Flatwoods Folk Art

Yummy, Yummy

Good Afternoon Everyone!!

Okay, well as most of you know I attended Art Unraveled in early August and it was the best time!!!  We are hoping to be back next year to see all of the wonderful people we met and to once again get lost in the huge marketplace event!

I was lucky enough to meet Tricia who was vending beside us.  She has the most awesome spirit and a smile that will light up your heart! 

Don't you  just love that photo? 

So let me show you a few reasons why it was very dangerous for me to be sitting next to her booth.......

*S* I knew ya'll would understand!!!  She has some of the coolest items that she sells and many unique mays to display them - in fact I fell in love with one and am hoping she won't mind me using the idea too.   

Being next to her booth was like being next to the dessert table at your favorite decadent restaurant...you just had to go look and then well the salivating would begin and then the heart race over the decisions and then.......Mr. Lesley would call you back to your own table....<sigh>

Tricia sells on Etsy too so if you are not able to travel to shop with her in person you can do it on-line!  Isn't that the best!!!!! 

Now, don't go thinking that Tricia is only about all of this gorgeous vintage stuff that she brings to you....I mean for me that and her warm nature would be enough but this girl has a creative talent that is fantastic too.....

Didn't I tell you?  I love, love, love those witches Halloween hats!!!!  These are great Tricia!!!

So okay, she sells absolutely stunning items and she has a muse that is to die for who could ask for more right?  Well, we can because this girl also publishes her own little magazine "Blissfully Traveled".  I purchased two of her issues from her in Arizona and I love them!!!  Check out the link on her blog sidebar when you visit or you can purchase an issue from her Etsy Shoppe!

Okay, now I know you want to take a trip over to Tricia's blog & shoppe so here are the links:

 

Tricia's Vintage Bliss Blog

Tricia's Vintage Bliss Etsy Shoppe

Please remember to leave a comment when you stop by for your visit and let her know how much you enjoyed her beautiful blog.

Tricia, thank you so much for your kindness at Art Unraveled as well as allowing me to feature your blog here on my own.

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone!!

xo,

Lesley

 

 

 

I've got some splaining to do......

Good MOrning Everyone....Hoping that someone is still around after my absence here in this Land O' Blog.  *S*

So much to tell you so this will be a long post so be warned.

After the drama with the medical issues we spent two days finalizing packing and preparing for our trip to Arizona to attend Art Unraveled.

We arrived on Wednesday morning and because we had a couple of days to kind of explore and Tom had never been to the Grand Canyon we headed North from Phoenix.  We were very lucky to be able to call and get reservations for one night at the Canyon and it was a wonderful little side trip.  Here are some views of a few of our experiences....

Us confused?  Why would you ever think that?

First Views...

Such an awe inspiring place...

This is not us...we are definitely not that brave.  In fact when it comes to heights we are WIMPS!

So, still being on East Coast time we were awake at 5:00 AM with the other crazy wildlife...

I kept thinking this next little fella was gonna jump right on Tom's face...kind of like that scene in Alien...

This this guy, who by the way was not alone....isn't he beautiful?  These guys stood taller than Tom and that's not counting the antlers....

More canyon wildlife...

As we left the Grand Canyon we decided to head towards the Painted Desert.  On the way more sites we had never seen...

Then acting like the Griswalds and being complete tourists we had to stop and see Sunset Crater Volcano and the Lava spills......

We ate at Miz Zip's on Route 66...GREAT FOOD & SERVICE

Then we made our way down into Oak Creek Canyon..the switchbacks you know...

Love the view the people in this house have...

More beauty...

Then it was on to the hotel in Phoenix to check in and pick up our packages that were sent ahead of us for vendor night.  Can we say fragile guys?  Luckily everything was intact and ready for the next day.

Setting up for vendor night...

Art Unraveled was a huge success and we had the best time!!!  Everyone was so welcoming and so kind.  Thank you all!  Please be on the look out for a feature I will be doing on my neighbor on vending night Tricia of Vintage Bliss!

So we made it back home in time to unpack, do laundry, pack again, get supplies together and head to Los Angeles....

