Makeover Monday: 5/31

Remember this fabric from the hand dyed rose brooch awhile back?

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I loved it so much that I decided to make some *everyday* stars from it. As far as I'm concerned, each day should be a celebration of shabby cottage style :)

Pie Anyone?

There's something just so adorable about pie- like the "pie scene" from the movie True Romance. So sweet!

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When I was a kid, lemon meringue and coconut cream and chocolate were my favorite kinds of pie. Now, I like a nice slice of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, and blueberry or key lime every now and again. I think I should eat more pie.
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The vintage recipe pie plates pictured here are on their way to join the cherry pie plate in sosovintage. Do you eat much pie? Have a favorite? You want a piece now, don't you? hehehehe

Featured Friday Interview: Pt. 1

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

While I have many handmade treasures that I absolutely love, my most cherished is the Christmas Box that my father made for me. I received this special gift on the first Christmas that I lived across the country from my parents.

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As an only child, moving to Utah when my family lived in Virginia was a big, bold step. This was also around the time that the book The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans hit the shelves. I read it, passed it on to my mom, who then passed it on to my dad.

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This precious wooden chest, so lovingly crafted, came at a time in my life when I was so far from my folks in distance, yet closer to them in love and spirit than I had ever been. It is now filled with my best and favorite ornaments, and I look forward to opening it every holiday at tree-trimming time.

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Wondering what this Featured Friday interview business is all about? This blog post explains the big idea. I'd love to have you join in on your blog, or leave a comment here with your answer. Next Friday I will tackle "What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?"

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Have a wonderful, safe holiday weekend!

Thursday's Treasure: 5/27

This is what I saw hanging up in the thrift store. Not sure what possessed me to turn it over, but OMG- I'm so glad I did!!

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Squeeeeeaaaaallll!!!! An unused Vera Neumann pot holder... it even has a sweet little orchid colored ladybug. Total treasure if I do say so myself.

A New Nest

I sometimes get messages from photographers looking to trade photos for props. If I already have enough photos of a certain item, or if I don't have enough time, I say no thank you. But, the other day, I heard from Allie at alliebphoto.com and decided to use this as an opportunity to give my nest an update. I cannot wait to see a little baby girl all nestled up in this dreamy upcycled and embellished cocoon. The flowers are on clips, so there's a chance we'll see a baby boy nested, too. You know I'll be sharing photos here whenever I can!

Wanna Join Me?

So, I've been thinking. I know- look out! Bear with me.

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As an Etsy seller, the pinnacle of Etsy success- or at least one thing that we'd all LOVE to achieve- is to be a chosen featured seller. The featured seller gets a fabulous interview that graces the front page of Etsy for days. Many, many hearts and sales ensue- I assume. They have instant Etsy fame!

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Here's where my thinking comes in, and the part where I'm hoping you'll join in. Consider those visualization techniques; you know, "The Secret"... "see it to achieve it" type things. How would it be if each week we visualize together and work toward being the featured seller on our own blog? Like, choose a part of the featured seller interview and share it with your readers?

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The way I see it, if we go ahead and prepare our answers, all we'll have to worry about *when* we are chosen by Etsy is getting a stunning photo of ourselves! In the meantime, our blog readers get to know us a little better. It's win, win.

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For myself, I'm going to start easy and do this one for my Friday post this week:

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

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If you plan to join in, feel free to link to my blog for the explanation of what you are doing. Please leave a comment here if you are going to do this too, so that I can be sure to visit and read all about you! Don't have a blog? That's OK- you can share your answer to the interview question in the comments section today or on Friday- everyone is welcome! Let's do this!

Makeover Monday: 5/24

For this week's creation, I started with some plain cotton string from the hardware store.

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I added a smidgen of *magic dye dust*...

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... and finished off with a few glass pearls and a gorgeous vintage flannel.
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Voila! A truly rosy rose...

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...brooch. Since my applique flowers are still prettying up the shelves in sosorosey, I thought I'd see if ready made brooches in hand-dyed cotton would stir up any excitement. I know they make ME do a little dance!

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This is my daughter's last week at her Tuesday Thursday playschool. I also plan to get my eyebrows done and my hair cut within the next week. I'll be 42 in two weeks, and I'd rather look my best when that day rolls around, lol. Yep, that's the extent of my social calendar at this point. What do YOU have going on this week?

