C. Crafts & Collectibles' Blog Spot

Introducing a New Blog!

2008-08-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

I have been missing from this blog for very long. And I wanted to get back into it cos it was really fun sharing creativity so I decided to start fresh with new blog and new look, so please come visit me at my new blog Vintage Rose Designs

I hope to see you there.

TTFN

Oh My!! its been too long!!!!

2007-10-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Oh hello everyone!!

My word it has been so long since I have been in here. With the realisation of my pregnancy I just had too much on my mind, not to mention the first few weeks are the yukkiest!! Blehhhh!!! was so hard for me to get into anything especially crafting. But I am sorta getting over it a little bit. Plus with the holidays getting closer I as always get a little too excited.

Today I also wanted to come share with you some pictures of the most fun morning I had today visiting a historic house in town. Its a Victorian Historical House and you know me. I think I was born in the wrong era. I just love the gowns and carriages. So romantic!!!

The House is the Gertrude Smith House, built in 1903 by the Jefferson Davis Smith family. The couple had 7 children all raised in this house. The oldest daughter Miss Gertrude Smith was an Interior Designer. The house interior is in fact her own work. Miss Gertrude died in 1981 at 90 years of age and willed the house as though it was still occupied, and that it be used as a 'living" museum.

The visit was extra special because right now in the house there is an exhibit of Pete Ballard's Doll Collection. His collection of historical and fashion hat dolls enables us to see the evolution of fashion from 1770 to 1930. Beautifullllll work and oh the gowns are gorgeous. Makes you think how long did the ladies in those days took to get ready for anything and not to mention all different outfits for different occasions, like the riding gowns, a walking gown, tea gown... and so more. Anyways, I prepared this little album that I hope you'll enjoy. I thank Chyntia and Ann for being so kind as to show us around. I cannot wait to go back and see the house all decorated for christmas.

For more information about The Gertrude Smith House please visit http://www.visitmountairy.com/ and for more information on Pete Ballard's work visit http://www.wvculture.org/agency/press/ballard.html

I really hope you enjoyed my post today. I loved visiting the house and I really thought I should share with you. I hope you have a wonderful week and a safe Halloween and oh, are you enjoying the cold yet? I know I am, I was so tired of the heat and the humidity. And isn't Fall wonderful?? Altough we didn't have that many colors this years because of the draught.

Until next time, TTFN!!

The Surprise!!!!

2007-09-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here is the big News!! You guessed right CathyAnn. I am expecting a baby around the end of April 2008. Weeheee!! I took THREE pregnancy tests last week and all came out positive but I wasn't going to be satisfied until a nurse said so. And that is what happened today!! Took yet another test and it came out positive and blood work came out good so I'm good to go. Again YIPPPIIIEEE!

We are all very happy, me and hubby are excited and also Tristan who has been asking me for about 6 months now to go to the baby store to buy a baby. So cute, kids being so innocent, he was also saving his quarters to be able to buy

this baby. Sooo sweet!!

Right now I am going through that morning sickness faze. How nasty it feels, can't wait till it's over. Supposedly another 5 weeks to go. Don't want to miss all the good food through the holidays. Ahh!! I can smell those pies already!!! Anyways...I got to go look into a snack again. Talk to you soon everyone. I will have to start working into switching the guest room into a nursery room. That ought to be fun. But not until this nausea is over with.

Again!! YIPPIIIEEEE!!!!!

TTYL

Sonia

Birdhouse and and a big surprise to come!

2007-08-31T06:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I have a big announcement to come, not gonna spill no beans until I get a confirmation... I am very very excited. I would like to say more, I am dying to but not gonna until I'm 100% sure, that will be on Sept 6th.

So on to my birdhouse. My crafty fingers aren't that busy at the moment. Still trying to get that uuummpfffhhh for doing stuff. For the last week or two I was busy trying to play catch up. Sort of getting there. Here is the birdhouse I finished this week in my favorit color.

It sits in my bedroom now on that supposed to be a votive candle holder with glass drops. Votive cups are still missing with the rest of my luggage (as mentioned on previous post) But it makes a pretty stand for my bird house, I love it.

I hope everyone is doing good. ~Have a great labor day weekend everyone~ (in USA that is). Summer is almost over and I look forward to the Fall and trees changing colors and all holidays. I love fall and winter for that. Its fun decorating with those warming colors.

TTYL everyone,

Sonia

Catching up!!!

2007-08-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

But really, where did she go??? ....

