage Story Books Link Party.

Today's book was purchased last weekend from an antique mall while I was in Traverse City.

It's titled The Surprise Doll written by (Morrell Gibson) and illustrated by (Steffie Lerch). Copyright 1949, by Wonder Books, Inc.

This sweet little book is beautifully illustrated and tells a story about little Mary, whose father is a sea captain.

Each time he returns from his travels abroad, he brings Mary a doll from a different country.

Mary has six dolls, but wants one for each day of the week. She decides to visit a toymaker and asks him to make her a seventh doll. The toymaker tells her she must leave her six dolls with him for a week while he works on her special doll.

When she returns, the toymaker surprises her with a doll that looks just like herself.

One of the reasons why I purchased the book was because of this precious China doll illustration.

I loved the graphic so much that I used it in making this chocolate Valentine box.

While growing up, I also had a special collection of dolls from around the world. They were given to me by my grandparents, as well as a family friend who owned a travel agency.

This doll collection is now in Emma's bedroom where it joins a few more special dolls acquired from my husband's trip to Russia and our trip to China.

Don't forgot to visit Corey Moortgat's blog for more great vintage books and illustrations.

Happy Friday!
Happy Playing!
Have a thrifty crafty weekend!

XOXO

♥

Lantern Crafts for Chinese New Year

2012-01-18T05:50:00.010-05:00

With CNY preparations in full swing this week, today's post is going to focus on a bunch of different crafting ideas for creating Chinese lanterns. Last year, my adoptive blogging friend Cindy featured these fantastic Chinese New Year Lanterns out of red envelopes.

You can find detailed instructions here on her blog.

You can find red envelopes at Party City and Pier 1 right now. If you want to keep it simple, I've posted instructions for creating construction paper lanterns here on my blog. Josie has even been able to help me with this craft the last three years.

Instructions for making paper lanterns out of Styrofoam cups found here on Family Corner.

Another favorite lantern that we've made the last few years, is this glass lantern made of recycled glass jars, red tissue paper, stickers and other embellishments.

This craft was featured on my blog here and each year we've added another one to our growing collection.

A favorite blog that I've mentioned before (Let's go fly a Kite) posted this beautiful idea for creating lanterns out of thumb prints. Simply fabulous!!

She even sent us a Chinese newspaper (along with a colorful dragon and special Chinese envelopes) so that we could make our own artwork.

As you can imagine, Josie was eager to test out all her various paint colors on this project.

Based on advice from Let's go fly a Kite I used a sharpie marker to draw the lantern string/fringe.

I had so much fun with this craft, I even decorated a set of plain red greeting cards (found in the Target $1 bin) to make special CNY stationary.

Happy Crafting!

Happy soon-to-be Chinese New Year!

Let them eat dragon cake!

2012-01-17T05:25:00.001-05:00

In less than a week, CNY begins! In case anyone is throwing a party, here's a simple idea for creating a dragon cake. I'm the first to admit I'm not a cake decorator and if you want to see an amazing dragon cake, be sure to visit this blog. This cake was so easy that I think I spent 20 minutes on it after it baked and cooled. I could have spend more time on the icing but the point was to let Josie help decorate.

Supplies:

White cake mix
Bundt cake pan
Candy for embellishment (we used skittles on his back and pez candies for the toe nails)
White icing and green food coloring
Dragon head template (found here)

Step 1. Print dragon head template and color with markers, colored pencils or crayon. We also added googly eyes.

Step 2. Put together white cake mix and pour into a bundt cake pan and bake according to directions. Be sure to spray the cake pan. It needs to come out of the pan so that you cut it up into sections to form the dragon.

Step 3. Let cake cool and remove from pan.

Step 4. Cut cake into pieces to form the body. You'll cut the cake in half to form the body and then cut smaller pieces to form the feet, tail and neck.

Step 5. Cover cake with green icing. Attach the paper dragon head to the neck with icing and/or tooth picks. Decorate your dragon with green cookie sprinkles (optional) and candies.

Happy Year of the Dragon!

XOXO

♥

Our "quick" get-away secret...

2012-01-16T05:30:00.020-05:00

I'm letting you in on a little secret. Although West MI got all kind of lovely snow the last few days, we actually drove 2+ hours north Friday night to Traverse City and enjoyed even MORE amazing snow. Our pictures don't even begin to do it justice. The winter landscape is just gorgeous. This was taken from the front seat of our van.

I had to teach at our northern University campus on Saturday and it was a good excuse to bring the family along. We even brought our sleds. While I was working, Chris scoped out the sledding hills with the girls.

When they picked me up later in the afternoon, we were ALL ready to go out and play again.

Winter...glad to have you back old friend.

XOXO

♥

Guess what we'll be doing this weekend!

2012-01-14T05:24:00.005-05:00

We finally got a decent amount of snow! Time to dust off those sleds!

Hope you're having a warm and cozy weekend!

XOXO

♥

Cute Kittens!

2012-01-13T05:37:00.005-05:00

It's Friday and so it's time for another Lil' Vintage Story Books Link Party.

Today's book is a counting book by Art Seiden copyright 1958. It was a childhood favorite.

My favorite page growing up was number 4 because of all the cute kittens.

Just look at those sweet faces.

While I'm showing off cute kittens, here are a few more favorites found in my craftroom.

A framed page from a storybook.

This ceramic kitten was in my grandparents kitchen growing up.

A picture record album.

Our "real-life" kitten is pretty darn cute too...

...even when she's exploring the dollhouse.

Don't forgot to stop by Corey Moortgat's blog for more great vintage books and illustrations.

Happy Friday!
Happy Playing!
Have a thrifty crafty weekend!

XOXO

♥

Another "must have" book for adoptive parents...

2012-01-12T05:05:00.010-05:00

I've long been a fan of the author of Kay Bratt.

I was moved by her book Silent Tears and found myself purchasing additional copies to share within my adoptive circle. While we were waiting to travel to China, I purchased a zillion books on adoption.

I poured over them. The former librarian in me, couldn't stop researching and reading. Nearly, four years later, we're starting to get different kinds of questions from Josie and I was pleasantly surprised when Kay Bratt contacted me to see whether I'd be interested in a copy of Mei Li and Wise Laoshi.