It's a Wrap

Well, actually, it's a LOTTA wrap. I found these vintage wrapping paper squares at a charity shop that I only visit once a month or so. I was surprised at how much they had- in perfect condition, too. No marks, tears, or most importantly, smells. The best part? Ten cents a sheet!!!!

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Click on the photo to check out a fun blog post I found about using vintage wrapping paper to "kitsch up your gifts". Hope you are having a smashing weekend! Don't forget to come on back tomorrow for an exciting Makeover Monday... hint: it involves another late night experiment :)

Fat!

Oh sewing people!? Guess what??? I've decided to share some of my very coolest sheets in fat quarter form. Be sure to check into sosovintage next week for a peek at some fab fabric!

Wedding Favor Sample

Yippee yay me! I had a request for a custom wedding heart favor sample. This couple will be wed in Michigan this summer, and their colors are red and black. I have SO much fun creating these- from designing the concept, to shopping for supplies, to putting them together just so. The "Gratitude is the memory of the heart" quote is on the back of these as well. It's too perfect of a sentiment not to include.

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Here's hoping you have a fabulous weekend!

Thursday's Treasure

This masterpiece was painted by my little Picasso! The craft was a gift from Sophie's great Aunt Irene, whom you may remember from my Mother's Day treasure post. The frog planter itself is a treat, but even more than that, our time together working on this will always be a fond memory .

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I can't express how much we appreciate the thoughtfulness of our *Michigan relatives*. In Christmas of 2008, Sophie's gift from them was a teddy bear... and each month for the next year, her bear got a new outfit in a special package sent just to her. This year, she was given a "craft of the month" gift- so now each month a package arrives for Sophie with a new craft project inside. Isn't that just the most kind and thoughtful gift idea you've ever heard of? We both look so forward to the packages, and each time we open one, we feel the tremendous love and care tucked inside.

The Lotus Rose

Supplies are the best selling items on Etsy. Supply shops have the most sales on Etsy. I sell more fabric squares (supplies) in sosovintage than anything else. I wonder why it's taken me so long to realize I should offer some sort of supply in sosorosey?

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I have been working hard to create a flower applique that suits my shop aesthetic; something classic, elegant, and simple. A flower you'd want to add to a pillow or tote bag to make it extra special. One you'd want to wear on a shoulder strap or headband.

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I chose to work in natural cotton string for its unique look and texture. It's interesting without being overpowering. Adding a vintage button in the center will ensure that every one that I make will be a one-of-a-kind treasure. This is the first of what I hope will be many. What do you think?

My Idol Crush

In the odd event that you are not an American Idol fan of gigantic proportions like myself, let me introduce you to my FAVORITE AI singer of all time- Lee Dewyze. This kid is amazing. Truly. He has *it*- a quality to his voice that is just so very special. I could seriously listen to him all day. I could watch him all day too. He isn't "pretty" in the Casey, I mean classic, sense- but he is just the sweetest, most humble and earnest guy around. I LOVE him!!!! Click on the photo to hear and see one of the best Idol performances ever. You won't regret it!

Late Night Experiment

I've been wanting to make a stark white item for awhile now, and I sat myself down in front of Intervention last night and made one. But alas, when it was finished, it didn't look snow white anymore. Maybe it was the light or the late hour, but to me it looked dingy. Having just made a bowl the night before that I didn't like, I was NOT about to be beaten two nights in a row!

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Now, my mother doesn't crochet, but she can get her creative groove on with some dye or paint. Seriously, she can turn the ugliest colors into the most beautiful ones- just like magic. I don't have this skill, but I did have the dye that mom left in my laundry room. So, around about 11pm last night, I got a little crazy with the RIT. Buh bye, dingy white bowl- hello sweet little bluebell basket!! Not only did I figure out that I can change the colors of my crocheted items quickly and easily, I learned that they are very washer and dryer safe, too. Who knew I could have so much fun in the laundry room?! Thanks, Mom!

Makeover Monday 5/17

I recently sent a few sets of my yarn and string stars to a person who plans to use them for 4th of July decorating. That got the old wheels turning, and I thought "Aha! Maybe I should do a similar set in fabric!" These are the materials I chose...