I'm right here everyone, back you might say.... not totally tough. We got back to US last wednesdayand I have been going non stop ever since. Our vacation was oh awesome!! had lots of fun. Still have more pictures I want to post on my vacation blog. but the last couple of days there my nightmare began. I went up to an atm machine in malta trying to pull money out my my debit visa card. Machine said it wasn't connecting to the US banks so its cannot give me any money. I tried a couple of times with 2 different cards then I gave up, went to another bank andgot the money right away. What do ya know!!! I go home check my account balance online, I find that the ATM that wasn't connecting was actually taking money from my account everytime I put a card in there. Went back to this bank HSBC trying to get my money back but I got nada. That's about $480 of stolen money. I was starting to get pissed, they told me its the american bank's problems not theirs so I need to talk to my banks here to sort this out. Well, that is what I am doing now, filling forms for settlements and all kinds of phone calls here 'n there.

If that wasn't enough hassle, US Airways had to loose one of my luggages with all my clothing and video camera in it. All of my best clothes where in there and gifts my family gave me, and ll kinds of other stuff that I really wanted and loved, great finds an all that..... :o(. So there I go more paperwork to file, more phone calls to more automated answering services.

A good thing did happen though, My son was admited to Charter school. I had applied for him and those schools fill up fast with limited amount of admitance and my son was #18 on waiting list. What do you know they called me 2 days ago saying a place is available for him.... He is in school this morning....Oh, I'm a little sad my shadow is gone.... my son looked so cute all grown up and ready for school with his lunch case n all. Yeah, he's grown up!!! sniff...sniff
Well, I did try to get a little creative, kind of get my mind off of all the hum drum and I have a couple of chipped teacups I received a while back. I decided to try making a pin cushion out of one of them, see how it come out.And another good thing happened too. When I got back from my trip I found this envelope package from Cathy Ann. It was my matchbox from Natasha's Shabby Matchbox Swap. Oh Cathy, you did a great job, I love my matchbox, its in my hutch now with all my other pretty treasures. And she included lots of other fabulous goodies like a miniature teacup and saucer, original vintage postcards, also included a little something for Tristan which he really enjoyed, his Pirates band aids and Toy Story stickers.

Well now, better go get to work or find something to do. I have plenty believe me. Hope you are all doing fine and having a good summer. Take care everyone....

TTFN
Sonia

And I am off... Have a great 4th of July everyone!!

2007-07-03T05:12:00.000-07:00

We are leaving today, hooray!! Thank you all for all your best wishes for our trip. I'm a little nervous but very excited too. We'll arrive in Malta tommorrow. Then I will be posting in my other blog Our Vacation in Malta. We are going to be there for six weeks and I don't think I can stay away from a computer that long... :oD. So you will hear from me. Anyways, gotta run. I will talk to you soon.

Have a wonderful and safe *4th of July* everyone (in the US that is)

~Sonia~

PS. I had to share this...its hillarious... Our uncle and cousin in Washington, just had a little too much time on their hands and came up with this new thing... The squirrel relocator LOL. I hope I'll be able to put it here. Enjoy!!!

http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t158/CrouseFamilyAlbum/Videos/?action=view&current=SquirrelRelocater.flv

Its been too long!!

2007-06-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Yes it has been too long since I posted on my blog, shame on me... I had a house full and lots of things happening. And more to come. I have a lot of things I need to share. A swap I received and new things in store, other pretty things to share. I might have to post this and come back later and do some more. I am cleaning house right now and getting ready for our trip to Malta.

Anyways, here is what I got in the mail last week from Genevieve for the ParTea Swap.

I received an assortment of teas, some candy from Copenhagen, Europe, what seems to be a very delicious recipe, a traditional cake in Genevieve's Family 'Sour Cream Cake' and the oh so pretty Cup and Saucer and vintage Tea towel. Aren't they just adorable. I love the pinks and light blues together and she did great with these. The tea towel is gorgeous with the embroidered birds on a branch with pretty pink flowers. Just perfect!!

Tea Cup and Saucer are a great addition to my Tea Cups collection in my hutch.

Thank you so much Genevieve for being such a wonderful swap partner. I love all these goodies and the candies didn't last very long.

On Tuesday me and Tristan will be off to visit my family in Malta. We will be staying there for 6 weeks. I am very excited. I am supposed to be getting ready right now... Yah, Right!!! I have to clean this house before I leave and loads of errands I need to take care of. But I wanted to let everyone knows whats going on in my neck of the woods. I might not be able to post again until we leave but I will most certainly try. I have also started a new blog called Our vacation In Malta, I would love to share a few pictures and fun while I'm there so please make sure you come by sometimes and say hello.