This is a wonderful book written to address some very culturally insensitive issues surrounding adoption. Questions like "Is that your real mother? Where are you from?" are discussed in a manner that all children can relate to. Kay is even donating copies to various schools around the country and some outside the USA. If you’d like your school or classroom to be considered, please leave a comment on her blog. I've ordered several copies on Amazon. You can find more information here.

Thanks for all you do to bring awareness, Kay!

XOXO

♥

Hungry as a bear!

2012-01-11T05:21:00.016-05:00

Last CNY, one of my absolute favorite Canadian blogs (Let's Go Fly a Kite) posted a tutorial for making felt Chinese food here and I was completely smitten. Over this past weekend, Josie got busy serving up a few of her favorite dishes.

felt wontons

felt fortune cookies and eggrolls

felt stir-fry veggies

Yarn noodles

The pretend wok came from the
Tuesday Morning store.
It actually sizzles and lights up.
Very cool!

In case you're looking for other felt tutorials,

last year I also made these cupcakes

and these brownies and a cake

and these chocolate/strawberry sundaes

Just think...zero calories!!
No stitching either.
All glue gun.

If you're lucky enough to dine at our special restaurant, you might even get a waitress who wears a batman mask as part of her uniform. As you can imagine, she's in high demand .

XOXO

♥

A stroll in the woods...

2012-01-10T05:34:00.018-05:00

It's been so unseasonable warm in West MI. Without snow covering our ground, my husband took a stroll into the woods behind our house and shot some amazing pictures of the current landscape.

Riverbirch

I love all the textures in this photo.

This frog statue is in our shade garden bird bath.
Note his green moss chest hair.

My husband enjoys playing with landscaping as much as I enjoy playing in my craftroom. He put together these urns from our leftover Christmas greenery and bits of dried plants from our yard.

Rumor has it that a winter storm is finally going to arrive later this week. I think we're ready.

XOXO

♥

A few CNY Dragon crafts...

2012-01-09T05:46:00.012-05:00

Did you have a good weekend? It certainly went by too fast at our house, but I did manage to spend a few good hours in my craft room on Saturday as well as a quick trip to my favorite antique store (future post in store). While Emma was busy with homework, Josie and I experimented with a couple of dragon crafts from the Nick Jr. website for Chinese New Year.

The first craft is a dragon ribbon streamer. Instructions and a template can be found here.

His tail blends in with our CNY tree, but it's a long red ribbon and we glued yellow pom poms onto the ribbon. This second dragon can also be found on the Nick Jr website. We also added special pom poms and sequins to this dragon.

This dragon would make a wonderful
table centerpiece!

Be sure to save your egg cartons.
More dragon crafts coming!

Happy Monday! Happy Crafting!
Happy Year of the Dragon!
XOXO

♥

Vintage Story Book & Vintage Dollhouse

2012-01-06T05:36:00.022-05:00

It's Friday and time for Lil' Vintage Story Books Link Party.

In addition to showing of one of my favorite books that just happens to feature a dollhouse, I'm also going to share a metal dollhouse that I purchased this summer that you've never seen on the blog. I "just" recently set this up after re-arranging my craftroom over the holiday break.

This week's book is one of my childhood favorites. Illustrated by Richard Scarry and written by Kathryn and Byron Jackson, copyright 1949 and re-released again 1977.

Frisker and Whisker are two mice who live in a little red sock. After a trip to buy some food, they return to find their little home is gone! A kitten has taken it for a woolly cap. Whisker vows to find an even better house, but each time he does, another animal wants to use it too. Eventually, they find an abandoned dollhouse which all the other animals quickly want to move into.

Aren't those hearts on the window shutters are too cute?

Just look at all those yummy treats on the dollhouse table and the sweet flower covered rug!

Eventually, with the help of a puppy, it becomes their forever home.

Don't you just love that cozy canopy bed?

Home sweet home.

Don't forgot to stop by Corey Moortgat's blog for more great vintage books and illustrations. She even has several dollhouses and the most amazing studio filled with vintage toys. Swoon! As you can tell from all my recent posts, I have a thing for dollhouses.

See this post, this post, this post and this post to see other dollhouses that I've created or repurposed. I'm going to blame my dollhouse addiction on my mother who lovingly made us our own dollhouses growing up and continues to make miniatures. Here is a pictorial tour of my MARX two story metal dollhouse.

Happy Friday!
Happy Playing!
Have a thrifty crafty weekend!
XOXO

♥

Free Chinese New Year Kit! But You Need to Hurry!

2012-01-05T05:56:00.005-05:00

For all my friends who want to get a jump start on Chinese New Year preparations, Panda Express is offering a FREE Chinese New Year Kit for up to 35 students. Be aware that you need to order before January 8th! We used this service last year for Josie's preschool and were very pleased.

The FREE kit is geared for second through fourth grades (I adapted some of it for Josie's preschool and plan to use it with her Kindergarten class this year), It includes:

Panda Express’ Year of the Dragon DVD
Year of the Dragon Fact Sheet
Jade Emperor’s Interactive Game & Activity Sheet
Chinese New Year Decoration Art Activity
Lai See Activity Sheet
Bookmarks (with a Free Kids Meal with purchase coupon attached)

See here for details from Panda Express.

I also placed an order with Oriental Trading company for mini red envelopes

that I'm going to fill with Chinese chocolate gold coins.

I also ordered dragon masks that can be colored.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing lots of other dragon and CNY crafts.

As you can see, Josie is very proud
of her homemade paper dragon.
Lots of dragon crafts coming soon.

Happy Year of the Dragon!
XOXO

♥

So cute...even Cath Kidson might be jealous!

2012-01-04T05:49:00.002-05:00

Have you been to Michaels Craft Store lately? Specifically their $1 bins? Just look at all the beautiful eye candy now available! The prints totally remind me of Cath Kidson...swoon!

I couldn't help myself.

I'm sure you understand.

XOXO

♥

A new month...a new look...

2012-01-02T11:57:00.013-05:00

Although these vintage bulbs were meant for Christmas, I'm keeping them out to enjoy the rest of this month while we get ready to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Whenever I'm antiquing with my mom and sister at the Allegan Antique market, I keep my eyes open for these delicate treasures. Today is our last day of Christmas break and we'll be taking down our larger-than-life living room tree. While a snowstorm was brewing yesterday, the sunroom tree was transformed into our Chinese New Year tree.

To honor the "Year of the Dragon", the tree topper has several dragon heads (purchased from Party City) poking out of the top.