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... and these are the stars they've become. I'll dub them *freedom stars* and list them in time for Memorial Day. Besides being hung as a group for a patriotic, primitive look, they can also easily be attached to a grapevine wreath for a special holiday door decoration.

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Happy Monday! Welcome to the new members of the "group"- I'm so glad you are here :)

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What do you have happening this week? My calendar *seems* relatively clear... for me this typically means that I have forgotten to write something (or a few somethings) down. Here's hoping I remember what's going on before it's too late! O_O

We Have a Winner!

Here's the grand total for my thrifted treats for game 4. We had some REALLY close guesses, and an all time high number of entrants.

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The person who came closest without going over said she is "terrible at guessing games". Not anymore! The winner is Miss Chris with her guess of $4.49. Congratulations!!!

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Thank you all so much for playing, and be sure to come back tomorrow for Makeover Monday! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Friday Fun: Price Is Right Game 4

Welcome! Come join the fun- the more, the merrier!

The Game: I show you my thrift shop haul from one recent outing. You leave a comment with your best estimate of the total amount that I paid. For you sticklers out there, this does include sales tax. The person who comes closest without going over wins!

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The Rules: One clear and definitive guess per person- no amending your answer. Please do not choose the same answer as a person who came before you- check the comments before leaving your guess. Game goes through Sunday at 8 am EST. I'll post the receipt and winner here. Please be sure I know how to get in touch with you- either through email or Etsy shop name. Play nice and have fun :)

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The Prize: The satisfaction of winning, AND $5 in "soso bucks"- can be applied to any purchase in either of my shops. Can be saved and spent at a later time, up to one year. Can also be combined with future "soso bucks" wins! Not redeemable for cash. Non-transferable.

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The Stuff: This week the loot is from a small charity thrift shop, non-sale day. Prices here are on the low side for most items.

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Beautiful vintage photo album- unused - made in Japan

~*~ Unopened craft supplies from the 1960s
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Striped pink polyester "strawberry" fabric - approximately 1yd.
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2 spools of old cotton calico fabric ribbon

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I really look forward to your comments and guesses. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Thursday's Treasure

Feast your eyes! Behold the beauty of these vintage Vera Neumann napkins!

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I found these phenomenal treasures at my favorite thrift store this week. I will be listing them in sosovintage soon... I wonder how quickly they'll get snatched up? I've had Vera scarves and dish towels in my shop for weeks, but the napkins almost always go within a couple of hours or days. These are going to make some collector very happy :)

Co-inky dink!

Last week, I sold this fun little item in sosovintage. I was a little sad to see it go- it made me happy just to see it in my shop. As luck would have it, I found the one pictured above a few days later! Coincidence? Fate? Whatever the case, I'm thrilled to have another one to put on the cyber-shelf. What do you have on your shop or home shelf that just makes you smile?

Eager Readers

I used to skip the book sections of thrift stores entirely. Lately, though, I've been finding myself browsing and poking around in there more and more. I see lots of cool crafts on Etsy using vintage children's book illustrations.

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These two Eager Readers (a division of Little Golden Books) are copyrighted 1974. Care to guess the price on the covers?

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I searched Google to see what might come up for craft ideas using images from vintage books. Look HERE and HERE for a few. I'll be back later with the book price!

Makeover Monday: 5/10

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I started this project several weeks ago, with 6 skeins of this GORGEOUS merino blend yarn in "silver service". I quickly realized that 6 wouldn't be nearly enough, so I hightailed it back to Michael's for 6 more. All 12 were needed!

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I made my mother a scarf for Christmas, but wanted to make her something special for Mother's Day that she could enjoy every day. I use only my own patterns for sosorosey projects, but I do enjoy the thrill of following a book pattern sometimes when I make gifts. I settled on this blanket for its delightfully delicate shape and design.

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Here's the pamphlet book I found on an endcap at Michael's. The bed photo is what I saw in the book that helped me know this was "the one".

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It started out just like a coaster or bowl, then quickly progressed to the clusters.

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Once the middle medallion was completed, the rest was just row upon row (upon row upon row!) of double crochets.

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This is folded over a few times, but the ends drape out to these points like flower petals. From the center to the longest part of the petal, the blanket measures 29"...so overall it's almost 5 feet across. Perfect snuggling size!