Anyways, I'll try jump in here later. In the mean time everyone take care!!

TTFN

Sonia

Teaparty with pirates and more

2007-06-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Weellll, what can I say, sometimes everyone does something wild and dareing. And so did I this week. I invited a very mean scary pirate over for tea... You know a clumsy rough tough guy... I made a few cup cakes and prepared the table... It looked great!! I put out my best china and favorit lace tablecloth (a recent thrift find) Decorated (or tried to anyway) a few cupcakes. The frosting was a little runny. I must have used the wrong kind, but they were tasty and looked good nonetheless... Well, beware ladies... Here he is...

Though, by the end of the party I must say he turned out to be quiet a charming young man.

You ask what was the occasion?? Well, I haven't seen the face of my dining table for about 2-3 months... It was hidden under heaps of paper, fabric, lace, sewing machine... and whatnot little knick knacks I find and don't put away. Mind you, not that it has been now put away... I just moved it from the dining table to another table... LOL....Yeah, found a card table and put it in the corner of the room so I could keep the dining table cleared up but still have my sewing machine ready to play. All the stuff is now piled over and under the card table. :o)

Now, I can enjoy my lace tablecloth and some of the roses from my garden on the dining table.

And to prove that my new crafty corner works just fine, I made a couple of tea cosies. The blue one is now on sale in my Etsy Store.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. We finally see the sunshine after 4 continous days of clouds and rain showers. We have a busy week comming up. My boy is going to turn 5 years old this thursday... Boy, seems like yesterday... he was only a couple of inches tall and less then 10 pounds heavy... Now hes turning 5, and already half my height.

I guess that's it for today...

TTFN

Sonia

Swap pictures and more...

2007-06-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

OK, I finally got done with my swap package yesterday and mailed it out today. I am refering to the ParTea swap that Risa The Partea Planner organized. My swap partner was Genevieve from Princess Genevieve, So no peeking Genevieve, here is what I came up with.

Genevieve is into Retro, so I decorated the tea towel for her and made a matching tea cozy. (Click here to see :o)I will have to make more tea cozys, they're fun to make. The rest are thrift finds and other goodies. Here is everything wrapped up pretty in two of her favorite colors.

Hope you will enjoy your next ParTea Genevieve and thanks for being my swap partner.

Something else I was playing with the last 2 days was these two frames with these 2 cute girls from repro- Vintage photos.

The matte is decorated with lace, eyelettes fabric, bottons, pearls, glitters and pretty scrapbook papers. I think the girls look adorable.

Well!! Thats it for today. Until next time....

TTFN ~ Sonia

Continued~ The bat

2007-06-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

OK, I called my hubby he was crackin up and making jokes...he told me to...."put the bat on the phone, I'll talk to him...!!!!"LOL...He suggested I go back in there and open the windows wide open maybe he'll fly out... So so so..... after shoving the thickest blanket on my head again, I crawled in there and turned the lights on... again this freaky bat starts flying around the room is circles!!! AAGGHHHHH... made my way to the windows and opened them wide... and crawled back out making sure the door is shut tight.

So this morning I figured bats sleep during the day, now its the right time to check if he ever made it out or no..... And thank god....HE"S GONE......yay!!!!!

Well, if he had to come back and stick around, he should do so in halloween... I can go up there with my couldron and selection of eye balls, frogs and worms and kackle while he flyies around.

Bat and Etsy!!

2007-06-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, Bat....My son has a bat in his bedroom and its freaky. I walked in frisky frisky with my son, getting ready to read bedtime stories to him. I turn the lights on and this darn thing starts flying above our heads in circles... I started yelling at my son to get down, poor thing I startled him even more. We finally got down and pulled a comforter on our heads and crawled out of the room leaving the freaky thing flying around the room. Hubby is out of town till next monday so I guess me and my son will be sharing a bed cos I am not going back in there. What gets me, is... I have no clue how that thing got in there in the first place... Its freaky....arrgghhh!! I do not like them I'm sure you can tell. Also worry about rabbies and stuff... :o(

Anyway, I wanted to show off some items I created to list on my etsy store. Yet another Collage...

This time I wanted to created a more realistic background to it. I love it... I think she looks lovely and shy.

And below is a towel I decorated last night... On sale in my etsy store. The ecru one is the first towel that I made and that I will keep. As with anything else I get into, I always keep the first creation so that it won't be so hard to part with the rest. Even though...the more I do , the better I get....but oh well... I'm satisfied none the less.
The light blue looks lovely, with the cameo of pink roses on it. (sigh......!!)