I have several F words to describe this trip....Freeways, Fear, Fire Alarms, Fretful and FRIENDSHIP!!!

Freeways and fear...well that's a given they go together hand in hand and God bless Tom for taking over the driving helm while we were there.

Fretful....well some of you will understand this very well.

Fire Alarms - Yep we had to evacuate the hotel around midnight on our last night there.  It seems that an outside catering service left a burning chaffing dish in the elevator which set off all sorts of bells and whistles.  Hearing "An emergency has been detected in the hotel and you must evacuate immediately" is not a pleasant thing.  *S*

So, you might ask why in the world I was in Los Angeles.  Wellllll, I was fortunate enough to sign up for a 3 day class with Judy Wilkenfeld!!!  It was so fantastic.  She is an awesome teacher and if you ever have an opportunity to take a class from her jump on it....like right that  minute or the class will fill up. 

There were 9 students in the class and I am so happy to say that we have bonded on a level that was so totally unexpected but so gratefully received.  I count all of these women....students and instructor as close and dear friends and would consider myself very lucky if they felt the same of me. 

Because the art community is a small one I know that some of you are aware of the drama that transpired on the last day of this class.  It is not something I wish to go into here because there were feelings felt that day that increased the bond between all of us (excepting two of course).  I miss you guys and cannot wait till we are together again.....hopefully soon....Colorado does sound wonderful doesn't it.  *S*

Judy...you are an inspiration in many ways and you taught us so much during our time with you.  Hugs!!

So we have been back home since Tuesday and I have been playing catch up at the necessary job as well as working on proposals for 2010 events.

I want to share some truly wonderful and great things with you this morning....

First, I will be teaching at K.C. Willis' Art Retreat Studio in Colorado in February, 2010!!!

I am so excited about this time with KC and cannot wait to step into her magical creative space!!!  I will be posting photos of my workshops as well as dates by next week so be on the look out.  *S*

Also on the calendar is a two day workshop in June at Lisa LaRosa's Inspirational Retreat for Learning in Agoura Hills, California.  Not only am I excited about teaching at this awesome retreat but Tom will be cooking for everyone in the outdoor kitchen and he has already started his planning.  *S*  I will also be posting photos of this class soon so be on the lookout.

Another retreat that has been finalized for 2010 is Art Is...You in Connecticut!!  We are sooooo happy to be going back to Connecticut to this retreat that I have been a part of as both student and teacher.  Stay tuned for more information and photos of the workshops.  Also, per Tom's initials, he has agreed to make scones.  *S*

Beginning on September 1st you can enroll for two online classes I will be teaching at My Creative Classroom.  I will be doing an altered tin class as well as a tape transfer tag class (remember those tags that I posted here about a month ago?).  So, if you have ever wanted to learn either technique but have not been able to travel to any of the retreats this is a wonderful opportunity.  I will post the links to the class tomorrow morning so please be on the look out.  Please post or email me with any questions.

Sooooooooooo, that has been the last few weeks of our lives here.  *S*  For those that posted and emailed me during this time thank you so much for your concern and kind/uplifting words! 

As a preview for next week look for the Yummy Yummy post on Tricia at Vintage Bliss and then on Thursday look for the Tried & True post on Kerin & Charley of Remnants of Olde.  What a wild and wonderful time this is everyone!  Thank you for being a part of my life.

Hugs,

Lesley

 

Yummy Yummy....

Good Afternoon Everyone!

Today's Yummy Yummy post will be a bit different as I focus on a place that I frequently visit.  It is about 7 minutes from my  garage to their front door and that is a very good thing...well in my opinion anyway.  *S*

This wonderful shop also has a website, an Ebay store and a blog so I will be linking to those at the end of the post.  For now I am going to talk about their beautiful merchandise in an attempt to have the wonderful women/artists/new friends I met this past weekend in Fredericksburg come to join me for a day of antique and salvage shopping.

If you know me you know that I like rusty things, items with chipping paint and a patina that tells the story of its years.  Black Dog Salvage is one of those places that you can wander into and not step out of for several hours. 

