Sweetina

Valentine Decor For The Home

2011-01-11T13:02:00.006-07:00

This morning I was perusing though Etsy listings and found some goodies to add a little love to your place on Valentines Day.
Infact most of these could be kept out all year round.

This is the first item that struck my heart.
It's a "color it yourself" poster.
For those of us who don't have a cellphone, it would be a dream to color while chatting away on the landline!
Sold!
It's one of those "One for me and one for you" gifts.

Do you do that?
When you're buying a gift and it's so perfect that you have to get one for yourself too.

This toally qualifies as a "one for you and one for me" gift!
Available at Summersville on etsy

A red chandelier speaks volumes of love~
Wouldn't you love to swing from this over the dining room table?
Oops~pardon!
Wouldn't you love this placed above your dining room table?
Romance with out all the frou frou.

There are smaller versions available in white and natural.

You can find this beauty at Uncommon on Etsy.

This year, I am all about making a Gallery Wall.
No doubt it will be a WIP for (ever, really!) a few months. The fun will be seeing it evolve and the constant rearranging.
Here's a handmade piece that would bring a dash of love to your display or gallery without being twee.
Below from Monkey and Squirrel

Are you falling in love with these hoop embroideries too?

Next on the radar isn't decor per se, but rather storage.
Actually, it's both.Let's see...
decage.
no
destore
no
(trying to do that Brangelina / Tomkat thing)
so Notworking.
Anyway, it's a handsome wood vintage printers drawer that's been carefully repurposed into a
eye catching jewellery display.
Stunning and Useful!

You can find this item at Blue Bird Heaven on Etsy
Best to place an order a few weeks early.

Errm~ found one more for the Gallery!
This artistic piece is called "Miss Valentines Love Bird" and is made by Karen of Laventime Dreams .

If you look at her collar and decollete, you'll see the heart. Definately on my favorite list.

Here is a gorgeous pillow by Handmade in Highbury .
I love the Scandinavian influence and the simplicity in fabric and color.

Isn't it cracking?

I hope you've enjoyed looking at a few of my favs for Valentine's Day.

xox Tina

New Years Wishes from Arizona

2010-12-31T23:38:00.001-07:00

Snow in the Bradshaw Mountains

My town of Anthem nestled in the Sonoran Desert foothills

Late Winter afternoon sun

May your year ahead be filled with sunshine and happiness.
Tina

Happy Holidays To All

2010-12-23T15:19:00.001-07:00

My thoughts are with you all during this wonderful time of year.
Enjoy this peaceful post~

Have a Joyful Holiday Season~
xoxTina

December Already?

2010-11-29T23:35:00.006-07:00

The Shopping Stampede has begun at our local Outlet Mall,
and it's mayhem at the Post Office!
I need a Segway to get around this mess.
Or maybe just some kid's Razor .
I feel like I'm chasing my tail and spinning a month slower than everyone else!
November definatly went way over the speed limit again, because on Tuesday it will be
De.Cem.Ber!

Did you join the shopping rodeo that was Black Friday?
Are you still shopping the few hours remaining of Cyber Monday?
Did you find anything special?
Am I asking too many questions?
Drop me a comment~
I would love to hear about your experience.

I had been looking for a very simple Holiday Garland, simple but fun and Scandinavian~ish.
There are so many on Etsy but I was undecided till I found this
Tania, the artist, blogger and shop owner is so lovely.
Be sure to peek in at indobaytextiles.

In the meantime, I'm concentrating on the vintage decor, housewares, good linens etc and other wonderful things for Sweetina . I've become more interested with home decor and styling little vignettes, more thrifting
and more vignettes!
Hahaha~we all "suffer" from that don't we!?
"Vignettes"
Hopefully it will make for some fun blogging with lots of photos.

Speaking of which, I do have photos for you this evening.
I've added some more vintage listings to the shop.

First is a Tall Vintage Green Glass Vase

Retro Fabulous

A Pair of Mid Century Bud Vases

Simply Stated

Cobalt Blue and Silver Plate Salt & Pepper Shakers

Perfect Patina

Fairytale Biscuit Tin from Chile

                                           Adorable Graphics!

              Handpainted 1950's Desk Accessory

Cards, Thankyou & RSVPs

And to leave you this evening with a warm smile~

                                                      A Darling Vintage Plush Santa

Sweet Santa Dreams!
~Tina

Happy Thanksgiving and More Listings!

2010-11-19T18:29:00.005-07:00

Early Happy Thanksgiving Friends!
The poor turkey there is probably thinking the same thing I am~
Nice hat, shame about the neck!
Ok.
I know what you're thinking.
First I'm gone for 8 months-
then I post 2 days in a row.

My house is Officially on the MLS, so I actually have time to add listings in my Etsy Shop and do a little Blogging.
Now all I have to do (other than continue to fill out job applications) is maintain the place.
Daily.
Hourly.
But I'm so happy the major work is done.

So before Thanksgiving Festivities and the Bedlam that is Black Friday, I thought I'd show you a few treats in the comfort of your home!

Here is a Mid Century Glass Ice Bucket and matching Glasses

Very dressy and sparkling

I'm loving this Retro Kitchy Greek Fruit Basket

And it just happens to be in Holiday colors!

For the Francophile~here is a Vintage French "Gilded" Mirror.

and a close up of the Lady

Next is a beautiful and roomy Vintage Biscuit Tin that's made in Belgium.

For the Avon collector, there is a listing for 6 jars together. Sweetly Shabby Chic.

And now it's off to the Grocery Store. It is just my "Baby" (14!) and me again this Season.

We both voted for no big turkey dinner for the second year in a row.

However, we both have a penchant for Peppermint Stick ice cream!

It disappears fast in this town.

I have the 1/2 fat one and he has the real (good) one.

He's also trying the Apple Pie ice cream this year.

You know...since we're forgoing the actual pie.

wonder if they make turkey flavored....

ugh...nevermind!

Have a Glorious Holiday My Angels

Tina

Three New Vintage Holiday Listings

2010-11-18T19:02:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends!
I'm starting back little by little...and this evening I listed a few cute Vintage goodies in the shop.
Let's have a looksee shall we~

These adorable large (8 inches when sitting!) Vintage knee hugger Elves.
Wish i had lashes like that heehee!

I also added this adorble set of baby Vintage Holiday Elves in their footie pajamas.
This photo doesn't do them justice...in fact i'm not crazy about these changes on Blogger...but that's another story.
Last is a set of three large Vintage Gnomes.
Love them.
It's taken me a year to part with them!

See what I mean.
Sweet.

Now I'm going to go figure out how to learn the newer Blogger and fix my font colors
and pretty up the photos. :)

Big Hugs!
Tina

~Two Girly Supply Kits in Vintage Containers~

2010-02-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today I feel all girly and froufrouy ,you Girls know what I mean, playing with vintage supplies,lace and pretty buttons.
Then I remembered I had 2 really beautiful containers: a pink Vintage Powder Box and a Baby Blue Nabisco Tin. So I filled them to the brim with wonderful goodies to sell as petite supply kits.
Here is the Vintage Powder Box and a few photos of the goodies inside.

I added a few extras as always!!!

Now here is the Baby Blue Nabisco Tin

This tin is filled with supplies that remind one of Marie Anoinette and her lovely Palace Garden.

It even includes the pink and white floral "doily"and a blingy butterfly brooch.

And of course I have added fun extras! Heehee.

Must keep up with the name Sweetina~right?!

My love and hugs to all of you~

Clippity Clop...

2010-01-26T18:48:00.001-07:00

New Listings in The Shop

I've been a busy girl this month,adding some great vintage finds to Sweetina and having fun making 3 mosaics! Two are listed already,so here's a peek!

The first one is called "Tidepool"

It has a very beachy feel like having your toes in the sand.

The next mosaic is a freeform heart that's called Berry Sweet!

It says Sweet above the heart!

I'm working on some other handmades before Valentine's Day and also for Spring too.

But I've really focused on very special Vintage Listings.

Some are quite hard to part with!!

Here's a Sweetie!

She's an antique Half Doll Pin Cushion and so Pretty!

Topless~oh my!

Also newly listed (there are 2 separate listings)

                                                   Two Listings for a Aqua Glass Ball Ideal Jar
                 I think they would look so pretty holding seashells and beach glass on a windowsill.

                     Another special cottage style treasure is this large pastel pitcher/vase

                                              It may have originally come with a basin.

                                                           How's this for shabby chic?
            I've listed only a few of the beautiful European Tins I have so far. here are a few of my favs.

This rosy tin is so roomy!

                                                                 Any Brides-To Be?
                                                                 Have a Look-See!

and guestbook

And lastly,here's a fun Vintage 1960's bowl that will make breakfasttime~Funtime!

Heeheehee!

Thanks for visiting Angels!
I'll be visiting you all this week~can't wait!
hugsxox

Best Wishes For 2010!

2009-12-31T02:15:00.002-07:00

I'm wishing you all a wonderful and bright Year ahead. A year full of Hope,Prosperity of Spirit,Health and Love.
Have a Happy and Safe New Year's Eve~
I'm so grateful to be spending Dec 31st with my son and pets~playing Battleships and reading Twilight!
Wherever you are that night~have a wonderful time!
Here are the few photos I took of a Vintage Vignette I had in the Great Room.
All the lights and decorations are packed safely away till Christmas 2010.