OK!! I can go to sleep now...

TTFN!!!

Sonia

My new Etsy Shop!!

2007-06-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying the creativity but as hard as it is for me to let go of it, I just cannot keep all the stuff I get into, so I started my little Etsy shop too. I am really excited about it. First I must say... the hardest part was finding the right name for my shop... I am not very creative when it comes to language and as you can see from my posts I am not much for words but with the help of an online translator I came up with Metiers Du Coeur, french for Crafts From The Heart. The first e of metiers has that slash on it but I cannot figure out how to get it up there....I appologize to all who think its important ... if I could do it, I would...

So ladies and gentlemen!! I have my scissors at hand and I am cutting the ribbon to the entrance.... there it is, Metiers Du Coeur.

:) :)...TTFN

Sonia

Wedding Week 2007!!

2007-06-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to go along with Stephanie's Blog, Angelic Accents for Wedding Week 2007. I made something special for the occasion. Since I had so much fun created my first 2 collages I decided to make another one for wedding week. So... "Here comes the bride...tra la la la....."

"Our Wedding, The Blending of Lives, The Building of Dreams, The Promise of Love"

My Parents now married for 38 years

These are Champaigne Glasses I decorated for our wedding, the glasses me and hubby used for our Toast. I think they came out cute.

And here is our wedding cake.

Please stop by Stephanie's Blog Angelic Accents and Lori at Pink Faded Roses for more of Wedding Week 2007's beautiful pictures and memories. I will be back with more pictures soon. I have been busy working on my ParTea Swap and other tidbits. Cannot post Swap pictures yet, not until I'm all done and ready to mail it.

TTFN, Ta ta for now....

And then arrived her friend!!

2007-05-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

Finally her friend showed up. She's been waiting patiently for quiet some time now. I wonder where they are going!! To a nice cocktail bar? Or the movies? A broadway show? Or maybe stroll in the mallOh, who knows? They won't tell me!!...

My first collage!!!

2007-05-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

I know its almost midnight and I'm squinting at the computer (getting sleepy) but I just finished this and I got so excited I couldn't wait to share. The lighting is poor, did I mention it's almost midnight!!? I'm sure a lot of Mom's out there understand that if you want to get anything done, have to wait till all the family is asleep. Anyway, here is my first collage (if it could be called that) I got a very old dresser last year and behind a drawer I found a vintage Simplicity dresses pattern. It had some holes from motts I guess but I scanned it and took the sillhouette for this collage. And looking at it, I think it came out pretty. I'm planning on doing something similar with the other lady on the pattern too. What do you think huh?? And below is a cameo I drawn with pastels, about a month ago.

I have to tell you, I will be very embarrassed if anyone came to my house right now. I do not have a studio so everything is scattered between the kitchen and the dining room. And everything I get into needs different tools and supplies so I am affraid to put anything away cos my inspiration will be also packed with everything if I do.

Ta ta for now!!!

Pompoms and Pearls...

2007-05-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

Hey.....its been a loooong time since I posted in my blog. Between having people over for a couple of weeks, end of preschool, end of T-Ball season and playing with new creations... I have been busy. Also very excited about our big trip comming up in July. Me and my family will be flying to Malta for a long vacation. I'm so looking forward to go. I get to see my parents, siblings and nieces again after 3 years and the little island where I spent most of my life.

I also have some really nice items, new in store.... First off....I never thought I'd be doing anything myself to sell....But this I owe it to all of you fellow bloggers. Lot of my blogger friends are very creative and artistic and not to forget to mention inspireing. I finally decided to give it a try...never know if I don't try. So after doing a few scented sachets, turned out cute, now I'm doing pretty nightlights. Take a look.....

I got a few more in progress and I am having FUUUUUNN!! I also went out buying lots of pretty paper last weekend...not sure what to do with it yet....but I'll think of something. I also got a few new items in my store, take a look,

Love the Cupid Wall Hooks, theyre so cute and how about the pink teapot warmers. I love using teapot warmers. It's my everyday ritual to fill up my pretty pink teapot with tea in the morning and set it on a teapot warmer and have it ready to pour and sip. Also for the doll collectors, especially victorian dolls ;o) Oh, these are gorgeous dolls, with pretty victorian ball gowns....
I also need to concentrate on a swap I'm in for, the Partea swap...and have a few more ideas dancing in my head.... Anyways, need to go put my little one in bed, then I'll be back to visit a few blogs and see what new. Hope you all are having a great week. Nice and warm over here. Laters!!!