The little red shoes were purchased while we were in China and were originally worn by Josie. The glass red lantern ornament was from Hobby Lobby two years ago.

Other ornaments include lots of red envelopes and figurines purchased from World Market, Pearl River and other assorted stores.

I've said this before, but of all the trees, that I display in the sunroom, I think the CNY tree is my favorite.

I'm sure it has something to do with our time spent in China.

Our first family photo with Josie.

Linking up with:
It's a Very Cherry World: Rednesday

XOXO

Ringing in the New Year...Chinese New Year Style!

2012-01-01T11:35:00.002-05:00

We tend to be pretty tame at our house on New Years eve...lots of food, board games and party decor. If you've been a follower of my blog, you know I love any excuse to decorate for parties!!

This year, I asked the girls what kind of food they'd like (we usually make loads of appetizers in place of dinner) and both agreed that Chinese food sounded like fabulous alternative. Any excuse to bring out my special fan plates makes me happy!

Our favorite Chinese restaurant closed at 3pm, so I spent some time in my kitchen preparing a few of our favorite dishes.

Needless to say, we have lots of leftovers for New Years Day!!

Josie received this Richard Scarry's Busy Town game for Christmas and we had fun learning how to play it last night.

We are so thankful that our 13 year doesn't mind playing board games with her 5 year old sister. Thank you, Emma. We let the girls stay up until midnight and we were all a bit slap-happy by the end of the night.

I'm excited to see what's in store for 2012! We have a month-long celebration with Chinese New Year on 1/23! Get ready for Dragon decorations and a CNY give-away featuring Kay Bratt's new book Mei Li and the Wise Laoshi (separate post to come soon). I've bought several copies of her latest book to share with other adoptive friends.

Happy New Year!

Linking to:
The Thrifty Groove: Thrifty Tablescape Link Party
XOXO

♥

2011 - A Pictorial Review

2011-12-30T09:47:00.007-05:00

Just like that 2011 is about to move on...

When I wasn't at my 9-5 job , I was filling my craft room with favorite antique and thrift store acquisitions and new crafting projects.

Over this past year, I marveled at my husband's ability to finish a MAJOR treehouse construction project where we all benefited from several picnics and sleepovers in this special dwelling. You can find the "official" treehouse tour here.

I also plotted 2 special birthday parties.

We even took an unexpected yet amazing, family vacation on Mackinac Island and through Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

We also attempted our first vegetable garden complete with a beautiful gate made by Chris.

Over the year, I've shared several holiday craft tutorials and give-aways and plan to continue the tradition in 2012!

We added a new kitten to the family
in the fall of 2011.

We even got to celebrate the end of 2011
with the removal of Emma's braces!

But despite all our joy, we watched Chris's mom
battle several scary health setbacks
and finally find peace in heaven.

2011 seems to be over in a split second
in a flurry of Christmas excitemen t.

Thank you so much for stopping by throughout the year. Thank you for saying hello or for just being a silent observer.

Thank you for letting me show off pictures of the girls, my latest crafting endeavors, our obsession with Halloween, or my quest for the perfect vintage item. It's so nice to "meet" so many wonderful people from all over the world that share my same interests. Thank you! I am truly inspired by all of you!

Wishing you all a crafty and thrifty 2012!

Get ready! Chinese New Year is January 23rd (the year of the Dragon) and we can't wait to celebrate with you!!

XOXO

♥

New Year's Decorations & Dual Dollhouses!!

2011-12-28T08:46:00.013-05:00

I love our lazy Christmas break schedule...smile. I spent yesterday organizing my craft room (and my new jelly cupboard...pictures to come later) and putting together a few New Year's decorations. I had a box of vintage Christmas bell ornaments just waiting to be re-purposed.

Last year for New Year's, I decorated our dining room chandelier with these moon and champagne girl images found on the Graphics Fairy.

If you are into subway art, you can find this free printable here.
Don't forget to pick up the paper horns and party hats from $ Tree! You can always embellish them further with left over Christmas trim and garland.

Two Crazy Crafters have these lovely vintage images.

Don't forget to check out Family Fun.
They have loads of New Year's ideas!
Wishing you all a crafty and relaxing week ahead!

PS. The dollhouse has been in constant use this week.

We even have out Emma's dollhouse

(my childhood dollhouse...complete with stained glass windows)
Thank you for playing with your little sis, Emma!

Linking up with:

Coloradolady: Vintage Thingie Thursday
It's a Very Cherry World: Rednesday!
XOXO

♥

Merry Christmas to Me! Jelly Cupboard Makeover!

2011-12-27T05:45:00.008-05:00

Back in September, I shared on this post my jelly cupboard acquisition.

I found my cupboard while shopping with my Mom and sister at the Allegan Antique market on a rainy Sunday and it has been just sitting in my garage waiting for a transformation.

Renee (My Vintage Mending) had showcased her special cupboard and I was completely smitten.

A week before Christmas, Chris asked if I would like him to finish the renovation. I couldn't say "yes" fast enough! Renee had sent me some of her very special wallpaper from her studio makeover and I knew it would be perfect for my jelly cupboard.

Before

Here it is with a few coats of antique white paint.

Isn't the Cath Kidson wallpaper the perfect touch?
Thank you for the Christmas tags, Lynn.

Thank you, Renee!
Thank you, Chris!

Merry Christmas to me!!
XOXO

♥

A very merry Christmas eve & morning!

2011-12-25T09:16:00.026-05:00

Thank you for the reindeer food, Aunt Jean & Aunt Marion. Chris and Josie had fun sprinkling food on the front yard Christmas eve. We're still loving our Christmas snow, Nana!

I found these Christmas lights at my favorite mission thrift store and gave them a gaudy/glittery makeover. I thought Santa might appreciate this "special" setting for his milk and cookies.
Santa had to be extra sneaky this year. Josie fell asleep during our 5pm Children's Christmas Eve Mass and bedtime was a bit delayed. This was taken before she fell asleep at church.

Despite the extra late bedtime, both girls were wanting to be up at 6:15am....yawn!

Thank you for all your generosity this year, Santa!

I thought you might appreciate seeing how
Josie's special dollhouse came together.

Hope your Christmas day is full of joy my friends!

May you be surrounded by cherished family
and scrumptious food today.

XOXO

♥

Merry Christmas! From Our Heart to Yours!

2011-12-24T04:44:00.005-05:00

We had a little Christmas miracle last night.