Enjoy!

Hugsxox

How's Your Holiday Shopping Going....

2009-12-13T23:16:00.007-07:00

Be prepared...it's wild out there!

When you see "just the right present"~guard it before someone else grabs it!

(The photos above were taken by one of my daughter's University friends in Canada.)

Samantha (my baby girl!) is the Sweetie in the yellow crown.

She started with crowns early......

and magic wands.

Sam's Boyfriend is in the checkered shirt... Not only is he a Knight,he treats Sammy like a Princess.

Samantha and my son Schuyler won't be here this Christmas...money,college,time...;(

When we aren't all together it feels like it's "Pretend Christmas".

Dylan still has a blast and we keep busy so we don't think too much.

This year~after opening gifts, we're heading to see two movies and then coming home for dinner!

Probably The new Disney Movie and Sherlock Holmes or Nine.

No sad Christmas movies

~Here are the latest photos of Samantha ans Schuyler~

(taken by their friends...thankyou friends!!!)

Samantha Christina~ Sammy

Schuyler Victor~Sky or Shoo

~I love you both~

On a brighter note Dylan,me,Abby and Fuzzy always have a fun Christmas morning...

I love the way he forgets his stocking...and then yells "Hey I still have my stocking!"

Just ask all 3~this Mom is a great stocking stuffer!!!

I think Abby and Fuzzy thinks so too.

Remember these from last year?!~Heehee!

While we're in the Holiday spirit~

Here are 3 Christmas Tree ornaments that I made with Vintage Tart Tins/molds

They're in my Etsy Shop!

And I've listed 4 super sweet redecorated Vintage Putze Houses!

I decided to make them into their own little Christmas Scenes and add more sparkle and glitter.

Heehee aren't they fun and different!

Two more additions to the shop are Vintage.

A collectable Singer Sewing Tin

And this Shabby Sweet Talcum Powder Container (with powder!)

Well my Sweeties...before I turn in, here are a few images of my Deery Dear Collection.

The family has grown since last Christmas~heehee!

I'll try to keep posting throughout the holidays and will check all your wonderful blogs.

Happy Happy Holidays Sweet Readers and Friends~

December Already!?

2009-12-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Early December!

Black Friday has passed as has Cyber Monday...so all is back to the frantic Pre-Holiday normal.

I haven't done any real Christmas shopping yet,but I have added some items to Sweetina in case you need something for ~~yourself~~ the holidays. Heehee.

If you love Shabby Chic,Vintage and Cottage Style items.

Go to Etsy and type in the search area CSST.

Those are the initials for the Cottage Style Street Team.

There are so many sweet listings for this team and for all the other Etsy teams.

Have any of you Sweet Artists or Crafters ever made a listing that just didn't have the "feeling" in it that you wanted?

Well that's what happened with one of my Holiday Shadow Boxes...it was too serious...too Victorian and needed more fun and color! So below are a few new photos of the "Holiday Dreaming" creation.

The lighting in the first image looks like it's in a pool....my bad~

~Here's a glittery Santa dancing among Vintage "Shiny Brites"~

~A Sweet Vintage Putze House on a snowy night~

~Flocked "Babes" In Toyland~

~Christmas Stocking~

~Reading Stories on Christmas Eve~

I'm much happier with the new results~more whimsy and fun~which is what brings the twinkle in children's eyes!

Below are a few new Vintage Listings~

Cute Lefton Candle Hugger Elves~the pair for your tapers~

They are so cute!!!

A photo Frame ornie that I added 2 vintage brooches and a vintage Christmas card and glittered!

Heehee~love the bluebird!

~A pair of Vintage Louis Sherry Candy Tins~

~A very special listing for the Shabby Chic/Cottage Style Collector~

~And here are a pair of Vintage Daher Tins in wonderful rich colors~

and

EEeee...look at these Vintage Glass Berries!

Here's another peek!

And lastly are two fun frames that I make every year!

These are from my "Green Acres" collection!

The first frame is called

"Baby I Love You,But Give Me Park Avenue!"

The last, below, is called~

"Arnold Ziffle's Favorite Blueberry Pie"

Well friends, my Sweet Son needs his turn on the computer, and I need to go to Wally World and buy some
~~licorice~~ broccolli "Steamers".
Have a restful night~
warm hugsxox

Weight Loss Wednesday...

2009-11-25T18:11:00.001-07:00

...has been postponed till Wednesday Dec 2nd!
Have a fabulous and heartfelt Thanksgiving to every single one of you, Sweet Friends~
I wish you love,and laughter and magical memories!
hugs and pie~

Weight Loss Wednesday

2009-11-18T17:58:00.001-07:00

Uh Oh....

Today is Weightloss Wednesday~but last night, my son and I attacked our favorite Seasonal treat.

Ballderdash!

No more till Christmas Day I told me him.

I have had a rather slow start to my new regime.

They say it takes time to change old habits...

In terms of exercise~

well...

I walked around the block a few times with Abby

I walked to the mailbox everyday

I swept the floors and did a ton of laundry.

Let's not forget the Yard Sale.

I hauled things in and out of the garage last Friday.

I did manage to eat some veggies this week.

I eat mainly fruit.

Did I mention I was a Fruit Bat in a former life!

I don't eat meat or chicken.

So all in all this week was an improvement and I'm heading at a snail's pace, in the right direction.

I really am going to focus on daily exercise this week.

Just because I used to be a bat, does not mean I accept the "Bat Wings" that remain. ;)

Hope you all did better than me!

Love you all~

Vintage Holiday Listings

2009-11-16T21:08:00.002-07:00

Good Evening Sweeties!

This afternoon I've been busy taking photos and listing some wonderful Vintage Treasures for your Family.

They're up and in The Shop now joining all the other choices that Etsy Sellers have for the Holidays

Tonight,I thought I'd give you some Vintage Gift Ideas from Sweetina

Then I''ll post Vintage ideas from fellow Etsy Sellers~

Ok Ready?

Do you love football games and like to have Tailgating Parties?

How about a Late Fall Picnic?

Here is a great family present that you can enjoy together with warm soup,a hot beverage

and homemade sandwiches.

~This set is very collectable and useful and in great condition~

For the Man of the House,or for Holiday Entertaining, here is a fantasic Vintage set of Liquor Decanters.

They are so classic as a part of the Home Bar or on a Sideboard.

Very Distinguished!

For the Hostess/ Lady of The House, here is a sweet Holiday Teapot.

It's even cuter in person and holds 6 cups of tea.

Below are a few treats that my Shabby Chic/Cottage Style Friends might adore!

This is a gorgeous cornflower blue cut glass Pedestal Compote.

It's almost 8" tall and the bowl is 6" wide.

A generous size for your Shiny Brites,Ribbon Candy or

In the Guest Bath filled with potporri or bath fizzies.

For the Cottage Style Collector and Crafter~

A guzzied up Pink Vintage Glove/Vanity Box

It's a Beauty!

For the Nursery, here is the sweetest Vintage Baby Blue and Pink Shoe Planter.

Now let's go find some Vintage Gift Ideas from fellow Etsy Sellers!

For the Man of The House~a set of James Bond Hardback Novels.

You can find this wonderful gift at Vintage Judy

For The Lady of The House...I've listed more than one idea! Heehee!

This gorgeous Vintage Beaded Clutch can be found on Etsy at Tiachia

Isn't it luxurious?

How's this for your Christmas List,Ladies?!

I am sooo tempted! You can find this delectable Vintage Brooch at

Dibabeads

One more choice for The Ladies

From Catnap Cottage~two lovely Cottage Style Pillows!

Now for a Little Girl...

An adorable Doll Case from Stiletto Girl Vintage

And from Bellalulu The cutest Vintage Tin Town!

All Boy isn't it!?

And Lastly,Vintage Nursery Hangers from MerrySunshine

This has been so much fun creating a little Vintage Gift Guide

from Etsy.

Have a restful night,Friends~

Weight Loss Wednesday

2009-11-11T15:01:00.006-07:00

This is my first WLW post.

Oh Girls, I need some inspiration.

I seem to do well for a few weeks~biking & walking...

and then "poof"~ there goes my energy.

It's a bit of a shock to have this "I hate exercise" issue, since I have always lifted weights and worked out.
I was also on a swim team. But in the last 2 years....yawn!
In February and right before my 52nd birthday I gently stood on the scale and found to my horror :)

that I was 15 lbs over my favorite weight.
Let me add that I'm 2 years post menopausal, but I don't believe in the theory of
Middle Age Spread.
I don't take any hormones at all.

Most people think I look healthy.
And I've been Blessed to have been active, had a lean mean body and great genes.
Up Until Now.

Confession:
I'm the type of person that likes myself quite thin.
I used to eat really healthy 5 times a day in small 300 calorie mini meals.

Errm...

Now I live off of Black Red Vines...Pizza Crust...and coffee with caramel syrup.

So add that to no real exercise and well...I resemble a pear.

My goal is to fit into the jeans that I wore regularly up till 2007!

And change my "body compostion" so that it's lean again.

I want my legs back.

And to wear a bathing suit and not feel like
"Shake-a Pudding"
Hey remember that instant desert from the '60's?
Or the commercial:
Boy opens fridge...Jello wiggles...boy says
"Hey Look Mom! The Jello's Alive!"