Mother's Day and Scented Sachet Winner

2007-05-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
I hope that all of you Moms out there had a wonderful Mother's day yesterday. Sorry I didn't have much time to be on here lately since I do have some guests over for a few weeks and hubby is at home too. We did have a wonderful day yesterday starting with a picnic right off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway is on top of a mountain ridge that runs from Tennessee to Northern Virginia and its the highest portion of the appalachian mountain range, an area of approx 20,000 square miles.

As you can see here we had lots of fresh air and wonderful views . Then after we filled our tummies we headed further on the parkway until we found Mabry Mill. This mill is quite a sight, its gorgeous and its surrounded by historic preserved homes and buildings. It was built around 1900 by a couple named Ed and Lizzy Mabry. They ground corn for their neighbors for roughly 30 years, ending in the mid 1930s.

I hope you enjoy these photos. I have uploaded the rest of the photos I took to my Flicker if you are interested in taking a look. It was a gorgeous sunny and warm day for a little trip up the mountains and I enjoyed it as so did the rest of my family. All the fresh mountain air just wore us all out, my son fell asleep and I kept nodding while in the car driving back home.

Now for the winner of Scented Sachet....My little guy was taking care of it... here is him holding the basket with everyone's name:

Closed his eyes, no peekeing

And we got a winner

The winner is Natasha Burns

Thank you everyone for participating in my Mother's day giveaway. I do hope you enjoy my sachet Natasha. I will be getting in touch with you so I can get your address and I will mail it out to you by the end of the week. Happy day after Mother's day everyone....:o)

Mother's Day Sachet Giveaway!!!

2007-05-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

I have been having too much fun making these and I finally decided to make one and share with my blog friends. This is a rose scented sachet, smells so good and been wrapped ever since I made it last weekend. Its filled with poly fill and a dry potpourri paper pouch inside. Decorated with vintage lace, buttons and rhinestones.

To enter please leave a comment to this post along with your email

Drawing will be on

Mother's Day May 13th at 9am CST

By Mr T. Crouse himself

Please feel free to copy the pictures of the sachet and help spread the word. There is only six days to this giveaway.

Just had to share!!

2007-05-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got my first individual picture of my son Tristan from school. In other words, this is my very first school picture of my son and I had to share...I look at it and say....I can't believe that my son looks so grown up...My baby is growing up and fast... How can I stop that time machine!!??

I have been tagged!!!

2007-05-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

Sweet Francie of The Scented Cottage tagged me for some weird fun!!! Here are the rules…. each player starts with 7 random weird facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

Fact 1: I am Maltese and lived most of my life in Malta. When I was a kid we used to have sheep and goats living on our roof. I also got a picture (look below) to proove it....:o)

Fact 2: Mediterranean table always consisted of mostly garlic or tomatoes. So I say no cranberry sauce on the turkey and no pinepple on the ham. If its sweet then it should be a dessert.

Fact 3: At school when I was a kid I was known as Sleeping Beauty then as I got older I was known by my friends that my parents found me near a UFO's wreckage... I think theyre trying to say that sometimes I'm in another world.

Fact 4: I started driving at 19 in Malta. After 6 years I moved to the US. To this day I still go to the passenger's side and wonder where my steering wheel went or drive on the other side of the road and wonder why I have a car comming dead ahead towards me. Been lucky enough so far that I never drove like that in a heavy traffic road.

Fact 5: Ever since I graduated high school I have been a nanny, bartender, waitress, machine operator in several factories, purchasing officer (stocking any prescription drugs) for goverment mental patient's hospital, selling prescription drugs and medicine TO the government for a private company, proffesional photographer, hmmm, I'm sure this is not all but all this happened in the last 15 years.

Fact/Habit 6: I'm obsessed about how my hands smell. I wash them constantly. As soon as the smell of the soap wears out, I go wash them again.

Fact 7: I lived on Triq il-Habbiez growing up, means Baker Street but hubby called it Horse S### Road (Please excuse the language). On our block we had a few garages where race horses were kept and their owners took them for a stroll around the block, leaving presents qhhqhhummm!! behind.