 

From the moment you see the wrought iron fencing and vintage gliders and chairs you are surrounded by when first entering into their parking lot and the beautiful stained glass windows housed inside their 40,000 square foot warehouse you will soon be hooked too....

 

 

 

 

 

The grounds and warehouse are full of the most beautifully rusted items you will ever see.  Old pieces of fencing and vintage ceiling tins....

 

 

 

 

 

More interested in the chippy paint?  How about antique mantels, old pieces repurposed into cabinets or even a set of doors from an antique street car?

 

 

 

Now these photos don't even scrape the surface of what they offer.  Old escutcheons and other hardware, old light and plumbing fixtures, rosettes, architectural salvage, chair spindles, garden items, etc.  Then in the back they have vendor booths that carry items ranging from the old to the very eclectic.  It is definitely a place worth seeing if you are ever in Roanoke.

  

Website:    www.blackdogsalvage.com

Blog:      http://blackdogsalvage.blogspot.com/

Ebay Store:        http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Black-Dog-Architectural-Salvage__W0QQ_armrsZ1

 

Check them out and you know you want to come for that visit, see Black Dog, check out the antique malls and have Tom cook some wonderful food......you know you do!  *S*

Blessings to everyone,

Lesley

Yummy, Yummy...

Good Morning Everyone,

Okay, don't fall off of your chair just because you are seeing the return of the Yummy, Yummy posts.  *S*  I know it has been a bit but believe me there has been a reason for my absence and I will explain but not today as I want to get right to the good stuff!

If you have been reading my blog you know that I like to go wandering through the streets of this Land O' Blog to see what new things I can find.  Today as I was visiting my friend Alice I was introduced to Laura and her beautiful offerings.

I will tell you that the images that are on Laura's blog will make you swoon, gasp, sigh, dream and mentally redecorate your own spaces.

 

I love these artist supply boxes she has collected.  Aren't they beautiful?  The texture of the wood with it's stains and scratches.  Wow!!!

 

Being an avid lover of cloches the one above really caught my eye and has me wondering if that wasp nest on the side of my house is still there.  Isn't this a beautiful collection?  Such a simple composition that says so much.  Beautiful!!!

 

From the vintage buttons on a string.......

 

to a collection of vintage red shovels in a wagon, Laura's beautiful images and collections will amaze you.  When I look at these I find myself wondering who else has touched these, did they ever know how precious they would be to someone.

 

Architectural salvage.........I love it and I love this piece.  Old wood with its chippy paint and time worn battle scars still sturdy and durable yet feminine with it's delicate cut work. 

 

Another weakness of mine are these old mesh purses.  I have a collection of them, some enameled and some not, but I love the way she has used the aged tones of the metal and set them against the delicate white of vintage slips behind it.

 

There is so much to see at Laura's, so many beautiful things that I felt truly like I had stumbled into the best little antique shop that was filled with treasures at every turn.

 

You can tell that each item has been placed with care.  Each photo, each button, each find has been touched with a heart and hands that truly love them. 

 

Treasures tucked into each cubby show a desire to honor them for what they are.  Showcasing them to allow their beauty to shine through.

I love this beautiful addition to our Land O' Blog.  What wonders you will find as you step into Laura's world and her images envelope you in their beauty, grace and color.  Her words will weave stories for your mind to wrap around and you will find yourself slowing down to enjoy every moment you are spending in with her.

Please visit Laura at her blog, 52 Flea.  You will be amazed at what you discover and will surely visit her time and again.

 

Laura, thank you so much for allowing me to feature your blog and to use your images here in this post.

Everyone, please remember that all of these images are used with Laura's permission and they should not be used elsewhere.

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

Blessings to you all.

xo,

Lesley

 

Yummy, Yummy....

Good Afternoon Everyone,

It feels so good to be back after dealing with the stressors of the past couple of weeks.  Illness and things beyond don't quite like to share time so I do apologize for my sporadic appearance here.

Today's Yummy, Yummy post is about two blogs that are true soul inspiration.  When I step through the doorways of these two Land O' Blog spaces I can feel the stress begin to evaporate as I lose myself in the magic that they contain.

  

Each photo and word are a loving invitation from Madai to relax, unwind and breathe....