Always good to have a sense of humor...:)

So I thought I'd join Weight Loss Wednesday and have to be honest
and report in to you,my Dear Blog Friends, each Wednesday,
about my progress or lack thereof!

My goal is to lose 12 lbs ,but gain muscle.

Hard to do both at once.

Very hard to give up my Black Red Vines Licorice.

And I don't eat a few pieces...I eat a pound Bag!!!

Time to get off the sugar.

Starting tomorrow...I want to walk or ride my bike each day and do some ab and Lower body work.

And every other day add some arm exercise with weights.

Maybe it will help with all these weak/sore joints I have this year.
I want to feel less like this~

and more like This!

Wish me luck!

Love you all!

Mini Vintage Fashion Show

2009-11-04T19:57:00.004-07:00

Oh Just this once!

No reservations required,
since I have enough reservations for all of us!

I won't come to my senses till later...

Apres Post.

I decided to "model" a few Vintage Clothing Listings that I have at Sweetina

Did I mention that this is also an experiment!?

Will they sell better seen on me....or on the hanger?

I promise not to be offended if you vote on the latter.

Heehee!

I have quite a bit to list the next 2 days, so if it's not in the shop now...

it will be:

But today ~"The Show Must Go On"



Vintage Lacy Top

or this display

Another point is~

You may keep your answers a secret, if not they're favorable to "The Model"

Next!

Starting to laugh now..

wearing the Golden Girls Hostess Dress

heeheehee

No I havent moved to Miami...

But let's go relax on "The Lanai"

OK..the last piece will be listed tomorrow afternoon.

It's a very pretty peach nighty with lace embellishments.

Photos do not show the real shade of gown

Photos are Safe For Work.

Model is also Vintage.

And to my children~I apologise!

Tomorrow I'll add nighty on hanger photo.

here

Big Hugs My Friends!

~Christmas Shadow Boxes~

2009-10-26T12:23:00.005-07:00

~Holiday Shadow Boxes~

Hello Dearies,
I hope you had a great Fall Weekend!
I was super busy in my studio.
I think I have Hallmark~itis~
Hallowe'en isn't here yet,but the shop is filling with Christmas Listings!

Remember a few posts back I mentioned that I was "skipping Christmas"
Bwahahaha...we all knew this Shabby Girl wasn't going to stick to that statement!
This morning,I'll greet you with quite a few photos of 2 shadow boxes that will be at
Sweetina later this evening.

The first is called "Santa's Workshop"
It's full of happy colors and vintage ornaments and fun!

Here's a photo of the entire box

The top is painted to look like a Toadstool~

~Here are ome detailed photos of the vignettes~

~Santa's little helpers are busy filling the stockings~

~Here's a Little Elf entertaining a sweet Babygirl~

~I love this cute flocked Vintage Mouse and matching Umbrella!

The Snowman and Santa are wooden ornaments that are so cute~

Time to mail Holiday parcels and cards!

A Ballerina dancing to the Nutcracker Suite...

My favorite Holdiday Music~

And here's her Nutcracker

~This cute Flocked Bear finished reading "Frosty The Snowman"

and now he's started to make a snowman himself~

Mrs Claus is busy in her Sewing room!

And here comes Santa!

The second Holiday Shadow Box is made with beautiful Vintage brooches,millinery,Vintage Christmas Ornaments and Vintage Penny Doll (Frozen Charlotte)

This Box is Called

"Holiday Dreaming"

~Here's a photo of the shadowbox~

~Now the vignettes~

A Chorus of beautiful Vintage Angels

~A Shepard abiding in the field~

The Littlest Angel~

~Three Cherubs Rejoicing~

More Vintage Goodies~the Snowman is an Antique.

Aren't these scenes adorable!

Here's a Vintage Glittery Santa dancing with his Candy Cane!

The roof has White Lace "snow" and a Large Silver Glittery Star.

Thanks so much for looking at so many pictures today,My Friends~

You are The Best!

Early Holiday Hugs xox

~Time To Write To Santa~

2009-10-21T10:57:00.009-07:00

Dear Santa,

This year I have two choices on my Christmas List.
I would like a Model T Ford
or
a Stateroom on that new luxurious Ocean Liner.
It's quite a prestigious event,as it's the maiden voyage.
Being on the sea in April, would be simply marvelous~
With love,Prudence.

Hi Sweets!
I ,personally,haven't written a list because I'm "Skipping Christmas" this year!

My husband doesn't believe me.

He know's that by mid December ,I'll be pulling out all the decorations and lights.

It will be the same silly scenario...the bad language and nasty faces,

as I string the lights around the house.

( neighbors~keep the children inside)

You may let them back out for the decorating bit.

By then I'm jolly.

However,

Christmas in my little studio is already here.

I have several creations going on right now.

There are some that have been finished ,which will be in the shop by tonight.

Here's an early peek.

Poor Joyce....she was dreaming of Gil.

Here is a set of petite cottage style frames with vintage greeting card images.

And a closer look at each

Below is a snuggly snow couple.

A '50's Girl waiting for Santa...

dear Rudolf The Red Nose Reindeer~

And a sweet little girl in need of a nap!

And lets all hope that Prudence made the right decision concerning her Christmas List!

Smiles and Hugsxx

Cave Creek Arizona

2009-10-19T01:26:00.007-07:00

Cave Creek Arizona

A few weeks back,I said that I'd take you on a photo tour of the Town of Cave Creek.
It's about 15 miles west of here and a beautiful drive.
Many of the original townsfolk purchased land/homes for a song and now the land itself is worth millions!
Some of the homes are originals,some ranches and then there are the mega homes on Black Mountain.

Over the years, Cave Creek has thrived as an Old West town. It's surrounded by the mountains,saguaros and populated with many artists, family shop owners, cowboys and desert wildlife~like deer,javalinas,bobcats and such during the day.And cowboys at night.

Now it's quite a tourist attraction in the Winter. Bikers come through here to cool off. Nice bikers though....well behaved.
Mostly Vets and Dads,that are North of 50.
Just as soon as I win the lottery ~and give to charity and family, I think I'll buy one of my places here.
And no not for the Bikers and Cowboys!

So are you ready for fun photos?
Some are just of signs, but my goal was to capture the essense of the Town, rather than do the usual postcard photostock thing.

So here we go~
The first place we'll go to is an indoor/outdoor shop called
"The Town Dump"
Here they sell mainly rusty and wood archetectural finds and metal ~~muledeer,trolls,flamingos...~~ oddities.

Anyone want a metal deer?!

I love the garden sized windmill and the Talavera Pottery

And look at this big Texas Star. (if I'm wrong about the Texan part,my apologies to all my Texan Friends!)

I love it.

The hissing turtle...not so much....

Here are some wonderful doors that could be repurposed as a table or fitted into your own home.

The colors are so nice and worn.

And here is a nice weathered , formerly "white picket fence".

It would make sense in my yard.

That dream never really came true for me!

Heeheehee!

I'll bet you never knew that flamingos grow on trees.(just like spaghetti!)

Look's like someone had a game of Horseshoes , but threw the flamingos instead....

must've been after stopping by the saloon.

Let's go inside and see what they have in there.

At this point, nothing would surprise me.

well almost nothing...

except maybe a Bowsprit!

Yup~smack dab in the middle of the desert.

Told you the town was eccentric!

At least some of her "Lady Areas" are covered

Isn't she lovely...no modesty there...

The cat next to her is gobsmacked ,as you can see!

Oh Hello Frida~Fancy meeting you here~

What a pretty dress!

Infact we're pleased as punch that you are dressed!

This photo doesn't show the inticate beauty of this carved door.

And the urn is made of metal. I wish the lighting had been better.

"Well Hello Dolly"(s)

Here are some interesting plaster dolls,painted in bright colors.

There's quite a selection.

They're pretty festive and a little spooky.

but I still wouldn't want them staring at me in a dark bedroom!

Hello?

Ok I get it...The Original London Bridge is in Lake Havasu,Arizona.

So it would only make sense that a British Phone Booth would be in Cave Creek,Arizona.

Makes Jolly Good Sense!

Which way to the door? Let's get out of the Town Dump and back to reality.

Peek-a-Boo!

Lets go outdoors...

Here's a real windmill! It's twirling in the breeze

The sky really is that blue out here.

Don't you love this Buffalo?

I have a question for you ( I don't know the answer...)
Is a Buffalo a Bison or cousin of the Bison?

And here's the front of the Saloon...one of several.

As long as we're going that route...here's another Watering Hole.

(Pardon if this is offending anyone!)

I must admit, I just love the tall saguaro next to the name...Indeed!

This view of the hardware/feed store and mountains in the distance is pretty.

The Blue Coyote~it's such a cute building!

Here's Schoolhouse Rd, which I've posted before.

Definately one of my favorite roads in the area.

Peppers drying outside the motel~naturally~

They sure are gorgeous .We hang them in the kitchen.
They're Wylie Coyote Hot!

Here's a nice little desert vignette~

I've seen this saying on an Urban Outfitters Tee Shirt!

It resonates well with the artist population in town.

Here's a closer view below.

This lovely lady is painted in the back of "Big Earl's Greasy Eats"

And this one is in the front

These stunning carved doors are infront of a consignment store called The Lazy Lizard.

Lots of Frida going on...

Here's a very old beautiful cloth book I bought at an Antique Shop here.