OK, now for my nominees. Let me hear about your weird facts:

Ele from A Bit of Pink Heaven

Natasha from Artistic Creations by Natasha Burns

Heather from Pretty Petals Boutique

Karla from Sugar Bear Designs

Lidy from Little French Garden House

Karla from Karla's Cottage

Connie from Living Beautifully

Last Week in Pictures

2007-04-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, got to say something besides posting pictures. First off, this week flew...can't believe I haven't posted in a week but I was sooo busy. I been cleaning, sewing, shopping, gardening and everything else. Had to move my vendor booth at the shopping emporium to another and hopefully a better, more traffic spot...(keep fingers crossed and wish me luck!!) Very busy indeed. But of course I got pictures to share and here are some... First off, our little humble home and the beautiful colors and life in the yard. White Peonies

Iris Our New Friend and her little ones on our porch, Shes an American Robin. Picture isn't all that clear but I couldn't get too close.

And of course, my newly dug and planted garden...and believe me, I have been babying these plants especially the roses to make sure they live, and so far so good. On the right side of the trellis I decided to plant veggies, I have cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and squash. Also on the left, got Peonies and Tiger Lillies (bulbs) and Sunflowers seeds planted...I'm waiting for that little tiny seedlings to show up

I am not done planting stuff....still on the process of buying the evergreen trees to go in the back. But I am already in love. Especially when I sit out there and watch the birds having a ball with the bird bath and steeling my mulch :o( Where is the camera when I need it!!

Foxgloves Pink Mandevila Peace Rose Last and not least my Sonia Rose

Here some some of the treasures I found this last week. I start with vintage cards of lace and more rolls of lace and more...and vintage buttons...all for a $ dollar. Got enough lace to last me errmmm, maybe a year or two!! My best deal!

This is an oil painting I found at a yard sale. My favorit find!
Other finds where the silver mirror and brush, also found a frame to match, silver with blue rinestones and an eylettes sheet... Little claw foot tub soap dish. I just thought its cute.
Here are a few items I did this week. How do you like my simply decorated face cloth to go over my bowl and pitcher?? Hihihi!!!

And to carry Teaspoons in style!! I made a teaspoons roll with tiebacks.

I also made these sachets for my ebay store!! I just love making them and I find it hard to part with. But I made them to sell them so I have no choice ;o)

This has probably been one of my longest posts so far. I hope you enjoy looking through, and seeing what I been up to and don't forget to say Hello so I can come by and visit your blog too!!

And the Nominees are!! (open the envelope):o)

2007-04-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

Nostalgia at the Stone House - Beautiful Blog and lots of inspirations, I love all her country side pictures and it feels like you are strolling in person through the pretty english country side. Pictures just carry you away......Also love her collections...

The Cottage Nest - For her love of North Carolina, I live in NC and I love it too. I came across her blog and just couldn't stop reading and looking through the pictures.

Vintage Home - Claire's pictures and collections are just so shabby and gorgeous. And love Wisteria, I think its popular in english country side. I do not have one in my yard but if I plant one, I want it to be magical, grows and blooms overnight.

Of Bluebirds and Roses - Everytime I look at her blog I just can't help but wonder...where do you go treasure hunting??.... She comes across the most gorgeous stuff and her home pictures are gorgeous.

And Gingham World, she has one particluar post called 'This is why I have kids' and it is just beautiful. I think its one of the best posts I have ever read.

I want to thank sweet Natasha for the Award and I have to let you all know....it was soooo hard to narrow it down, mostly because everyone's blog is very interesting and beautiful and also, almost everyone I know got this awards already. I love everyone's blog and I visit almost every day. You are all winners to me. Take a look at my list of favorites and let them carry you away to wonderland!!!

Green Thumbs??

2007-04-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the very first garden I dug up since we lived in this house. (2 years now) After I got done with the Sunroom and started enjoying it, I noticed that when I look out of the sunroom I have nothing to enjoy but blahhh!! Right ahead is bad grass and neighbours back yards. So dear grampa came by with a tiller yesterday and got my garden started. For the last two days I have been out there taking out weeds and grass and roots...

And its getting to start looking like a garden. What I left there is I think they are called Day Lillies, I know they are orange colored Lilies. They should be cooming up with flowers anytime now. What I am picturing in my head is a couple of evergreen trees on far back for a border between us and the neibours. My intent is also to get some privacy apart from looking pretty. Then I want some trellis or anything long and decorative where I can get some climbing roses in the center and the rest fill up with pretty flowers and such. I went shopping for more tools and started on my garden plants...2 Roses and 3 Asiatic Lilies. Lillies are in their end but they will look pretty next year. Also had to pick this pretty little mini rose to add to my sunroom.