Yes. The girls are wearing their pjs in the snow.

Snow makes everything seem better.
Thank you, Nana.
We think you had something to do with
our White Christmas.

We're looking forward to finding some moments to slow down, quiet our hearts, and experience the true joy of the season.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!

May your family be blessed beyond measure!

XOXO

♥

Brown Paper Packages & 2 Child-Friendly Craft Projects!

2011-12-23T05:07:00.008-05:00

How is your Christmas wrapping coming together? Last year, I wrapped my gifts in brown packaging paper from the Dollar Tree and added a tulle ribbon and glittered poinsettia leaf with tiny millinery flowers. The tulle ribbon and glittered leaves were also from the Dollar Tree. I noticed they have many different kinds of glittered items this year (in case you are interested).

This year, the Dollar Tree featured red/brown gingham packaging paper with their mailing supplies and I added a satin ribbon and a toadstool tag from the Katie Brown collection (thanks for sending them to me, Sherry).

A few of my packages will also have special vintage embellishments on top (be sure to act surprised, Mom, Michelle and Aunties).

If you'd like to make your own chenille stem Christmas inspired figurine, Martha has an adorable snowman tutorial here.

More complex chenille figurines and a tutorial can be found here. Love the Victorian images.

Here's my version.

The Santa face and snowman face can be found on ImagiMeri's Creations. She has wonderful vintage images.

In case you need another easy project (pinky swear) to do with the kiddos, I made these vintage inspired Christmas party crackers (poppers) out of a left over wrapping paper roll.

I didn't take the time to take pictures during the assembly, but it was super easy. I just cut the empty wrapping roll into equal sections, filled with chocolates and mini candy canes and sealed up each roll with tissue paper and tied with a ribbon.

Christmas hugs!

XOXO

♥

Church Tree, Paper Snowflakes & Snowmen Collection

2011-12-22T05:55:00.007-05:00

I had hinted on yesterday's post that our family room Christmas tree has been nicknamed our "church" tree due to it's LARGE size.

Renee...you'll notice that your apron came in handy when decorating the tree.

It's perfect for holding candy canes.

Our church/family room tree is nearly 11 feet tall and 7 feet wide.

Chris doesn't do anything small.

For the last several years, we've enjoyed a family tradition of watching the movie "Elf" and cutting paper snowflakes.

You can find wonderful templates and instructions for folding your paper snowflakes here at Vintage Junky. The hardest part of this craft is taking the time to fold the paper into the proper triangle shape.

This was the first year that Josie was able to cut through the folded paper on her own (or with a bit less assistance from Mom or Dad).

Even Luna was introduced to our paper snowflake tradition.

We're quite proud of our snowflakes and they are now taking center stage around our fireplace.

The fireplace mantle is covered with lots of white felt, lights, icicles and my snowman collection.

The chances of having a white Christmas are looking pretty slim for West MI, but at least we can enjoy our snow indoors!

Christmas hugs!
3 more sleeps until Christmas!

XOXO

♥

My Holly Jolly Vintage Christmas Tour...

2011-12-21T05:01:00.028-05:00

I have a shelf in my sunroom that stretches 20 feet long. It is filled with all my favorite vintage Christmas collections. It's way up high. Away from little hands and little kitty paws.

My sunroom tree is filled with all my favorite vintage ornaments.

(Thank you for the bead ornaments Aunt Jean & Aunt Marion)

I'm living on the edge with this tree. Our kitten Luna loves sleeping under this tree because the sunroom floor is heated. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn't find the ornaments as lovely as the heated floor. We do have a GIANT tree in our living room that is filled with non-vintage ornaments. I've nicknamed it our "church" tree because it's 11 feet tall and 7 feet wide. I'll share pictures of it tomorrow.

Next to my craft room, the sunroom is my 2nd favorite room in the house. A few other of my favorite vintage Christmas items include...

...the Christmas mail carrier that hung on the door at my grandparents home that now collects our special mail...

...this bell door hanger on my laundry room door...

...these fabulous "tacky" ornaments...

...special candles and bottle brush trees...

...this lamp post, special Santa(s) and card from Viv...

...and this special snow shovel vignette.

Linking up with :
It's a Very Cherry World: Rednesday

Coloradoloady: Vintage Thingie Thursday

PS. Paper snowflakes, snowmen & our GIANT tree
will be featured first thing Thursday!

XOXO

♥

My shabby Christmas bedroom tour...

2011-12-20T05:10:00.022-05:00

Thank you for the Christmas bedroom inspiration, Janet. Today's post was inspired by Janet's (Cottage Blessings) bedroom tour last week. I almost didn't decorate our bedroom for Christmas but was so inspired that I decided to go all out this year with my shabby pink decor. I've loaded my faux mantle and chandelier with lots of pink and white.

The glamorous deer were inspired by Magpie Ethel.

The decorative bottle was inspired by this post from Vicki at the Rusty Rooster Vintage. I had so much fun creating this bottle. I told you I was making up for lost crafting time!!

The .50 cent pink bottle brush wreath was one of my favorite makeovers from the Allegan Antique market.

Other Christmas bedroom decor includes my pink feather tree, vintage lantern bulbs and my shabby lampshade that I made from a pink hat and lace.

"Shabby" Christmas hugs!

XOXO

♥

Treehouse & Trains...

2011-12-19T05:34:00.002-05:00

With a small space heater and all that insulation, the treehouse is still snug and toasty in December. Our special dwelling is now officially decorated for Christmas.

I have a feeling these treehouse lights will be staying up long past Christmas. It's so cozy looking. After mass on Sunday, we took our father in law to Breton Village Mall to see the Christmas train display.

I can't believe how long we've lived in Grand Rapids and we'd never taken the girls.

With multiple trains and such detailed scenery, it's just outstanding. Excuse the blurry cell phone shots.

Chris's father retired from CSX railroad several years ago.

This is a picture taken 10 years ago of Emma and her cousin Quinn. They were almost four years old at the time and were visiting Papa at work.

With all our recent train activity over the last 24 hours, we decided to dig out our miniature CSX railroad train set Sunday evening and set it up on our ping pong table in the basement.

The buildings that you see featured with the trains were goodies that I picked up at the Allegan Antique market for $10 a few summers ago.

The whole family (even our kitten Luna) was excited about the whirling trains in our basement.

There's definitely something magical about trains at Christmas.

Have a wonderful Monday!
The Christmas countdown continues!!