I will definately share it on another post.

And on the way out of Town, I saw this cute food truck!

and the back...

And so our tour ends for the day.

I sure hope you got a flavor of Cave Creek.

Bye now

Warmth&Smiles~

Influenza and Sparkle?

2009-10-11T16:41:00.004-07:00

Hello My Sweets!

Slow Weekend here at the Shabby Ranchette.

Dylan has been quite sick with the Flu since Thursday night.

He's exhausted and flat on his back~poor Angel.

Even when boys are 13 they need to be Mommied and doted on like babies.

Come to think of it~it's the same way for them whether 3,13,25 or 59!

But that's ok...cuz I love taking care of him.

His fever reached 104F Friday Night and he was delirious.

(I used to get that way with a fever)

Last night it was "down" to 103/102.8F.

Today he was sitting up and his temps were down to 100F.

I think, he has another few night of discomfort and fever.

Don't you find the fever rises at night?

We're a High Fever/Low Regular Temperature family.

When I was 5, I had the measles (1960!) and my fever was 107.5F

I had a Registered Nurse for a month.

After that it was normal for me to have 105 temps when I was ill and back to the icey bath tub.

No kidding~ they would fill it with ice and cold water and put me in there.

Doctors made housecalls back then.

For my children and me~our regular temperature is 97.F

Odd isn't it?

So instead of a post with lots of pics~

heres a little sparkle for you to enjoy!

BigHugeLabs: Do fun stuff with your photos

Posted using ShareThis

1. My bedroom chandelier, 2. chandelier, 3. Dining Room Chandelier, 4. venezia - doges palace chandelier, 5. Chandelier, 6. Exquisite Rose Stunning 6 Light French Chandelier with Pink Roses, 7. Italian glass chandelier, 8. Ellis Island Chandelier, 9. Swinging from the chandelier, 10. Chandelier - Arabia Shrine, 11. The chandelier, 12. Chandelier, 13. Shabby Chandelier, 14. Musical Chandelier - on Explore # 412, Dec 7, 2007, 15. Pink Chandelier, 16. Chandelier

Click mosiac to see the chandeliers in detail!
Have a wonderful day

Halloween and Pretty New Listings

2009-10-08T17:57:00.030-07:00

Hellooooo All!
Have you put your Hallowe'en decorations up? Do you go "all out" or just have a Jack O'Lantern?
We kind of dressed down this year.Not according to Dylan.
He said if I added "One More Thing" he would blow a gasket!
Duly Noted!
First I'll show you a few fun spooky photos this evening and later I'll show you some new listings at Sweetina
So let's get in the mood for the 31st together~shall we?

Oh My!
Heavens!
Beg pardon, I'm so frightfully sorry!
A~hem...
Let's start over.

Here's Jill and Jack O'Lantern.
Jill is a kitty pumpkin with ears and the blue light.

Close up of Jill

Jack looks Happy to be out of the garage cabinets...and to have a partner this year.

Spider against the late night "Mackarel Sky"

Fun Candelabra from Michael's. It's completely covered in black glitter and so macabra!

Spideys blowing in the cool (yay!) desert breeze.

Happy Early Halloween Everyone!

Now I want to show you a few rather special new listings at Sweetina
There are some romantic and fun Vintage Clothing below.

Here's a very romantic pastel blue vintage bed jacket. I just love the flouncy collar.

Here is a stunning blouse with beautiful detailed sleeves and embroidery throughout.
I see it paired with a pencil skirt,heels and a string of pearls.

Next is a sweet 1950's blouse,also in excellent vintage condition. I adore the white,pink and green soft plaid.

And more detail...

Now to present my new favorite in the Vintage Clothier SectionLet's fly down to Miami and sit on the Lanai with The Golden Girls!
Are you ready?

Look at the colorful floral pattern,gold polka dots and great buttons!
Everyone on stage for the Calypso number,please!

Now a few other vintage treasures.
I wish I could list them all,but I'm afraid we'd all be falling asleep there are so many now!

Here is a very pretty sapphire blue and gold vase.

Wonderful for flowers of all Seasons.

Do you need a portrait frame? I have the perfect one~so Victorian and rich.

I was so tempted to keep this vintage Christmas Recipe Box,but I'm not much of a cook. Actually, I rather dislike cooking altogether!

Aren't the chior boys adorable!?

And a cute Christmas Tray!

And lastly this evening, are two super sweet Mary Englebright boxes. Since they are not officially Vintage,I can't list them on Etsy. However, if you would like to purchase them just convo me @ Sweetina

Well friends~have a wonderful night all over the World!

Supplies added to Sweetina~Trims!

2009-09-28T13:04:00.009-07:00

Hello Friends~
Late last night I listed a few pretty sets of cottage style trims in the shop
These include Vintage lace,ribbon,ric rac,pom pom trim,eyelet and more lace.
Each piece is 36" in length.
~Below is a selection 0f Five "Pinkberry" Trims~

Here is a set I've called "Party Dress"

The next set is "neopolitan Ice Cream Shop.
I love the yummy colors!

Below is gorgeous Aqua and white trims~"Mermaid"

Heres a set of Vintage crochet trim~one with buttons! (squeel!)
Another favorite Pastel set is "The Eyelets"
Have a peek below~

And yummy "Winter Wonderland" Lacy Whites

I am so enjoying the new Supplies Section!

By midweek there will be some of my very first kits listed for all your art and craft needs. They're very generous in size and filled with yummyness!
But today I'm giving you only a partial view of what is in each kit!

Hope you enjoyed the Monday Morning Eye Candy!
Have a great day,friends!
hugsxx

~First Day Of Fall Photos~

2009-09-23T12:07:00.012-07:00

Hi Sweets,
Today's post is a silent,peaceful Wordless Wednesday.
Below are some images of the fist day of Fall here in the Southwest.
Next week I'll take you on a tour of the Artsy town of Cave Creek.
Relax & enjoy~

Happy Fall!

~A Delightful Tour of Not Too Shabby~

2009-09-20T13:10:00.043-07:00

Good Afternoon, my Shabby Friends,
Today I have a real treat for your eyes!
Friday afternoon,I drove to Phoenix to visit my very favorite Shabby Chic/Cottage Style store named Not Too Shabby.
Owned and decorated by the Beautiful,Darling Kim Rawlins,
you may know her from her website:
www.nottooshabbyonline.com.
When I introduced myself,Kim said "You're my friend on Facebook!"
and I replied:
"Oh my goodness that's right~you're Kim Rawlins"
Kim is a wonderful,fun person and I feel as if I have made a new pal in person
I also loved her friend and co worker,Katie, who was also so much fun and sweet.
Please pour yourselves a cup of tea,get comfy,and join me on a visual tour of Not Too Shabby.
Isn't this "cake" delicious! It's just part of the pretty home decor I found inside.

The store is a feast for the eyes~ a Shabby Chic and Cottage Style Fantasyland!
From the moment I entered,my jaw hit the floor!

The lighting for sale is divine and romantic,and the furniture equally lovely.

Kim has the most exquisite merchandise~everything from stunning dressers,hutches and tables to vintage pastel dresses,linens,purses,and the sweetest millinery I have ever seen.
The store is a series of beautifully decorated vignettes.
Look at the fabric on this large floral ottoman.The floral tray and cream oval frame are both such beautiful additions to the display.

The pink glass drawer pulls really make this dresser shabby chic fabulous!

Here's a closer peek.

The main room is home to a beautiful pastel palate.
White,pinks,rose,peach,aqua,lilac and butter yellows that we Girls all adore.
Shabby Chic Heaven.
Did I mention the chandeliers?
Below are just 2 of many gorgeous choices.

I wanted to put all of them in my truck!

Have a peek at the pretty vintage hats with beautiful millinery flowers.

Filled with beautiful white dressers,hutches,tables,mirrors,paintings (yummy roses,Girls!)and framed illustrations,Not Too Shabby is pure magic.
There is a plethora of vintage hankies,gloves and hats,china figurines,lamps,and wonderful tins.
These lamps would be so glamorous on a vanity or on your bedside tables.

So many vintage tins,china and don't you love these pink shelves!

and more detail...vintage greeting cards!

Isn't this a beautiful pink vanity?
It looks so more beautiful in person,but the sunshine won out on this photo,I'm afraid.

The sunny outdoors took over in this photo also, but i really wanted you to see this gorgeous parasol.

Here's better detail.

If you're looking for bark cloth and vintage curtains and linens~this is the jackpot.

There is a large selection of vintage chenille bedspreads,draperies. and pastel quilts.(the quilt is in the photo of daughter's bedroom~was purchased here.)

All the chenille and vintage fabric pillows in the shop, and beautifully restored upholstered romantic chairs and setees add to the ambiance.

Vintage dresses....Oh My!
Here's a romantic flouncy white crinoline skirt with sweet eyelet blouse~

And a dreamy soft pink party dress with a detailed lace overlay.
It's a below the knee length and perfect for a wedding or party dress.

My favorite is this petite lilac crinoline and silk number~just look at the color!

In another room was like entering a Paris pied a terre.
Decorated in black and cream this space has stunning Paris apartment feel.
The furniture,frames,mirrors and luxurious skirted vanities(with matching stools) remind me of a French Boudoir.
Sprinkled among the furniture are more vintage dresses,photo frames,vintage purses,hand mirror and brush sets and so much more!
I adore this green wicker chair upholstered in green damask, and the large shabby black framed envelope illustration.

