shabbyscraps

Gifts for a Wonderful Hostess

I am on my way back on the plane from Australia and visiting Natasha today! I wanted to start sharing some of my fun adventure. I knew when I saw this dress, it had to go to Australia with me, for my wonderful hostess!

I think it was a children's dance or wedding party dress, but it looks like a mini prom dress. Since Natasha collects them, and this was a size easy to put in my packed suitcase, it was the perfect choice.

This big millinery flower and the ribbons were not on it when I purchased it, but I thought it added a little something more to the already cute dress!

The choice of colors I thought were really pretty together. This blue with the soft lavender are my new favorite color combinations. I bet you can see why!

I also put my rudimentary sewing skills to use, along with my trusty ol' pal glue, to make this sweet pillowcase tote for my Aussie friend.

I used another one of my large blue millinery flowers just like on the prom dress, and used this tote as the wrapping for her dress (customs won't allow you to wrap anything securely, they have to be able to check through everything!)

I also put together a little box of millinery and bits to go in the bag.

I thought I could bring her an assorted pack of my favorite wallpapers as well as one of my horse prize ribbons.

I  made a little friends collage for her. Here is how it turned out.

I asked Natasha before I left the states if there was anything American I could bring her. Would you have ever guessed out of all things, these are what she would ask for?

Well, I guess they do eat Vegemite after all!

I cannot wait to tell you all about my trip in a couple of days, after I recuperate!

Until then,

xoxo, Tiffany

Sweet Summer Purse

Just wanted to show you the darling vintage purse I found the other day.

Just perfect for the Spring and Summer days to come!

xoxo, Tiffany

You Either Get This or You Don't

Meet the girls......

I love collecting certain kinds of vintage dolls, and their heads!!

I know we have disgust (uh-hum, I mean discussed!) this before. While some people are completely creeped out by this, I am trying to swing the vote. So, you will either get this post, or you won't.  I want you to meet more of the girls....

I am starting you off easy, with the super cute ones I know you won't be able to resist. Frozen Charlottes are one of my favorites. This one in particular. Her skirt is spectacular, made out of layers and layers of hand crinkled crepe paper.

Here are a few more of my sweet dolls.

I love how this one has only one blue eye! (see, you were looking at her pretty eyes, and didn't even notice she has missing appendages!)

This was a wonderful gift from my friends Amy and Kris...

Isn't she darling, sitting on my bench in the bedroom?

I really like this one. She is a little trampy and flamboyant. (Geez, No wonder I like her!!  ;) check out the feather in her belly button. I would wear this look if I could get away with it!

This one is a little confused, not unlike me, that's why I love her!

Some are just plain adorable!

So, do you get it? Or still no??

The girls want to know!

xoxo, Tiffany

The Accidental Collection

A few weeks back, a dear friend, Tammy and I went out on a girl's shopping expedition. Our mission, to find items for our shops, to find items for ourselves, and to have fun. We managed to accomplish all of these things and more. What I realized was, that as I sorted my loot, I had inadvertently started myself a new collection.

Inside this sewing box is where it accidentally began.

Apparently I had a subconscious obsession. All throughout the day I kept buying these, seemingly unknowing, and stashing them in this box. So when I opened up the box at the end of the day, this is what I found....

My new collection

Was it their soft hues that drew me closer?

Or perhaps the ribbon intertwined that mesmerized me?

Maybe it was the workmanship of a craft I admire but have not mastered.....

Or maybe it was just their shape that enthralled me.

Whatever the case may be, I adore my accidental collection.

xoxo, Tiffany

Sometimes We Forget Where We Came From

I have been trying to dig myself out of the clutter of my craft room for the last week. You know, I have that Spring cleaning bug that makes you feel like you can tackle any chore only to realize you are completely in over your head and you just want to turn your back on it for a cup of coffee and some chocolate? Well despite my best efforts to throw in the towel, I hung in there and finally finished. While reorganizing, I came across this....

It has been so long since I have scrapbooked, I almost forgot that is where I originally found my passion for creating. I started out small, with circle punches and stickers from those home party scrapbook companies, and quickly moved up from there to start making my pages feel more artistic. At first, you just try to get as many pictures chronologically scrapped as you can, but it turned into sometimes working one page for weeks, and spending upwards of $50 in embellishments per page! A local scrapbook store who knew me as a customer, started asking if they could display my pages in the shop, and that later turned into a job offer.

It has been 7 years since that day, and it developed into teaching scrapbook classes, doing retreats and conventions, and ultimately led me to my current pursuits. I haven't scrapbooked in a long time, and my creativity has "evolved" since then, but I look back fondly on these pages and think I will pull out some more of my supplies and be inspired to make a new page or two.

 One thing I do love about scrapbooking, is it does pay homage mostly to those we hold dear. Definitely a reason for revisiting the craft.

I am glad I remembered where I came from, it really helps me understand who & where I am now. Where have you come from?

xoxo, Tiffany