Did you know there is a rose named after me?? I bet you didn't!! But yes...here is the Tag off the one of the roses I bought. I never planted roses before so if this one has my name on it, its got to do well!! I am hoping I don't kill them, so if anyone out there has a Rose Green Thumb, please give me tips and tricks, I want Sonia Rose to live...:o)And ah yes!! I got trailed of while out shopping, I hopped at the thrift store and this is what I found. Its a print but its gorgeous. I fell in love with the pink and white roses. had to have...Also picked a couple of smaller framed prints, also with roses and a yard or so of lace material. All for $14....cannot beat that!!!

Anyway, I am really excited about the back garden and cannot wait till I have it done with pretty flowers. Things might take a while to shape up to where it looks pretty but got to start somewhere, right?!! I will keep you posted and wish me luck...

Tea Cups and Teapot Doilies!

2007-04-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have come across these doilies a while back and just had to buy a couple. They are oval and have scattered teaware in the design. You know me, when there is teaware involved!! They are made in Liechtenstein. Seems like a German name to me but I honestly never heard of the place. But these doilies are sure cute and I am also donating one for the ParTea Goodies Giveaway. Well, good luck to all who entered, including me...hehe!!:o)

Rush, Rush.. ParTea Goodies Giveaway!!

2007-04-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

Visit The Party Planner Blog for a free tea goodies giveaway. If you are a tea lover like I am, you will love Risa's Blog and her gorgeous tea tables. Well done on your Blog Risa.

Scented Sachets

2007-04-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

So, since I sew most of my curtains, cushions and pillows, I have tons of scraps and every project need new fabric so scraps keep pileing up and I don't throw ANYTHINGGGG away. I also never throw away ANY ribbon, buttons, no matter the color. ANyways, so now I started making this Scented Sachets and I'm having so much fun. One I gave to Gramm for easter and she loved it... the others are in my bedroom, I might make a few to sell in my vendor booth and see how they do. Well, what do you think??

They are filled with polyfill and I inserted a paper fragrant sachet folded in mid of the fill.

New items in store

2007-04-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

I am proud to present to my customers, a new line of china and giftware, comming all the way from Stoke-On-Trent, UK. Royal Winton has been around for more then a 100 years. Their Chintz patterns are a collection of all over floral transferware inspired by textiles from the 1900's.

Royalty Pattern

Gifts in various patternsSummertime Rose pattern

For more items and selections you can visit my website (Link on the right)

Royal Winton History

2007-04-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Royal Winton brand has always been synonymous with quality and design and has roots in Stoke-on-Trent, England that go back over one hundred years. Originally known as Grimwade Brothers it was founded by Leonard Lumsden Grimwade. Leonard had shown a natural talent for modelling pottery and it was in this field that his infant business began, in 1885. He was soon joined in the business by his older brother, Sidney Richard, another potter. By 1890 new showrooms had been purchased in Stoke-on-Trent and London. It is a measure of the company's success that by 1906 Grimwades Limited was operating from four factories in the potteries. Leonard experimented with new methods of manufacture and he developed the enamel climax Rotary Kiln, Duplex Lithographic transfers and other ground breaking techniques.In 1913 King George V and Queen Mary visited the potteries and the brothers issued a catalogue to commemorate the event. The Queen purchased a Winton Teaset and was delighted to be presented with a gift of a Mecca Foot Warmer (an oval ceramic hot water bottle).In 1928 'Marguerite' the first Royal Winton Chintz pattern was launched and was an immediate success. These tightly grouped, highly detailed and vibrant all over floral patterns were to become a milestone in the company's reputation for versatility and beauty. Following an advertisement in the 'Potteries gazette' in 1929, Royal Winton became the established trade name for Grimwades Limited and has remained so through to the present day. Leonard Grimwade died in 1931, but his legacy survived and the company went from strength to strength under the leadership of James Plant.Over succeeding decades Royal Winton introduced more than 60 Chintz patterns and became the leading producer of this style of decoration, exporting to most commonwealth countries and the USA.

Taken From; http://www.royalwinton.co.uk/aboutus.htm

My Sunroom

2007-04-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

OK everyone, this is something I wanted to do ever since we moved into this house. I finally painted the sunroom and started working on decorating it. Its not all there yet but I couldn't wait to show pictures of improvements so far. So here are the before pictures:

My son of course is always up to pose for pictures.

Here are the after pictures. I finished the cushions this weekend and I am planning on adding a valances on the windows when I find the right material. So here it goes:

So, what do you think?

Thank you Francie!

2007-04-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

Today I recieved a gift from Francie of The Scented Cottage and I wanted to share the excitement. Its a bottle of Rose Petal Room Spray and it smells oh!! Heavenly. Thank you so much Francie. She just got her website finished so please hop in to see all her goodies available in store.