 

They are symphonies of textures and perfumes that will seduce your senses.....

 

They are gardens of imagination borne from a love of literature and nature......

 

The brightness of the newly bloomed plants marry well with the roughened surfaces of aged vine and the beautiful patina of aged metal......

 

They are planted rainbows waving a welcome for the weary traveler....

 

They are memories plucked and taken home to savor.

 

There are stories and poetry shared.....

 

Little notes to pass along.....

A sharing of beauty in the smallest of things... 

  

It is a welcome stop along the way.  A haven for smelling the roses and tasting the sweet essence of a romantic poem.

 

These beautifully serene worlds are the home of Madai.....

 

 

 

Please stop by and visit Madai at her beautiful blogs and her Etsy Shoppe.

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone.

xo,

Lesley

 

Yummy, Yummy Blog Discovery

Good Morning Everyone!

Today's Yummy, Yummy is truly a new discovery for me.  That is one of the beautiful gifts you receive when you have a giveaway....you find all sorts of new and new to you blogs.  It is a wonderful thing!!!

So, Dawn over at The Feathered Nest introduced Lorraine to her friends on her blog and I wanted to keep the introduction moving through this Land O' Blog. *S*

Lorraine is a mixed media artist and instructor who, like me, has/had her career in something other than art.  Her philosphy is to try to create something on a daily basis and therefore her blog is aptly named Creative Daily.

 

Not only does she share her beautiful creations on her blog but she has also been published in several Somerset publications.

 

I love the colors and textures that she uses.  They fall right in line with the ones Ifind myself most drawn to.  Isn't that mica and soldered book above just gorgeous!

Her mixtures of vintage and metal findings really appeals to me.  I love the addition of metals and rusts to add another layer of depth to her beautiful pieces of art.

 

In addition to her more traditional mixed media pieces she has created this beautiful art jar using one of Dawn's tutorials.  I love everything about this little jar....

 

Her talents are not just limited to her beautiful blog though you can also find Lorraine at Creative Workshops where she will be teaching an online soldering class.

 

Please stop by Lorraine's to welcome her to this wonderful Land O' Blog and then hop over to Creative Workshops to check out her online class.

Lorraine's Creative Daily Blog

Lorraine'sCreative Workshop

Lorraine, thank you so much for allowing me to feature  your beautiful blog today! 

Have fun perusing Lorraine's site everyone!

xo,

Lesley

 

Once upon a time there was a yummy, yummy.........

Good Morning Everyone,

First off I want to thank everyone who posted a comment last night or emailed me regarding my late evening post.  Your words meant so much to me and I truly appreciate them.  This person is a fellow artist with whom I have a working relationship with and her words truly took me back through a door that I thought I had closed long ago.  Thank you for helping me to see that her words truly have nothing to do with the kind of person/artist I am and they truly hold no meaning when it comes to my worth.

Now, onto today's Yummy Yummy post.............

I know that as a little girl I was enthralled with the fairy tale....the happily ever after.....the Prince Charming.  As I grew older that desire never left...that belief in fairy tale forests enchanted with wee people and fairies.

Whilst meandering through this Land O' Blog one day I stumbled upon a fork in the road and decided to take the path less traveled.  This trail was marked with lavender and moss and sprinkled with the tiniest white flowers that appeared to be stars sprinkled on the lush undergrowth.  The faintest whispers encouraged me to continue and as I followed their chatter I found myself in the most beautiful clearing gazing at the home of Rima......

Rima is a weaver of fairy tales and a painter of fables.  I fell in love with her blog and her creations the moment I came upon them.  Then as I began to read of her travels, their home on wheels, her creative process I believed again in fairy tales.....

 

When you gaze upon these enchanted creatures, these residents of the wood, I believe you will also find yourself harboring the feelings you did as a child.

 

Rima is an amazing artist and like all amazing artists she looks at her world and sees the beauty in the simplest of things.  The way the light plays through her traveling windows, the dance of the dust motes in an afternoon breeze, the mist of a cold morning or the cluster of small spiders on a tire well all become magical.