I fell in love with this vintage stocking original and sparkling clutch!

Strolling through the alcove to the right, it felt like an English Cottage and Victorian home.
This area has rich colors,beautiful tea sets,velvet furniture and gold framed art with velvet matting.The palate is elegant and a great mix of wonderfully rich wood furniture,cream vanities and dressers.
More lilac and lavender below~gorgeous!

This is a lovely alcove~

Not Too Shabby has two levels, the upstairs is like a loft/veranda displaying,Victorian birdcages,
signs and painted head/foot boards and shabby iron architectural pieces.
Also upstairs, is a section with vintage kitchen decor and ware. The color scheme here is rich and includes red and white and cherries (scream!),black and white checkered and rich fruit motifs.
Please check out the website to see more detail.
Needless to say, I did not leave the store empty handed~heehee!
Below are a few things that had to come home with me~

Here's a gorgeous oval frame~
You know I had to have this Vintage Ladies Stocking Package in the sparkliest pink frame!

And this to-die-for clutch!

I also purchased a gorgeous vintage candy tin,and a skeleton key.
I think I need to go back soon and buy the parasol, which is whispering to me!
Not Too Shabby is in Phoenix Arizona
So if you're looking for the treasure at the end of the rainbow...
The address is:
11649 N Cave Creek Road
Phoenix, Az, 85020
phone: (602) 374-8608website: www.nottooshabbbyonline.com
I hope you get a change to visit the store, if you live in Az or happen to visit.
Also check out the online for more fun!
Many thanks to Kim for being so gracious and letting me take photos.
And to both Kim and Kate for the great conversation.
It's so wonderful to meet online friends in person!

Hugsxox

Shimmer Me Timbers

2009-09-16T18:02:00.012-07:00

Hi Lovies~
Happy Wednesday!
I'm feeling quite sparkly this evening after filling a collection of sweet vintage salt and pepper shakers with the yummiest glass glitter!
"Shimmer" me timbers! Even my hair is twinkling!
I have added a new "supplies" section at Sweetina which I've wanted to do for a few months now.
I hope you like the first additions to the new section.

Below is a trio of Halloween/Autumn glass glitter shades.
Pumpkin Pie,Black Cat and Jack O Lantern.

These will add sparkle and shine to all your Halloween and Fall projects.

Next is the Cottage Style Christmas Trio in
Ribbon Candy Pink,Snowflake Shimmer and Blue Winter Skies,

I'm getting ready to make some Holiday Putze Cottages and these colors are yummy!

The trio below is set in mid century shakers,also for Holiday crafting in Cool Holiday colors.
Blue Winter Skies,Snowflake Shimmer and Silver Belle

Also listed in the shop
are two sets in two colors below.
The first is a set of Pink and Orange that have a subtle gold shimmer.

These can be used for many projects and Halloween color combos like this~

The last twosome is for the Candy lover in all of us!
I call these colors, Cotton Candy and Grape Soda!Two of my favorite treats at the Fireman's Fair.

I hope you've been inspired for this wonderful crafting season ahead~
It's my favorite time of year in the studio!
Thanks for visiting me, Friends~
hugsxx

~The Queen and The Vintage Housewife~

2009-09-14T11:33:00.024-07:00

Good Monday Morning to you!
Today I have been spending this a.m. adding new listings to Sweetina and enjoying two cups of coffee. After this I will head outside for a walk and burn off some of this high octane energy!
Below are photos of new vintage listings and a Royal Treat.
I made a Marie Antionette Shadow Box that's subtly Halloween and sparkling with Vintage Bling! The oval box is covered in Vintage flocked black and gold wallpaper~black and gold ribbon and topped with vintage millinary and a cameo brooch.
Inside is a portrait print of Marie in a rhinestone frame and also a Vintage Brooch and part of a vintage bracelet for added lux.
Inside the box is lined with very vintage book pages and two sparkly crows.
Finished with a Boo ticket that's embellished with gold glass glitter, Back is also finished and ready to hang.

Front view:

Here's a view from the side:

Top view:

I'm very pleased with the result and the dressy antique look!

I have added some cottage style tea cups with creamer and sugar bowl to the shop

First a Vintage sweet and fun Bailey's Yum Yum Set:
This is listed with 2 cups,creamer and sugar bowl.Two Ladies and Two gentlemen!
Inside the cups it says "Yum".
I also have 2 more cups of each that I can add to the listing (for a slightly higher price)if you would like 4 cups.
Yum!

Two cups:

Sugar bowl and Creamer:

Aren't they fun!?
Heehee!

Next is a pretty English Garden style Creamer & Sugar Bowl. This set is very pretty and would a lovely accompaniment to any collection or on the tea trolly by the fireplace this Fall.

For the Franciscan Desert Rose Collector~I have 3 tea cups and saucers available.
They may either be bought as a set of 3 or 2 or even a single. Simply convo me and we can figure something out.

Does anyone love Homer Laughlin?
Listed are two pastel serving pieces that are most definately cottage style/shabby chic. Martha would be delighted!
First is a gorgeous Serving Bowl in the Eggshell Georgian pattern~

And in the Eggshell Theme pattern a beautiful lidded sugar bowl.
Also Homer Laughlin~

Do you love Milk Glass? I have a "little" collection,myself.
However I have listed a lovely "Shell Pink" Compote by Jeanette. This piece is truly a treasure a the softest shade of pink. Just look at the details!

Another milk glass item is Retro Vintage~a creamer made b Gemco.
The top is made of chrome and is a flip top. Reminds me of my childhood and the tons of maple syrup (actually Lyons Golden Syrup~my fav!)that I poured all over pancakes at breakfast on Sunday morning.

And speaking of the 40's and 50's...here a little something that will blow your mind!
A colorful and Oh so Vintage Retro Serving Tray. This reminds me of Mid Century Manhattan cocktail parties and hor'deurves served by a gorgeous housewife in a wiggle dress and half apron~the clinking of glasses with Benny Goodman on the hi-fi.

And now I'll leave you today with this sweet little Vintage Rubens Baby Girl Planter.
I haven't seen one quite like her~she's so darn sweet!

here are some of the darling details!

Well I must go do the chores and get in some exercise!
SO glad to have caught up with you all this morning!
With warmth and hugsxx

~Witchy Woman~

2009-09-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!
I know it's early,but are you excited about Hallowe'en crafting and the cool breezes of Fall?
I'm a bit early,but couldn't resist using my brand new Hallowe'en Blog Banner created by the delightful Sandy, better know as the Blog Banner Queen
Please have a looksee at her shop for wonderful Holiday Banners.
Another member of Banner Royalty is darling Dale of Sea Dream Studio
Dale created my Sweetina Blog Banner and Esty Shop Banner and avatar with the sweet vintage girl and cupcake deer!
I am so happy (and lucky) to be able to have these fabulously fun banners!
It's fun to have a few to interchange depending on the post!
Thankyou Sandy and Dale!

Later this week I have some Franciscan teacups and saucers and a few pretty Homer Laughlin pieces to list and post.
Until then~
It is Officially Back to School for everyone!
Warm thoughts of you~

A Tisket A Tasket~ Some Murray Allen Basket Tins

2009-08-31T18:46:00.005-07:00

Hi everyone!
I just listed some beautiful Murray Allen Basket Tins at Sweetina and added a new section just for vintage tins. So I've been busy changing and adding to the inventory.
I hope you love these darling tins.Most are 5-6 inches from lid to bottom and 11 inches in circumference. A few are slightly larger and all priced accordingly.
Have a peek below for some real vintage English Cottage Style.

~Beautiful Floral Bouquet~

~Royal Blue,Cream and Gold with Dancing Village Couple~

~Baby Blue,Roses and Bouquet~

~Pink,Cream and Blue Ornate~

~Pastel Pink,Butter and Cream with Exotic Birds~

~Set of Two Holiday Tins...Red one has daisies!!!~

~Blue,Aqua and Pink Flowers~

There are more details and photos in the shop.
I wish I could visit longer this evening...but Dman has homework, a needed shower and a bad attitude! I think having P.E. outdoors when it's 111F and there's a heat warning in effect is risky.
So it's going to be a bit of a tug-o-war tonight!
"Monday Monday"
Big Hugs

And The Heat Goes On

2009-08-30T12:34:00.014-07:00

Good Afternoon Lovies~
I hope you're all having a relaxing Sunday.
We're inside again,as it's 113F.
In addition to the heat,we have a light breeze.
Make that a hot breeze~like your hair dryer on the high setting!
Walking to the mailbox, it felt good for about two minutes...
then even Abby galloped back into the house.
No sniffing to find the perfect place to tinkle...no looking for
bunnies to chase.She just high tailed it back inside!
The a/c is set to a cool 76F.
Cool temps~high power bill.
We're paying to stay alive out here...
doesn't seem right.;)
As an amusing example,above are a pair of candles left in the garage!
Who needs the Weather Man?
The forecast for this weekend was "Melt"
Well, atleast the elves survived...
Ride 'em cowboy!
Yup~we're driving with 2 fingers and suffering seat belt burns again.( the metal bit)
However,with lots of indoor time, I've been busy with my first Halloween creation for my Esty shop
Have a looksee below.