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It isn't a true Mother's Day if you don't get a little teary. That happened when my mom said her new blanket made her think of her own mother whom she was sure was smiling down from heaven at the gift. Smiling because it was mom's mom who first taught me how to crochet all those decades ago. There were many gifts this Mother's Day- the most special was just being a mother alongside my mother for the day.

Favor

Many moons ago, before the idea of crocheting for a "living" ever entered my mind, I had a fantasy about starting a business devoted to designing and creating favors for weddings and other events. It was going to be called "Do Me A Favor".

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Where did I come up with this idea? Well, after making the favors (and lots of other goodies) for my own wedding, I really came to appreciate the intricacies of infusing meaning and true gratitude within that one small item. The favor is your chance to send your guest off with a final "feel good" about the entire event.

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After attending many weddings and baby showers, I realized that all too often the favor comes across as an afterthought. A throw away token of thanks. I will never get that! For about the same price, wouldn't people rather give something that shows they really are grateful? Guests put their real lives on hold and spend tons of money on travel, clothing, gifts and accommodations to attend a wedding. This deserves more than candy stuffed in a flimsy little box! imo.

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Fast forward to today.

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A potential opportunity to create unique wedding favors has come my way. The couple is having a beach themed wedding in New Jersey. The wedding colors are shades of aqua and blue.
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I chose to make the heart out of a cotton twine for a more nautical feel. For interest, I added an aqua shell and bead combo to one of the hanging strings. The ties are ribbon, embroidery thread, and a pearly opalescent crochet floss. The name/date tag in aqua cardstock caps it off.

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Perhaps my favorite detail is the quote I found to put on the back of the card. How perfect is that???

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I have my fingers crossed that the couple falls in love with my design. Not only would these add a fun and special something to their tables, their guests would be certain that their presence was appreciated. And then, knowing that these hearts are hanging somewhere in the homes of all the people who witnessed and celebrated their union? That's got to bring extra super duper good mojo to the couple long after their special day!

Thursday's Treasure 5/6

Isn't it just the best, best, best feeling to receive a gift that you were completely not expecting? I came home yesterday to find a mysterious package on my doorstep- addressed to ME! It was filled with all of the goodies pictured above- a special Mother's Day card, vintage ideals book (chock full of wonderful stories, poems, and graphics), old pearly buttons, and the antique lithographed envelope (with hairnet!).

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I can't get over how thoughtful it was for my aunt to pick out and send these treats "just because". I am very touched, and will certainly treasure this feeling for a long time to come. Thank you so much, Aunt Irene!! xoxo

Charmed Life

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Since their introduction in sosovintage almost 3 months ago, my vintage fabric charm packs have been a huge hit! I am really hoping that as projects get completed, some of my customers will share photos with us. Seeing these beautiful fabrics appreciated by artisans around the world fills me with joy and purpose. Is that silly? I love thinking up new combinations of colors or themes to create. Here is the newest bundle... "oranges". Next up will be "shabby chic"! Besides quilts, what do you think people are making with these 6" by 6" squares? I'm dying to know!

Memory Lane

Well, I don't know it for an absolute fact, but I'd be willing to bet that Hallmark no longer makes bridge tablecloths. I KNOW that if they did, they definitely wouldn't be 65 cents!!

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I found 3 of these same table covers the other day, still new in their packages, and can't get over the gorgeous colors. Neon before the neon craze came and went. Psychedelic, even.
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Since I'm prone to fits of nostalgia, these brought back loads of memories of my parents playing bridge with family friends back in the 70's. We lived in Naples, Italy, and they'd get together with the "K's" for cards. I'd get to run around and play with their 3 children. There are great photos of me celebrating my 9th birthday with them- wearing my ultracool, super stiff dark denim Levis with the red tag.

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I've never played bridge, and I probably never will. Who plays it now? Is it a generational game that will one day go the way of pinochle? I do love to play cards, though. Nothing like sitting down with friends or family for a fun night of spades or cribbage, hearts, or rummy. Or Go Fish, as is most often the case these days.

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In any case, those fond childhood memories are probably what fuels my love for all things "bridge-y"... the card table cloths with the side ties and embroidered suits, the double decks and cool designs of the playing cards, the decorative tallies and note pads. Is it just me, or were things way simpler back then?