 

 

I am in awe of her talent, her ability to conceive such beautiful people and bring them to life through pencil and paint.  Truly, I am astounded that the imagination necessary to birth such beauty can be contained in any one single human.

Aren't her images beautiful?  I love the textures and colors, the emotions that she is able to to fill them with. 

 

Rima is also doing a series of clocks that are so amazing.......

 

Aren't they beautiful!!!

I love the way that Rima joins the world, quite literally, that she creates in her beautiful stories and paintings.  I can envision all of her creations living with them in their home on wheels as they travel the countryside.  Each one with their own nook or cranny, their own little door or window and I can see how eagerly they would bring a new visitor, such as myself, down that less traveled path to see the beauty of their world....of their creator.

And as she works her magic looking out her own little window upon this fairytale wood I can seen them perched on her windowsill or shoulder encouraging her to bring forth yet another magical member to their family for much love is placed within them by Rima and with much love they embrace all that is around them and given to them.

 

Please visit Rima at her blog and be sure to leave her a message letting her know how much you enjoyed your visit and then pop over to her Etsy shoppe.

Rima's - Into the Hermitage

Rima's - The Hermitage (Etsy Shoppe)

Rima, thank you so much for allowing me to feature your blog and shoppe here.  Each time I visit your blog I find something totally amazing and my belief in fairy tales grows even stronger.

Have fun everyone!

xo,

Yummy Yummy with a Twist....

Good Morning Everyone,

With a busy holiday weekend behind us I decided to take this opportunity to write about a group of fellow artists that is very near and dear to my heart. 

Some of you may have read prior tidbits about the Art Angels and some of you may have seen the Art Angels button on my blog's sidebar and wondered what it was all about so today I am going to tell you the story of the Art Angels.

Late last year, close to the holidays, I was basking in the glow that seems to come only at those special moments and special times throughout the year.  You know the feeling I am talking about....when you hear from someone dear to you or when you open that perfect gift you had been wishing for...you are filled to the brim with happiness and at that moment you can't believe that anything could ever make you feel more blessed. 

One of these moments caused me to ponder a few "what ifs"...what if you could get this feeling when you least expected it, what if you didn't have to wait for your birthday, a holiday or a tragedy to feel thoroughly surrounded by love, what if an ordinary day could spill pure sunshine into your life?  Was it possible?  Could we?  Would we dare? 

LIttle sparrows were sent out all across this land to deliver heart felt requests to join me in a small group of artists desiring to be the deliverers of said sunshine.  Would anyone answer?  Would they think I was crazy?  Better yet would they think I was crazy but still want to take on another "to do" on their already impossibly long list?

Then it happened, the responses, and those responses delivered much sunshine into my life.  The group came together right after the first of the year and over the last few months we have had opportunities to laugh with each other, pray for each other, cry for each other and open special packages that came to our doors on wings.  Then the discovery hit, the glow has been warmer and brighter.  It is more than I could have ever wished for and more than I imagined and I am so very thankful to call all of these ladies my fellow Art Angels. 

Lori, Lani, Kim, Kimberly, Nellie, Stephani and Molly I am so glad to be a part of this with all of you and want to thank you so much for making this group all that it is.  What a blessing you all are to me.

Please visit the blogs of these beautiful women and artists, leave them a comment and pass along the sunshine.

Kim's Ruined Art

Lori's Before The Stroke of Midnight

Nellie's Early Morning Thoughts

Lani's Healing Expressions

Stephani's Blog

Molly's Beautifully Broken Me

Kimberly Ryan Art

 

Have a wonderful afternoon everyone and remember that Random Acts of Kindness can be such blessings to those you meet on this journey of life.

xo,

 

Yummy Yummy Cubed.......

Good Morning Everyone,

Some of you may not know this but I was born in Texas and once a Texan always a Texan.  I have family and friends all over that great state and count myself lucky enough to have spent several of my formative years living there and many of my adult years traveling their highways for visits with loved ones.

I have to say that when I happened upon these blogs (yes multiple) and began talking with Cindy and Tina it brought back a rush of memories of the tumbleweeds and horned toads of Midland-Odessa, family reunions in the lush hills of Alto/Forest, tandem bike rides in Tyler, bar-b-que ribs in Baytown and my Grandparents fig tree in Conroe.  So, we will begin with Cindy, a fellow boudin lover (if you don't know it might be better not to ask)......