I had so much fun creating this spooky halloween shadow box!
It needs the final tidying up part~but I couldn't resist showing you today.
Below are a few closeups of some of the vignettes.

"I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me..."

"B..B..B..Bad To The Bone"(s)

"It Was The Monster Mash...It Was A Graveyard Smash...IT Caught On In A Flash"

"Oh Oh Oh... It's Magic....You Know Oh Oh..."

"Itsy Bitsy Spider Climbing Up The Wall"

"Bewitched Bewitched...You've Got Me In Your Spell"

This large shadowbox will be available to purchase on Tuesday,along with more vintage goods.
Come visit me at Sweetina

As my great blogger friend Jaime said
she's "burning pumpkin potpouri in the hopes of bringing on a little Fall here in my home."
That's what I'm talking about!
Hurry up Fall!
Have a lovely evening everyone near and far!
hugsxx

Vintage Luxury at Sweetina

2009-08-24T16:08:00.015-07:00

Good Evening Cottage Style Girls,
I have lots of photos of the new listings at Sweetina.
I spent the morning cleaning the Shabby Ranchette.
After lunch I filled the shop with vintage items that are both luxurious and practical.
Today's post will be visual with more photos than text~as I have to get the dinner on soon.
Thirteen year old boys can get very hungry after school!
So let's get started, shall we?

Here is a very sweet sheer vintage apron.
I think it would make a statement at a cocktail party,baking cupcakes or even serving hubby a romantic dinner for two.

Isn't the embroidery on the pockets pretty?

Have a look at this beautiful large Aqua/Floral enamel tray!

Perfect for your cottage style home.

Also for the kitchen, I have 2 listings for a vintage "Ovenex" baking pan with a starburst pattern that sparkles in the light. Use for baking fruitcake (I think I'm the only person who loves fruitcake!), banana bread,or use as a pretty mail holder near the front door.
There are so many ways to use this very cool container.

Below~ a beautiful selection of vintage satin vanity boxes.

Next are the most luxurious vintage satin hangers in delicious pastel hues.
They're listed in sets of 3. Below are a few of the sets that I've listed.

yummy!

Lastly, listed is a festive vintage 6"x6' embriodered straw and palm frond "Cauncun" basket with lid. Almost 3" deep there's room for lots of bits and bobs in the studio or on a desk.

Thanks for visiting this evening~
hope you enjoyed the photos~
have a wonderful week,Friends!

The Bouganvilla That Ate Up New York CityArizona

2009-08-17T10:21:00.030-07:00

Good Monday Morning to you,friends!

As you can see, my bouganvilla has taken over a quarter of the back yard.It's now 10'
x 14'.
Gargantuan.
Ginormous.
Glorious.
It should be assigned it's own zipcode!

Quite frankly,I think it's too spectacular to trim.
That is until the flowers fall into the neighbor's pool.
Then the doorbell will ring.
Isn't it Summery!?

Today is Dylan's first day Back To School.
Seventh Grade.
He was not amused when the alarm went off!
It's difficult when you're not a morning person,then add the fact that it marks the end of Summer Vacation.
Freedom from homework.
And Mom taking his picture through the window~humiliating him.
Poor Lovie~ look at his expression and body language in these photos!

Fuzzy sat at the window with me, watching him until the bus left.

They'll be no more forts until the weekend.

Summer has passed far too quickly hasn't it Fuzzy? Yes, I know you'll miss your sidekick today, but he'll be home by 4:00.

"Wot?! Four you say? I'll have plenty of time for a nap then."

Meanwhile Abby knows she's going for a walk today and is very happy.

But here's a secret...she's also going to have a bath. Abby has accumulated a layer of desert dust!

This is going to be a crazy mixed up post with lots of photos.
I have a few collections to show you,followed by additions for the shop.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit for a spell.

I'll start with vintage goodies and collections around the Shabby Ranchette.

Here is my beginners collection of Deer.

The set of 3 plastic deer are a present from my dear dear blogger friend Jan of
The Polka Dot Farm.
She knows how much I adore vintage deer/fawn.
The tall pink deer is also from Jan
when we did a trade.My first trade ever~it was so much fun!Granted everything is fun with Jan!

Here is a vintage 7UP crate that I bought from here.

Some of my miniature treasures are displayed here in their little cubbies.
Oh here's another dear from my wonderful friend Priscila of Casa Bella Chic. It arrived in a huge parcel of goodies and supplies!
By the way,Priscila is opening a new website shop called Little Miss Heirlooms and just like everything she does,it's going to be so very sweet!

Here is my collection of original Robertson's Gollywogs! I love the fact that they are in a band.Robertson's was the jam we had in Bermuda and the UK. The gollywog used to be their trademark.Not so much anymore I think.

Below are two metal and glass vintage finds found at Goodwill. I painted them white and use them for candles. I love the Swedish Gustavian feel of them now.

Last Winter, I took part in the Birds of Change Exchange (see button in sidebar).
We each handmade 5 birds and received 5 in return. I want to find a branch and paint it aqua for a better display, but for now they're hanging on a Victorian birdcage (also painted white!)

Here they are again on a fabulous Midcentury cabinet.The top is a large grey and white marble slab. Wouldn't it look classic painted dove grey?
Must add to TO DO list!

Ok~ now onto a few new listings that will be added to
the shop tonight or tomorrow morning. Depending on Homework!

Here is a classic book for the "Perfect Homemaker" by the famed Heloise.
Have a peek at some of the illustrations and helpful hints! It is in excellent used condition.

Heehee!

A very lovely treasure that will be for sale is a beautifully illustrated Holy Bible.
First translated in A.D.1611 and revised in 1952.Book measures 6.5"x4.25".
Have a look at the cover and detailed pages below.

T
he Lord's Prayer is on the inside leaf.
And here are two of the many illustrations.

Here is a very rare vintage book called "Historia Filozofii"
A large Polish Book first published in 1933.The entire text is Polish and the pages are perfectly aged,but in very good condition.

Here's a look on the inside.

There will be 3 Vintage Little Golden Books at Sweetina also.

Only 3 more listings to go....are you comfy? I hope so!

For the Fairy Princess in all of us~
This is a beautiful illustration printed on nicely textured cardstock. It measures
5x7" and would look so pretty in an ornate frame.

This beautiful shabby chic floral wallpaper border will be sold as a single listing.
It would look so cottagey on a bedroom or bathroom wall. It's a 30 foot roll and 8 inches wide.
Pastel and in perfect condition.

My Final item for today is one of my favorite creations. A cottage style collage measuring 9"x8" (14" at top of hanging vintage seam binding). It's made entirely of Vintage wallpaper and supplies. The Emily Dickenson quote says:
"We turn not older with years~but newer every day."

Thankyou so much for visiting with me this morning and reading this lengthy post!
Wishing you a wonderful evening from the Sonoran Desert~

A little Love for you~

2009-08-11T20:44:00.006-07:00

Hi Friends~
Is everyone busy with Back To School shopping?
My Dylan's first day of school is Monday August 17th.
Too hot and too early,in our opinion.
He's grown 2" since May and will be in 7th Grade already.
(My baby!!!)
In the meantime here are a few creations listed in my etsy shop
Below is a 10x10 original painting/collage.
The colors are soft pastel and the vintage wallpaper gives the piece a sweet Shabby chic look.
I "love"'d making this!Heehee!

Also new, are these adorable large baby tags~each is large enough as a gift itself.
Made on heavy mat board,vintage wallpaper and image from sweet vintage baby announcement. One tag per listing~if you'd like more than one,I can arrange a special price.
Are any of your friends expecting a bundle of joy soon?
Each tag would make a great gift topper and heirloom for a Baby Book.
Here is an example of the pink wallpaper tag.

And here's the floral tag example~

Thanks for stopping by lovies!
Happy Back to School Shopping and enjoy the
last few weeks of Summer Holiday.
Hugs~

~A Bird in the hand is Magic~

2009-07-28T13:23:00.007-07:00

Hello Lovies!
Here's a 10x10 canvas collage/painting that I worked on last night and this morning.
I really had fun making it,especially the painting part. Been a long time since I picked up a brush.
Here's some detailed pics...

Dylan an I are off to Barnes&Nobel to read some books in the aircondtioning and get a yummy Starbucks treat!
Come over an visit me at Sweetina
Warmly~

Sandalous Marie!

2009-07-25T11:21:00.011-07:00

Happy Saturday My Sweets!
I had a little Tina Time in my studio last night.
It's been so long since I've been creative,that I had to search the entire room to find what was in each drawer,box and tin.
And there it all was,in it's proper tidy place.
Isn't it hard to find supplies when they're neatly stored?
It certainly looks lovely!
However,I find it much simpler when every yummy art supply is spread out all over the room.
I need to see the vintage wallpaper,lace bling and buttons!
Now my studio actually looks like a studio,before "Where I create" photos!
Here's a look at Marie Antoinette in her party attire wearing lots of bling.
She's headed to the Palace Ballroom to Boogie under the Disco Ball!
She's lovin' "Barbies and Boy Toys" Absolutely Scandalous!
This 4"x4" petite canvas collage will be listed in my esty shop this afternoon.
Here's a peek~

Have a glittery weekend!
Hugsxx

Summer Carnival Colors

2009-07-13T13:00:00.015-07:00

Hello My Sweets!
I hope you're enjoying your Summer and swimming at the beach.
Wish I could join you,because it's 115F (in the shade) here in Oh So Perpetually Sunny Arizona.
The real temperature in the sun is, hold on to your hat... 137.8F.
Egg frying on the driveway weather!
Mmmm...Hmmm...
and reading weather.
I've read over 25 books so far and haven't done much dusting.
Heehee!
What with the Dust Devils swirling about and the dog shedding!
So this afternoon,in the cool aircondtioning, I've listed some vintage goodies and a few other listings in my Etsy Shop
Grab a cool glass of lemonade and have a looksee below.