XOXO

♥

Christmas fun with Papa!

2011-12-17T20:22:00.017-05:00

Papa (my father in law) is staying with us for a bit of holiday cheer and we've kept him busy with nonstop adventures. Today we ventured to Frederik Meijer Gardens to tour the Christmas trees from around the world, and enjoy the railroad garden.

We even discovered that he has a hidden talent of sugar cookie decorating!

Who knows.

Maybe I'll even get him working on a holiday
CRAFT project with the girls!!

XOXO

♥

A Christmas dollhouse secret...last few pics

2011-12-16T05:31:00.010-05:00

I've decided that I wouldn't want a second career in laying carpet or applying wallpaper. Josie's dollhouse makeover project was not my favorite.

I love the results (everything looks so much brighter/lighter), but I'm not used to be stressed out when crafting. Thank goodness there weren't any windows that I had to cut around!!

If you remember from this post, these special raccoons will be living in this dwelling.

The majority of the furniture that will go in this house are durable plastic pieces that came with the Li'l Woodzeez dollhouse sets available at Target. Over the week, I picked up a few more accessories and furniture from Michael's and Hobby Lobby. I staged a couple more rooms for your viewing pleasure. Please excuse the shadows. I struggled to get decent macro shots and my body kept casting shadows.

My mother made several of these
tiny dollhouse quilts years ago for the girls.
Isn't it precious!!

The dressing table and lamp (made from beads and a straight pin)
were projects my mother and I did when I was a little girl.
This mirror was purchased from Hobby Lobby.

I purchased the wooden dish hutch at Michaels,
painted it white and filled it with pastries
and the cherry tea set found at Hobby Lobby.

I added white glue and dusted the cake tops with fine white glitter.
I also cut apart a paper doily for the shelf paper.

The cookies, cups and cherry dishes are from Hobby Lobby.
The kitchen appliances and table are from Li'l Woodzeez at Target.

The additional furniture is wrapped up and I can't wait to see how Josie configures the rest of her rooms. I'm sure our kitten (Luna), big sister Emma and (the mom) will also want to help out. It's been a labor of love that nearly almost didn't get finished.

Several of you asked where I bought the mini nativity set that you see on top of the doll house fireplace. It was given to me as a little girl for my doll house by my mother. I seriously kept everything growing up (which Chris would agree with). I did find a seller on etsy that has one that is very similar to my special nativity scene.

Merry "almost" Christmas, Josie!

XOXO

♥

Josie's Christmas Wishes & Walnut Cradle Ornament

2011-12-15T05:34:00.011-05:00

For those of you who wondered what Josie asked Santa to bring her for Christmas on yesterday's post, she asked Santa to bring her more superhero toys, cars and a PUPPY! With 2 cats, I think our house is complete in the pet department. Our kitten Luna is so darn busy...kinda like Josie!

I don't think Josie will be disappointed. Technically, the dollhouse is a gift from Chris and I. However, an electronic racetrack might just magically appear along with a few more superhero books from Santa. I'm noticing a trend. Racetrack for Daddy. Dollhouse for Mommy.

I promised on this post, that I would attempt to make my own walnut Christmas cradle ornaments for Josie and Emma based on this one that my mother made years ago.

Although I didn't have the sweet rose fabric that my mother used, I'm fairly pleased with how my versions turned out.

Supplies:
Walnut shells (cracked in half)
Fabric (cut into a square measuring 3 inches long by 1 inch wide)
Trim
Poly-Fil (or cotton balls)
Hot glue
Bead (painted with a tiny face) or a tiny wooden figurine ornament
String for hanging the ornament

Cracking the shells in half is a bit tricky. I didn't take any pictures during this part, but I found that if you insert the tip of a knife (or a miniature flat head screw driver) into the seam that splits the two shell halves and slowly work your around the shell, you can break the seal around the shell. For me, the hardest part of making this ornament is painting the wooden bead used to make the baby's head.

My mother shared a trick of using the end of a paint brush (varying sizes) to get clear round dots. An easier option is to use a tiny wooden figurine ornament for the baby.

Step 1. Add a drop of hot glue to the top of the walnut shell and loop a string and press onto the hot glue. This will form the loop to hang the ornament.

Step 2. Cut your fabric into a square measuring 3 inches long and 1 inches wide. Add a pinch of Poly-Fil l to the center of the fabric and roll up the sides to form a tube.

Step 3. Cover the interior of the walnut shell with hot glue and press the fabric tube into the shell forming a blanket shape.
Step 4. Hot glue the bead to the top of the walnut shell and add a bit more glue to the top of the blanket to attach the bead to the blanket.

Step 5. Add trim or ribbon to the edge of the blanket. This step is totally optional.

Happy Crafting & Merry Christmas!

Linking up with:
It's FUN to craft!

In case you're wondering,
that is a pink feather tree.
I {heart} it sooo much that it's
going to stay up in my craft room
year round!!

PS. Tomorrow will be the final
reveal of Josie's Christmas dollhouse secret.

XOXO
♥

Any guesses what Josie asked Santa for?

2011-12-14T05:01:00.000-05:00

As you can imagine, Josie was so excited standing in line to see Santa, she was spinning in circles. Thank you for posing with Santa, Emma. Daddy and I appreciate you keeping the Christmas magic alive for your little sister.

XOXO

♥

It's the little things....

2011-12-13T05:06:00.008-05:00

I unpacked some of my favorite Christmas decorations over the weekend. They include my collection of pinecone elves, miniature houses and toadstools. Shall we take a little tour?

My special collection is on top of my China hutch...away from little hands and kitty paws.

I especially like my cozy little houses at night.

In case you are feeling crafty, I shared on this post a tutorial for making these toadstools out of acorns.
You can also find my tutorial for making these cloth toadstools here.

Elizabeth in case you are reading, I adore your special toadstools and gnome. They are the perfect addition to my feather tree.

PS. Coming soon.
A walnut baby cradle ornament tutorial.
I'm making up for lost crafting time!

Linking up with:

It's A Very Cherry World
for more Rednesday fun!

and

Coloradolady: Vintage Thingie Thursday

XOXO

♥

My Kim K. Winner & Gifts from Friends!

2011-12-12T20:09:00.001-05:00

Drum roll please....(Cheryl G from "not even close to empty") has been selected by Miss Josie to be the recipient of my Christmas give-away.