When you visit Cindy's blog, Yapping Cat Studio, you will see at once that she has a very welcoming spirit that embodies Southern Hospitality at its finest.  Her enthusiasm comes at you all tied up with a velvety ribbon of sly humor that you will love. 

The colors and inspiration that you will find here are beautiful.....

 

 

She puts together these amazing kits of the most amazing vintage items (see that gorgeous green measuring tape) and elements to keep you busy for hours.  Your muse will love the creative avenues that this will open up for her (or him).  *S*

 

 

 

This is the image from Cindy's entry into her home.  I love the bunny and eggs and that yummy measuring tape too!!  Now, I know that other people post photos of their homes and their vignettes but I have to tell you the story that she tells when speaking about this bunny had me seeing the beauty that the marks of history can make in our favorite items. 

 

 

 

I love this little bird and how it so wants to help us usher in our Spring season.  This would be lovely adorning a gift, hanging from an armoire or even the switch on a lamp.  Love the muted colors.

 

I have to tell you I am a sucker for ribbon and birds and millinery so you have to know that I had a very big "oooooh ahhhhhhhhhhhh" moment when I saw these beautiful ribbons on the tags and decked out in even more finery.  Aren't they beautiful?

 

 

I love how Cindy uses these vintage images........the shape of these tags and the addition of that bit of glitter bling and silky ribbon.  It is very obvious that her creativity is abundant and that she so willingly shares the how-tos with her readers. 

 

Now I don't know if Cindy has a back porch but she's one of those kinds of people...know what I mean?  It would comfortable to sit down with her and create in silence....just a sharing of space would allow you to feel a true bond with her.  Of course having learned a bit about her sense of humor I have to say that we would more than likely be laughing, covered in glitter and glue wearing some type of Texas cowgirl crown....but creating too because I would want to soak up some of that Texas sunshine that she brings to everything she does.

 

So how does one follow a bit of Texas sunshine?  Well, we add even more of that blazing beauty by moving right along to Tina's blog, Glue on My Fingers - Paint in My Hair.  Don't you just love that name?  I always try not to think about what I look like when I am working at my art table but I had to laugh at the images that her blog name invoked in me.  Come on, you know you sit there with paint smeared across your cheek too.  *S*

When first began perusing Tina's blog I noticed immediately that the color hues of her creations leaned very much to the vintage and earthy tones that I have always used in my artwork.

 

 

Those creams, taupes and browns embellished with glitter that will tarnish with age are beautiful.  Add to that the little frozen charlottes and the history that they bring to any creation and I am in awe. 

 

 

Tina is another cowgirl not lacking in the hospitality department and you are immediately invited in, introduced to her family and friends and shown the items that have special meaning to her.  I love her collection of little doll heads....some worn - some not.....so beautiful in their simplicity. 

 

 

She takes you step by step as she is creating, what her inspiration is and when her inspirations don't turn out so well.  She creates with a spirit of always looking at the positive...always looking at experiments gone wrong with an eye looking to salvage and make something good come out of it (whether it is in the form of a lesson or another creation not thought of before).

 

I love these soldered bottles that she created.  The seed pearls and blessed charm are beautiful adorning this cherub topped creation.  Doesn't it look like something that could have adorned your grandmother's dresser?

 

 

This is the sweetest little garland.  Love the swallows flying and perched on the music sheet.  This would be wonderful hanging at the end of an old rod iron bed or across the top of a mirror.  This is so beautiful Tina!

 

Tina has some of the most amazing images on her blog.  I loved the old rusty, chippy feeling of these chairs but more than that can't you just imagine a bunch of men gathered for an afternoon of swapping stories? 

I think you will love the sepia toned presence of Tina's creations and images.  It is easy to feel the satisfaction that she gets from sharing and creating and how that enthusiasm touches everything else in her life.  It flows through her words and welcomes you into pure warm comfort and friendship.

 

I love how the works of these two very creative women complement each other.  Both beautifully talented and both so willing to share it only seems right that together they would create a place for us to come and soak up this sunshine in person. 