I'm still around ;o)

2007-03-31T06:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
Just thought I'll let you know that I am still around. I have a few projects lined up and can't take any pictures until I'm satisfied and could say I'm done. Also hubby is home for a few days so I am spending some time with him.
So you'll know I haven't deserted my blog and friends. I'll be baaaack!! And hope you will be back too and visit my blog.

Big Hugs To All
Sonia

My Tea Party!!

2007-03-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

Got my tea ready and my favorit magazines. The teapot warmer was another gift from my mom. Yeah, she spoils me. The runner was gift, handmade by my aunt. Love you mom and aunt Marianne!!

I have been invited to ArtsyMama's Teaparty. It is a little late now but still the best time to sit down and unwind with a cup of tea after a long day. Hey ArtsyMama, we have matching teapots. I love it!! Visit http://artsymama.blogspot.com/ for more Tea Parties happening today.

So here I go!!

This is what I did today!

2007-03-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

I had this little wooden birdhouse for years. I had wanted to decorate it so I finally did. I also had a few picture frames, I'm experimenting with and this is where they're at so far.

Smell The Roses

2007-03-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

My 4 and half year old insisted that he wants to take a picture smelling the roses. I didn't think his daddy would approve but my son didn't want to know. So here he is....

My Favorit Things

2007-03-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

I love my 'Pinkie and Blue Boy' prints. My mom has them in the traditional bubble glass oval frames, made in italy. I tried to find something similar but was out of luck. But I love my version too. The curio is a few weeks old so I still haven't filled it up.

Lucy and Kaylee

Today I thought I post a few pictures of my favorit things scattered around the house. I have some gorgeous dolls, old and new. Seymour Mann, Show Stoppers, Paradise Galleries and some pretty girls that I saved from the thrift store.

One doll in particular, I decided to make a dress for her. I didn't like the one she had when I bought her. I had a few scraps of material from cushions and though it was just a try out, I still think she looks better in the dress I made. Here is the 'Before' picture.

And here are the 'After' pictures. Let me know what you think!!!!

The Beauty of Roses!!!

2007-03-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some items I put together and the combination is just pretty, romantic and shabby. In the picture is 2 quilt sets, a throw and matching pillows in Ava, English Rose and Shantelle Patterns. You also see the Swan Rose Teaset that I adore, accented with rose motifs, embossing and gold trimmings. The tray is my shabby creation!!

My New Bears!! Teddy Tea party

2007-03-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

Aren't these bears ADORABLE!!!!! So cute...I got them today and they will be on sale in my store...They are jointed bears and including their dress they are approx 19". Their long dress is made from embroidered lace and also have the sweetest little cluster of roses on their head and collar. You can't help but love them!!

Precious gifts from my mom

2007-03-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

These plates are made by Winterling in bavaria, the art work is by Bartolome' Esteban Murillo who lived between 1.1.1618 - 3.4.1682 and I LOVE them. My mother gave these to me last time I visited her in Malta. I am guessing they where wedding gifts to my parents. These plates used to hang in my parent's hallway for as long as I remember and when I went to visit my mom decided the plates should move on and I am so happy to have them.

My Quilt

2007-03-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is the quilt that I made and I'm so proud of myself and the chair in the back is my shabby creation...:oD. I also made the cushions except for the crocheted ones (those came from europe)

My new desk

2007-03-17T08:43:00.001-07:00

So I was looking at the staples office furniture magazine ready to buy a desk. So far I had a little tiny desk that was given to us a while back and I'm grateful for too. But between paperwork piling up and huge desktop computer, loads of catalogs and other magazines and what nots that the packrat that I am keep saving I decided I need to get a new desk with lots of storage. So again, looking at the catalog, I found this desk with lots of concealed storage. No white desk in catalog so I had to do with black so I figured it matches my black and white toile valances. I thought it looked great and works and I bought it. IT TOOK ME 9 HOURS to put this thing together and its heavyyy. And of course I found that it was designed by Maxim Magazine (Never mentioned that on the catalog....grrr). Took one look at my desk and said....eeeww...too manly I need to tone it down. The drawer pulls look like bling!!

Anyway, I had some left over toile material and put that under the glass on top, so far so good. I need to go look for some pinky material for cushions on my chair cos the chair is a little low and I spent all my money on the desk, I can't afford a chair now !! I know pink goes very well with black so I am going to start hunting for little tidbits to decorate with on the glass shelves in the middle. Anyone has any ideas let me know... Tristan is my 4 yr old posing with mommy's new desk

My Most favorit item in store

2007-03-17T08:24:00.000-07:00