Please share your postal address and I'll get your special Christmas goodies in the mail.

Speaking of mail, Vivian (from Viv out on a Whim) and I participated in a private Christmas swap. Just look at all my special handmade treats!

My picture of her special elf just doesn't do it justice. He's just delightful and all the details are just amazing. Many thanks, Viv!

While I'm thanking friends, I also have to give a big thank you to Renee (from my Vintage Mending). She sent my girls special handmade ornaments for Christmas.

Just look at all her vintage embellishments!
Such lovely eye candy!

Thank you, Renee.
I'm so spoiled by my blogging friends.
Christmas hugs!

XOXO

♥

The dollhouse secret....an update!

2011-12-12T05:28:00.005-05:00

I shared back on this post that I was giving my $10 Allegan antique market dollhouse, a makeover for Josie's Christmas.

With the rollercoaster ride that has happened since Thanksgiving, I'm a bit behind. Fortunately, I made some progress over the weekend. All the walls have fresh paper and 3 of the rooms have new flooring.

Living room before

(interesting yellow paper and wood flooring)

Living room after
(light blue paper and burgundy carpeting)

I've decided that only the back walls are getting new wallpaper. Between you and me, I really hate wallpapering. As you can tell, I'm much more interested in the accessories.

Although most of the furniture has already been wrapped,
I promise to share one more room reveal before the big day.

Don't forget.
Tonight at 8pm (EST) is my no-strings
Christmas give-away!
There's still time!

XOXO

♥

A Kim K. Christmas Give-Away!

2011-12-10T05:31:00.011-05:00

I'm ready to share a few of my favorite Kim K. Christmas crafty/vintage goodies with my blogging friends.

A lovely embellished electric candle.

A few trees on thread spools and a glitter-covered reindeer.

A Santa cookie cutter and jello mold filled with all kinds of vintage treasures. I'm even throwing in the holly berry half-apron that you see featured under the goodies.

In order to be entered in the giveaway:

* Leave me a comment on this blog post. Period. That's it.
* Entries close at 8:00pm EST Monday, December 12th
* Winner will be picked randomly by one of my two girls (whoever happens to be home and eager to be my assistant). I might even thrown in a few surprise items too.

I would love for you all to become Followers, but there's absolutely no pressure. This is a giveaway for the pure joy of giving back to my blogging friends!

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

XOXO

♥

Many thanks...

2011-12-05T15:42:00.012-05:00

Thank you to all my lovely readers and friends who sent me notes or posted on my blog. That meant so much to us …especially Chris. It was a beautiful funeral and I'm sure Nana was enjoying the luncheon celebration following her church mass. Emma was even brave enough to do one of the scripture readings during the service. The tears were certainly flowing today.

Josie has shared statements regarding her grandmother's death that I need to record, before I forget them.

"Nana is like Santa Claus now. She's watching everything we do, so we had better be good all the time."

"Angels are really small because there are so many of them in heaven."

"Nana has already made lots of new friends in heaven and she is going to teach them how to play UNO."

It's been really touching watching the girls process their grandmother's death. I know this holiday season is going to be especially difficult and I want to try and start getting back into some normal Christmas routines/traditions again. Thank you again for all your support and well wishes.

Because I'm soooooooo ready to be in the Christmas spirit, check back this Saturday when I've had a chance to organize a few of my favorite Christmas crafts and vintage goodies. I'm planning on a Christmas give-away.

Update...
It snowed last night. I think Chris's mom knew we needed a little Christmas cheer.

XOXO

♥

She is at peace...

2011-12-03T07:42:00.001-05:00

My mother in law was never afraid to share her opinions or her love.

We will miss you terribly, Nana.

As you can imagine, I’ll be taking a blogging break while we spend some much-needed time with family.

"Death is nothing else but going home to God,

the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity."

Mother Teresa

Revisiting the Gingerbread Dollhouse

2011-12-03T05:07:00.005-05:00

While I was unpacking the Christmas decorations this week, I came across the gingerbread doll house that I made for Josie last Christmas and thought it was worth sharing the tutorial again.

Target currently is selling a Christmas version of the Lalaloopsy doll. She's the perfect size for this gingerbread dollhouse.

The gingerbread house is made out of a wooden CD holder that are available from Michael's. If you can't find these CD holders, any wooden or cardboard structure would be a fine substitute.

By the way, the plastic candy embellishments are currently on clearance right now at Michael's and Hobby Lobby.

Gingerbread Dollhouse Supplies:

Brown paint (I used spray paint to speed up the drying process)
Wooden house cd holder
Plastic candies and miniature embellishments
Pipe cleaners, trim and lace
White glue and brush
Fine white glitter
Glue gun
Scrapbooking paper

Step 1. Spray paint your house brown and let dry.

Step 2. Using a brush, coat your roof with glue and cover with scrapbooking paper. You could also cover the roof with white polyfil for snow if you didn't want to use scrapbooking paper.

Step 3. Using your glue gun, add line a glue around the edge of the roof and add pipe cleaners for trim. I used clothes pins to keep the pipe cleaners in place as it was drying.

Step 4. Add plastic candy embellishments with glue gun, brush with a light coating of white glue (diluted with water) and dust with fine glitter.

Step 5. Hot glue lace on the interior windows for curtains.

Step 6. Fill with little characters, a bottle brush tree, some miniature packages, and have fun playing!

Merry Christmas and Happy Crafting!

XOXO

♥

Lil' Vintage Story Books Link Party

2011-12-01T22:46:00.004-05:00

This has been a tough 7 days at our house and it's not going to get any easier. Carol has been unresponsive since the massive stroke on Thanksgiving (the brain damage was significant) and she will be brought home with the assistance of Hospice. We're now praying for peace for my MIL.

But in keeping with the Christmas spirit, this week's featured vintage book is Santa Claus: A Fuzzy Wuzzy Picture Story Book.

Published by the Whitman publishing Co. it was written in 1947 and features vibrant graphics and textural flocking on Santa's coat.

It's about an Eskimo boy who visits Santa at the North Pole and gets into a bit of mischief.

Santa elves (they are referred to as "brownies" in this book) are hard at work preparing for Santa's big night when this little boy appears.

They nickname him Jingle Bell and he spends the next few hours causing trouble with the toys.

Once everything is put back in order (thanks to Santa's brownies) Jingle Bell goes outside and helps Santa with his reindeer.