 

Here is some information from the retreat blog...

We will have a Thursday night Reception and private shopping at the Dove's Nest, Classes on Friday AND Saturday. Vendor night Friday night, and more Private shopping on Saturday night. Sunday morning we will have a finish up time or maybe a short class at the Crafty Scrapper.

As requested we added more class time. More information and teachers info to come! So stay tuned by following this blog.

 

So, as if this Texas sized Yummy Yummy post were not enough these lovely ladies have shops too!

 

Cindy's Blog - Yapping Cat Studio

Yapping Cat Studio Shoppe

Tina's - Glue on my Fingers-Paint in My Hair

Wright Handy (Tina's Shoppe)

Paper Cowgirl

 

Please go and enjoy visiting Cindy and Tina.  Be sure to leave a message on their blogs before heading off to shop.  Let them know you enjoyed your visit....we always like to have comments.  *S*

Have fun everyone and if you are anywhere close to Texas or if you just want a really fun retreat register to attend Paper Cowgirl.

Cindy and Tina, thank you so much for allowing me to feature your blogs today!

Blessing everyone.

xo,

Yummy, Yummy

Good Morning Everyone,

I have determined that I am a true Target shopaholic.  I can almost see me in a room of other women, perhaps a few men, introducing myself....Hello, my name is Lesley and I am a Targetaholic.  I mean truly if you have a Target anywhere close to you I have to ask...are you able to resist?  More so now that they have the wonderful little $1 area at the front of the store.  I have used items from this little area for a multitude of art projects and little stocking stuffers and gift bags.  It is awesome!!!

So, as I am cruising through this Land O' Blog listening to my music I rounded a curve and came to a very abrupt halt.  There she was surrounded by this mass of bling, fluff and vintage goodness.  The date is March 17th and there is Jessica holding up a sign announcing her post of the day....Target Tuesday.  Be still my beating heart.....true friendships have begun from much less and I feel welcomed into Jessica's world of Such Pretty Things...

 

Above is her collection of antique/vintage china boxes.  Are they not lovely?  Such a romantic heart that is reflected in every image, post and rhinestone....

 

You can feel her love for her family, her creations and all of those around her.  She is an "open" blogger, sharing how she creates the beauties that adorn her posts. 

Do you remember your childhood Easters?  When I conjure up images of mine I can remember special dresses, little hats and the smell of figs on my grandparent's fig tree.  I love the tradition of Easter bonnets, don't you?  Remember the $1 section at Target?  That is where this beautiful hat had its humble beginnings....

 

A simple hat, surrounded by exquisite adornments, put together by a loving and vintage heart will create beauty every time.  Even her adornments create an amazing mixture of old and new...beauty for the eye to behold.

 

Jessica is warm and welcoming, her words are friendly and caring, her need to create and share her creations shines through in her instructions on how to create certain items she showcases.  The feeling of her home here in this Land O' Blog is cozy and lush.  It is the cottage that the princess wants to be spend her days in.....

 

A place where cupcakes sparkle and where edible roses float above icing clouds.  It is a place filled with ideas and encouragement, inspiration and love all served by the giving hands of Jessica.

 

It is the home and life of an artist who is creating her vision and then sharing it with all of us.  This home of Such Pretty Things is not a place to be flitted through and then passed by.  It is a place to explore, a teacher to talk to, a friend to learn about...it is inspiration to take to your home, your blog, your creations.

 

It is a place to stop and smell the roses.  To take the time to relax and read.  Jessica's blog is filled with yumminess but it's the kind that won't mess up your calorie or point count so enjoy it with fervor.  After all it's got just the right amount of fluff thrown in for good measure.  *S*

 

Please have fun visiting Jessica's blog and, when it is opened, her online store.  You will be amazed at what you find while perusing through her posts.

Jessica's Such Pretty Things

Bee & Belle - Online Shoppe - Coming Soon

 

Remember to leave Jessica a comment on her blog letting her know you enjoyed your visit.

Jessica, thank you so much for allowing me to feature your blog in my post. 

Many blessings to you all.

xo,