This adorable Vintage Circus Train has so many uses.
It would be such a sweet centerpiece holding napkins,forks and spoons.Or for a Birthday Party holding lollipops,and vintage candy!

Next, also with a Carnival theme is a Vintage English Sunshine Biscuit Tin.
It's a large 9"x9" tin fashioned to look like a Merry go round.

Here's an adorable red and white polka dot tray that looks so shabby sweet hanging on a wall or resting on your vanity filled with vintage earrings and jewels.

I must confess,I've been hording this devine set of Vintage champagne glasses for a few months! But now they available for purchase. Two glasses are pale pink and two are pale blue. They are beautifully etched and sparkling.
They remind me of lavish entertaining in days gone by.
Absolutely Fabulous!

For afternoon tea~here's a darling Napco porcelain Cream & Sugar set. The pair come with a matching tray.The set is petite,however,but not dollsized.
Each vessel is 3" tall and the tray is 5.5" in length.
Very pretty!

Lastly, I have made a petite vintage collage with a very shabby antique feel.
The canvas is approx 3"x4",is painted pink and collaged with floral vintage wallpaper,a sweet vintage illustration which has been handpainted and and made to look like it's been in Grandma's attic.

There are more vintage listings, collages and tags in the shop, so when it gets too hot outside~come visit!
Big Hugs!

Big 13!

2009-06-09T20:03:00.007-07:00

Hello my Sweet friends!
I'm back and so happy to be blogging!
On June 2nd,my youngest child,Dylan turned 13!
Being the baby in a family of 6(3 of my natural children and 3 of my hubbys),he has always been in a rush to catch up.
The 365 days between 12 and 13 was especially long for him.

Dylan's race to grow up started at the age of 6.
He would ask me every few months:
"Mommy,how old am I now?"
and I said
"You're 6 and a quarter!"
By December he asked:
"Mommy, am I 7 yet?"
"No DMan, but you're 6 and a half~you're already halfway to being 7!"

That revelation seemed to satisfy him, and he would run and jump and say:
"Mommy,am I running faster and jumping higher cuz I'm 6 and a half?!"
"Oh yes! Much faster and higher!,Sweetheart!"
"Mommy,(on his tip toes)look how much I grew today!"
"Oh my, Son!... yes,you have grown soooo much!"

By April,when all his big brother's birthdays had passed,impatience started brewing again.
I reassured Dylan that he was now 6 and 3 quarters and that there was only a month and a half to wait.
(forever when you're young..not so forever at 50+, right!?)
"Mommy can we count the days?"
"Yes Angel, we can get the calendar and count the days!"

The children have birthdays in February,March,April,May (both girls) and June.
Then we have 6 months to catch our breath and save for christmas shopping!

In May the same year,Dylan continued to remind everyone that he was 6 and 7 quarters then 6 and 9 quarters,followed by 6 and 10 quarters!
The last week of May,when we went to the Pediatrician for his yearly checkup,
the Doctor asked:
"Dylan, How old are you now?"
and he said proudly:
"I'm 6 and 17 quarters!"
The doctor said back~
"Wow! That's alot of quarters!!!"

So this year...and all year, D kept reminding us that soon he'd be a Teenager and not a Preteen.
(After all, he was a Preteen since he was 9.heeheehee!)

So on the morning of June 2nd~the Big Day arrived.
I woke him by whispering~
"Happy 13th Birthday,Dylan!"
He smiled and ran to look in the bathroom mirror and came back and asked:
"Mom,do I seem different to you?
Does my voice sound different?
Is it deeper?
"Do I seem more like a teenager now?"
And I said~
Yes Dylan...you really seem like a teenager now!"

Here are a few photos of the Birthday Teen!

Thanks for joining in his celebration with us!
Hugs

Laptop/Camera broken!

2009-05-12T16:30:00.004-07:00

Hi Sweethearts!
I have not forgotten you. I miss you all so much!
First, my camera is still broken and my computer cord and battery need replacing. Ugh...I am so frustrated and feel withdrawals from not blogging!
Hopefully it will only be another week or two, when I'll make my comeback on the blogging scene.
Maybe, I can have a giveaway as a celebration then! heehee!
I am using the computer in the library today.
Till then I am thinking of you all and sending big wishes of happiness and health.
Tina

Don't miss this Stunning Giveaway!!!

2009-04-28T16:33:00.004-07:00

The lovely Cassandra of
My Artful Adventures is having a lovely Marie Giveaway!
You know how much we all love Marie!
Please go visit her site right away, because the deadline is THIS Friday!!!
Now Run!!!!!
And goodluck to all of you!
And me....heeheehee
hugs~

Spring Sale!

2009-04-21T17:32:00.003-07:00

Hello my Spring Dearies!
Tis the season to renew and make room for new listings in the shop
So I've place most of my current creations on Sale!
In the meantime, I'm turning the house upsidedown trying to locate the battery recharger for the camera. I distinctly remember placing it in a good spot and saying:
"There~that's the perfect spot for it.Now I won't ~~forget where i put it~~ lose it this time.
That was several weeks ago.
Wish me luck...
Until then~come to the Sweetina Spring Sale!
bouquets of wildflowers~

Trying New Things

2009-04-15T12:26:00.005-07:00

Hello my Dear Friends,
I apologise for the extra long delay in blogging.
Sometimes life just takes over and requires every bit of energy we have, and this has been one of those times.
But today, I am feeling a glimmer of sunshine and hope that the worst has passed, and I can be back with all of you,my Sweet Friends here in Bloglandia.
I have truly missed you all.
Did you all have a wonderful Easter Holiday?
How is everyone's blood sugar levels??
My stongest Event on Easter Sunday was the~
Cadbury Mini Egg-A-Thon!!! I'm the hands down winner again this year!
Heehee!
Fortunately, I've been biking 9-15 miles several days per week to counteract the chocolate. But now it's back to salads,fresh veggies,fruit and healthy fare.

Only 6 months till Halloween anyway!

With all the biking and walking, I decided on a very short and very easy haircut.
It was a shock,initially and everyone at the salon dubbed me "Tina The Brave"!
But i love it and it's easy.
here's a pic.

granted "Not my best angle"! tee hee!

I've also painted a watercolor from an image i have had in my mind. I'm not a painter,really, but sure enjoyed creating this watercolor called "Nice Catch"
I think it would make a cute card or print.

The camera is on the fritz at the moment, and so I've been unable to take photos of the yummy vintage goodies that I want to list in my etsy shop.
Don't you dislike being without a working camera? It's been very frustrating!
So just as soon as it's fixed, I will be posting photos of everything!

I would love to hear what new things you have been trying.
New looks,new decor,new creations,new lifestyle...
afterall Spring is in full bloom!
Hugs~

Sumptuous Supplies

2009-03-16T16:42:00.004-07:00

Good Evening my Angels!
After 3 days of exercising like crazy,I ~~could barely walk~~took the day off and
added the supplies to the wallpaper boxes in the shop.

I also added an adorable valise to my listings,which is also filled with supplies.

Have a wonderful Monday night~

Flinging You Some Spring Color!

2009-03-10T17:16:00.011-07:00

Noonday was sunny and glorious here in the Sonoran Desert.
The temperature was in the low 70's and there were just a few
little cottony puffs of cloudlets floating about in the cornflower blue sky.
I did the usual morning run to the post office.
Then went for a walk with Abby so we she can lose a few
*ahem* inches.
Yes,our darling "Slew Foot Susie" is on an Exercise Program.
That waistline has to come in some.
So does Mother's.

So walk we must.
After,cooling off and cleaning up,Abby fell into NoddyLand,
and napped on the cool tile floor, till the schoolbus rolled up the street at 3:45pm!
I jumped in the pickup and drove to Home Depot for a few plants to add to the front yard.
It's looking a little barenaked in terms of color.
I used to have this gorgeous succulent ground cover, a mini ice plant that looked like a beautiful bright purple Spring carpet.
But ~~lots of childrens feet trampled it~~ something happened to it a few years ago,and since then, it's been a no show.
Now my youngest child and his friends are in the 12-13 year bracket.
Do you think it's safe to replant yet?!
Do you think they will actually~
Stay On The Path?
Me Neither!

I couldn't find the particular variety,anyway...
so this is what went in the ground instead.
Let it be known that Dylan and all his neighborhood friends are on Springbreak for 12 days from this Friday.
We'll see what the future holds with these little plants by the end of the month.
It should be fairly amusing and maybe even pretty!

Here they are freshly planted this afternoon.

I also purchased a Cassia Shrub (bush,tree?).
I have an older sister on one side of the flagstone path and (again years ago....) tried to plant a second on the otherside. Well, "sister" wasn't hardy enough for the sneakers and footballs, and so here we go again.