In the end, Jingle Bell gets to join Santa on his infamous sleigh ride.

"Merry Christmas to you and
to all boys and girls everywhere!"

For more vintage book illustrations

visit:

Have a lovely weekend.

XOXO

♥

Sweet Christmas Images for Crafting!

2011-11-29T19:10:00.001-05:00

At my first Christmas in 1968, I received this special card from my mother's Aunt Edna.

I thought you might enjoy the graphics as much as I do.

The walnut baby bassinet that you see featured with the card, is an ornament that my mother made years ago.

I'm hoping to do something similar for my girls.

If I'm successful, I promise to post a tutorial.

XOXO

♥

Nothing says Christmas like a pink Christmas tree!

2011-11-29T05:00:00.005-05:00

I'm trying to keep some normalcy in the house while we continue to wait for changes with Chris's mom. When we returned home later over the weekend, the girls and I set up their bedroom Christmas trees.

Every year, the girls have received special ornaments from various family members. After 13 years, Emma has quite the collection for her hot pink tree.

As you've seen on other posts, Josie's ornament collection tends to be Asian-themed.

She informed me that she wants some "regular" ornaments too.

Josie wants to thank you for her "new" VW Bug ornament, Mom!

It's Josie's favorite car (aside from the Bat Mobile)

XOXO

♥

Sometimes you just need to laugh...

2011-11-27T16:22:00.005-05:00

Remember our Halloween minion?
All that paint has preserved him pretty well.

At this rate, he might just be around at Easter!

Laughter might just be the best form of medicine right now.

XOXO

♥

A little Christmas cheer...

2011-11-26T08:54:00.008-05:00

We'll be heading back to West MI later today.

With all the stress over the last 48 hours, we are ALL ready for some Christmas cheer. If I can't be home decorating, I can at least give my blog a makeover!!

The new blog banner is a picture I took last Christmas. Aren't those pink miniature trees delightful? They were part of a table center piece at my Mom and Dad's house. In case you're interested, you can find those Santa straws again this year at the Dollar Tree. They look rather festive with Shirley Temple drinks.

Update
I want to thank you for all your continued prayers and words of encouragement regarding my MIL. Unfortunately, the neurology team has confirmed that there isn't a chance for a full recovery. The stroke has done too much damage. As you can imagine, this is difficult news to comprehend. It feels like a blessing that the girls were able to share a few hours of happy conversation with their Nana Wednesday night before everything would change.

XOXO

♥

Thank you. Keep the prayers coming...

2011-11-25T17:59:00.004-05:00

I want to thank each and every one of YOU for all of your prayers. It's been a difficult 24 hours. My mother in law continues to remain in ICU where they are running more tests to assess the damage from the latest stroke Thursday morning. It's heart breaking to experience such a major setback after such a good night at the nursing home with her Wednesday night.

Maybe there was a reason we were across the state this year for Thanksgiving...

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all your words of encouragement and prayers.

XOXO

♥

Prayers needed for our family...

2011-11-24T19:06:00.006-05:00

This has been an emotional Thanksgiving. I normally don't share personal family struggles, but my mother in law had a massive stroke this morning which has left her with paralysis on her right side and she is currently unresponsive. We traveled across the state yesterday to visit her at her nursing home and joked about her day pass for our Thanksgiving dinner celebration. It feels like a blessing that we were able to share a few hours of happy conversation before everything would change.

Please remember my father in law and mother in law in your prayers. It has been a difficult three years and I'm praying for Gods will and for his strength for them both. It's moments like this, that I am reminded that family & friends are the greatest blessing.

XOXO

♥

A special Thanksgiving photoshoot!

2011-11-21T20:07:00.001-05:00

Poor Penny.
She's gotten very tolerate of my special photoshoots.

An "early" Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!

Safe travels and blessings to your families!

XOXO

♥

Makeover madness...

2011-11-21T06:57:00.001-05:00

I squeezed in a few thrifty makeovers with my Saturday treasures...

Before

After

Before

After
(inspiration from Magpie Ethel)

Before

After

After our Thanksgiving travels, I can't wait to really get serious with Christmas crafting!

XOXO

♥

Things that made me smile on Saturday...

2011-11-20T08:13:00.001-05:00

Cozy Kitties

Torturing Penny with mini Santa Beards

Seeing Josie's love of reading

Finding loads of thrifty treasures with my Mom

And a craft room table filled with projects

I hope you're having a lovely weekend.
Yippee for a short work week!
XOXO

♥

Lil' Vintage Story Books Link Party

2011-11-18T05:57:00.009-05:00

Before Emma was born and we were living in a different city, I often visited a special antique store with my Mom and sister. On one special occasion, I picked up this Christmas in Fairyland book.

I remember thinking at the time (15+ plus years ago) that $5 seemed like a lot of money to spend on a vintage book. It's now worth quite a bit more.

Produced in the 1950s, it includes an activity book and several pop-ups.

The graphics are just delightful.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the board game that is on the last page of the book. Feel free to click on the image to enjoy your own game. I color copied this page and then laminated it onto a larger piece of construction paper.

Miniature ornaments, trees or tiny packages would make great game pieces.

For more vintage book illustrations

visit:

Have a lovely weekend.

Happy Thrifting!
Happy Crafting!

XOXO

♥

Josie'ism's

2011-11-17T06:34:00.003-05:00

Conversation #1
Josie: “You know mom, I could work it into my schedule to miss kindergarten today.”

Me: “ Why would you want to miss kindergarten, Josie?

Josie: Hands on hips. “You know mom, the point of kindergarten is you have to work. And I just want to play!”

Conversation #2
Me: “Josie, I was noticing that you are drawing with right hand and cutting with your left hand. Do you always cut with your left hand?”

Josie: “I’m different. I like to give both hands something to do.”

XOXO

♥

Thanksgiving Printables & Kid-Friendly Decorating Ideas

2011-11-16T05:52:00.014-05:00

If you were to visit my craft room you'd think I'd skipped over Thanksgiving. I've been busy creating new goodies from my vintage supplies.

Before it's too late, I did want to share some ideas that I've come across that look like fun for next weeks Thanksgiving celebrations. I'm also recycling two of my favorite kid-friendly crafts with instructions:

Hand Foot Turkey

Glittered Leaf Votive Holders

One of my favorite printable artists is Paper Glitter. She has a free Thanksgiving printable set found here. The kids enjoyed these last year.

Although we make a variation of this idea at Christmas, I'm loving this idea of a Thankful Guessing Game by Sissy Print

Other things to try out...

Thanksgiving TV Bingo by Family Fun

Pilgrim Hat Cookies by Woman's Day Magazine

Tepee thanksgiving Centerpiece by Kaboose

Popcorn Turkey by One Charming Party

Happy crafting!
Happy soon-to-be Thanksgiving!

PS. I've got a special vintage Christmas book
and crafting idea
to share with you on Friday.

XOXO

♥

Family time, Football time!

2011-11-14T17:20:00.000-05:00

Having worked at GVSU for 11 years, I've never attended a football game (don't judge). Our niece is a Sophomore at GVSU and when her mom (Chris's sister...aka Aunt Shelly) came into town to spend some quality time with her daughter, we decided to get into Laker spirit and attend their final game of the season against Saginaw Valley.

Sunny weather and fantastic playing
made for an awesome game!

In the evening, we took the family (and a few extra friends/roommates) to Kopper Top for a hearty dinner.

Chris and I have decided that if we ever owned a restaurant, this is the place we'd own.

They decorate for every single holiday.

Halloween and Fall Harvest were the themes on Saturday night. Forgive the cell phone shots, but the restaurant was packed and quite the sight to behold!

Thanks for a great weekend, Shelly & Jennifer!

XOXO

♥

A Christmas dollhouse secret...

2011-11-13T12:06:00.002-05:00

Way back on this July post, I showed you this amazing dollhouse that I picked up for $10 from the Allegan Antique market.

It was love at first sight when I saw the tiny drilled holes in the window boxes which I quickly filled with vintage millinery flowers.

I've decided to start giving it a proper makeover
because...

...although my intention was to use it for additional storage in my craft room, I couldn't help but think that Josie really needs this for Christmas.

Target has a new line of miniatures (Li'l Woodzeez) and I think this raccoon family need a special dwelling.

I picked all sorts of doll house supplies from Hobby Lobby over the weekend and I can't wait to get started.

As you can imagine, I'll have to be sneaky when I work on this project (so as to keep it a secret) but I promise to do a big reveal before Christmas.

XOXO

♥

Let there be light!

2011-11-12T07:23:00.004-05:00

My favorite antique vendor recently had a barn sale with several other vendors and I pretty much emptied her booth. I have to share my two favorite acquisitions.

These blow molds stand less than a foot tall.
I {heart} them!!

May you have a thrifty/crafty weekend!
PS. One of my 2008 blog posts
focusing on my Asian-themed Christmas tree
is being featured on Pagoda Road here.
They have 10 trees with all sorts of wonderful decorating ideas.
Instructions for making my little girl ornaments can be found here.

XOXO

♥

Honoring all that have served our country...

2011-11-10T19:08:00.001-05:00

A big THANK YOU to all of the Veterans who have served our country. Extra hugs to my sweet father on Veterans Day!

My father Been Hoax Vietnam

My father writing a letter to my mother
Michelin Rubber plantation

Michael E. Hurst, Senior Medical Aidman,
2nd battalion, 16th infantry 1st Division US Army

Stationed in Vietnam from June 1965 to March 1966

Thank you, Dad!

XOXO

♥

Let the Christmas crafting begin!!

2011-11-09T05:10:00.010-05:00

I realize it isn't even Thanksgiving, but those Christmas crafting supplies were calling to me last evening. After the girls went to bed and the lunches were packed, I fired up the Christmas records and had fun embellishing miniature Christmas trees.

Aren't they sweet?

Supplies:

Spools of thread
Ribbon
Buttons
Mini Christmas trees
Glitter
Glue (white tacky glue and hot glue)
Scissors

1. I started with brushing some white glue onto miniature trees and then dusted the trees in white glitter. Set trees aside to dry.

2. Cut ribbon the diameter of the spool and glue onto the center of the spool with white glue. Add a miniature button onto the center of the ribbon with hot glue.

3. For some of the spools, I traced and glued scrapbooking paper to the top of the spool.

4. Finally, hot glue miniature tree on top of the spool.

Merry Christmas!

I'm linking with:

XOXO

♥

BIG PLANS…I tell ya!!

2011-11-08T04:59:00.005-05:00

I haven’t skipped November, but once the last orange/black tub was packed up this weekend, I started looking over all the vintage Christmas goodies I’ve been accumulating over the past year and my head starting spinning with excitement.

I’ve got big crafting & decorating plans for Christmas.
I'm even planning a give-away or two.
Tis the season...

Linking up with:
It's a Very Cherry World Rednesday

Coloradolady: Vintage Thingie Thursday

XOXO

♥

A new record!!

2011-11-06T17:18:00.002-05:00

While I took both girls with me to Josie's gymnastics Saturday morning, Chris was hard at work tearing down the outside Halloween decor. He had the entire yard picked up in 2 hours and all the chaos packed away in 6 hours. A new Kenward record!

On Friday it looked like this.
(minus the lights)

By Saturday evening, it looked like this. We even had both cars back in the garage. A first in weeks!While Chris focused on the front yard and garage, I was inside packing up all my indoor decor. As much as I LOVE our party, the process of packing everything back up completely stresses me out. I was so sweaty from hauling storage tubs up and down our stairs that I actually had to shower before dinner. Every year I say to myself, we have too much STUFF. However, by the time September/October rolls around, I'm busy crafting away again. The saddest part of tearing down the decorations was the Halloween tree. I loved my tree this year. Receiving all those handmade ornaments from Sarah's ornament swap as well as, my own special swaps with Renee and Vivian made it even more special.

My Thanksgiving tree isn't nearly as lovely, but it'll do.

I hope you had a restful weekend.
I'm wiped out.

XOXO

♥

Lil' Vintage Story Books Link Party

2011-11-04T05:18:00.007-04:00

One of my favorite Etsy artists is Elizabeth Holcombe. Not only do I love her amazing one-of-a-kind pin cushions, but she has several etsy stores.

Lately, I'm addicted to her Dime Store Chic for vintage goodies. Recently, I purchased this 1955 children' s cookbook from her.

The illustrations throughout the cookbook are just darling.

Even the graphics on the inside book jacket are lovely.

For more vintage book illustrations
visit:

Have a lovely weekend.
Happy Thrifting!
Happy Crafting!
I'll be busy packing up Halloween decor.

XOXO

♥