It has a bit of a yaw already, which i am hoping corrects itself in the sunlight tomorrow!
Otherwise I will need to prop her up a bit!

Here is a beautiful plant that is know here in Arizona as a Bush Morning Glory.
I love the masses of white flowers they bloom. They close at the end of the day when the sun goes down,just like the vine Morning Glory (or Blue Bells) that grow throughout the South and in the Islands.
However, I don't think they're related.
If any of you know about this, I would love to learn about the difference in these two plants.

And lastly, here is a little view of the front porch through the sage bush.

I hope this has freshened some ~end of Winter~ doldrums and given you some Spring color,vim and vigor!
Have a restful evening~
and come back soon!

I'm joining The Pillow Parade!

2009-03-09T22:55:00.008-07:00

Good Morning Sweets!
Today I am joining Kari & Kaija's Pillow Parade so I'll post a few photos of some favorite pillows around the Shabby Ranchette.
In the throes of Spring ~~Fever~~Cleaning,it has come to my attention that I have given away/yard saled all but my most often used possessions.
Talk about Simplify.
Looks like I might need to "find" some new pillows~ heehee!
So the images of pillows below represent comfort as opposed to taste and style!
This is a vintage embroidered cat pillow i bought on etsy last year and has become a family favorite.

This is a very simple corduroy aqua pillow, but i love the collegiate style font in the word DREAM. On the back it says ON.

I confess that this sheep shaped woolly pillow kept me warm all Winter.
It is the warmest pillow ever...
"Pardon?"

"Oh!I'm frightfully sorry!"

Correction: it is the second warmest pillow ever.
This is the first...

Have a wonderful day!

More fun in the Studio

2009-03-05T14:29:00.006-07:00

I've been busy creating a few pretties for a feature on the design blog ofifteen.
I was asked by the editor if my shop could be featured, so i wanted to add a few more
vintage wallpaper boxes in the store.
They will be listed next week,but heres a sneek peek!

In aqua,white and and tarnished silver~

~and in mauve,creme and antique brass~

enjoy~
and thanks for popping by Sweetina!

Wallpaper Boxes

2009-03-02T10:08:00.005-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!
I have been playing with my sweet little collection of vintage wallpaper in the studio over the weekend, after i found a few sturdy gift boxes while thrifting.
Hope you love the results! Heehee!
These will be listed in my Etsy shop later today.
first is the 3x3 deeper box.

and next the slimmer 4x4 aqua and white.

I carefully glued vintage wallpaper to the boxes and whitewashed the edges very lightly. Added the sweetest vintage trim and millinery and
both will be filled to the brim with coordinated supplies of course!
Happy almost Spring!

Back to One Shop!

2009-02-18T19:25:00.004-07:00

Hello again,
After doing some very long and hard thinking (and number crunching) i have made the decision to move my creations to just one online shop.
Since I have 2 shops,my etsy shop and my (now empty) lollishop I needed to think hard about which one to let go.
Very difficult decision, as any of you who have had to make this choice already know.
I love both Lollishops and Etsy.
Lolli has been so much fun and I have been so humbled to be amoung so many talented artists!
And to have been invited!
I will always remember how much work and time Sadie has put into this fabulous site! She is really a go-getter and a great artist and friend.
My enthusiasm has been 300%, but what it ends up boiling down to is~the economy.
Or rather, my non economy!
Financial economy and "time economy" run hand in hand, in the sense that it's better for me to have everything in one shop. That saves me money and time "running" back and forth...because I will be out in the regular job world soon also!
The other reason is that I want to expand what I create during this next year.As well as Cottage Style, I feel the need to try other ideas and mediums,and on Etsy I can do both and have several very different sections in one shop.
I will be moving my listings over to sweetina on etsy in the next fortnight as a start. My prices will be lower since i don't need to calculate shipping into the list price.
I will also still be happily blogging right here and posting photos on flickr!
And promise to remain your
Sweetina.
Hugs~

3PostNight

2009-02-16T20:39:00.015-07:00

Like the Inuit/Native term for a very cold night.
(and the '70's band)
But with a twist.
I wanted to catch up on blog posts and stay warm without running up the energy bill.
And so here is my version
of a 3 dog night.

*fuzzy walmart jammies with the hearts
*very cozy queensize bed.
*One Fuzzy marmalade (snoring!)feline.
*tons of pillows
*warm laptop
*a downy duvet.
*warm cup of Earl Grey tea
*my favorite candle flickering on the bedside table.

Hang On a minute....

I'm not 85!

And it's Valentine's Weekend!
Shouldn't this be a more exciting scenario?
Oughten I be in the company of
~~Johnny Depp~~ a Scalliwag Pirate?

And partaking in something
rathermore romantic and adventerous?!
Like sailing the deep blue sea?

Well yes.. obviously but this year (heehee ;) with the ship in port for repairs and all...I am quite content to have a warm,peaceful night as a landlubber.

I had such a nice relaxing time,infact, that I posted not once~ but 3 times!
Just for fun here are some photos of vintage finds:

Here is a darling retro mushroom painting (original). I painted the "bamboo" frame in an ohso glossy retro pink. It turned out so cute!
I will be listing this in my Etsy Shop later in the week.

Here is an original signed Wallace Nutting handpainted photo. These are very collectable and are quite dear on Ebay. It is a signed original in it's vintage frame.
It is fairly valuable, however i will price this nicely.
This treasure will be available also in my Etsy shop.

For some eye candy and sparkle~ here is a sweet set of 4 vintage champagne glasses.
Two are pink and two are blue. They are translucent and embellished in gold.
In good vintage condition.
Will be listed as a set, on etsy.

They are even prettier in person!

And last, but not at all least~
a lovely gesture by the talented and sweet Elyse of Cottage ~a Treasured Blog Award
from her lovely blog!

She is such a sweetheart and so creative and she has such a beautiful blog.
Have a looksee if you haven't discovered this marvelous treasure!
Thankyou again Elyse~I a honored to have your award here on Sweetina.
Well there's alot more to read~with 2 more new posts!
Until next time,friends~

~Giveaway winnings from the UK~

2009-02-16T20:03:00.007-07:00

In January,I entered my "eleventieth" Giveaway...just kidding...but i enter alot and finally...
Won!
The host was Nikki of Nostalgia At The Stone House
Nikki is a lovely,welcoming and creative woman whom I admire very much, so I was thrilled.
I had been an English Schoolgirl,back in the early '70's on the tail-end of Carnaby St,Mary Quant and The Great American Disaster on King's Road.
Lately, I had been rather nostalgic myself,for anything British.
So this was like Kismet!
The parcel arrived in a huge red and gold box and filled with the most beautiful handmades and vintage prizes.
I have put some things away in my supplies before this post...but wanted you to see
these photos after the long trip to Arizona from the Uk!
Here are the handmades.

Beautiful! The pillow,the doll and the tiny dolls sweater (jumper) are all handmade!
I am thrilled! Nikki is very talented.
Here's a closer peek at the sweater.

And here are 2 beautiful Vintage postcards,millinery,embriodery thread,the sweetest candy dish and a 2009 pocket datebook.

Also included are a sweet green and white doily and a very pretty hankie i use it to pretty up my breakfast corner below.

Thankyou Nikki!

~Sweet Surprise~

2009-02-16T18:44:00.006-07:00

One afternoon late last week, i opened the mailbox, and under the stacks of junk mail there was a parcel addressed to me. It was sent from my good friend Jaime of StinkBoneJones all the way from Florida.
Had I ordered something?
No.
Eeee! It was a surprise Birthday Package!
Jaime and I were partners in September's Fairy Swap, and had so much fun creating fairy goodies for each other. We also emailed back and forth,as "swappies" do,
and with a touch of a fairy wand *tink* we became friends!

This wonderful Birthday parcel was such a surprise and so thoughtful! Jaime really made me jump over the moon with glee!!!
Isn't it wonderful to be remembered and thought of?
I felt very very special in that Birthday Girl way!
Thankyou so much Jaime!
Here are the lovely presents below.

In the first photo:
a gorgeous Marie Antionette inspired "Let Them Eat Cake" Collage~ made with the most beautiful cake,flocked wallpaper,millinery and pink (scream!)pompom trim on a beautiful plaque.

Even though my b-day isn't till the 28th...I already have it hanging on my bedroom wall! Heehee...I was never very good at waiting to open things!

Here is another handmade yummy.

Like so many women, I adore all things Marie Antionette and cake inspired!
I just love this Marie Posie that Jaime made out of aqua and white crepe,glitter and a beautiful Marie miniature portait.
Also in my bedroom to be seen first thing in the morning and at night~
for Magestic Days and Royal Dreams!

Also in the parcel~
two vintage party(nut*)cups.
I prefer the term party cup because somehow the term "nut cup" brings to mind (for me atleast...unless you have all been thinking the same thing too ;)something guys wear for football.
I'm just sayin'.
So... check out these vintage party cups,handmade notelet and...

BLING!!!
I am going to slide this baby onto a vintage necklace i have, and truly Sparkle on my Birthday!
Thankyou again so much!

Please zip over to Jaime's as I am sure she would love you to say Hi!She has a lovely blog and a super shop with handpainted childrens and babies clothes,posies,glittery party buckets,banners and wait till you see her
newest creation!Scream!!!
hugs