Nordic-inspired Christmas listings

I've got a Nordic-style Christmas on my mind, and am busily working on some Christmas creations for my Etsy shop.
Just listed...stockings...

Burlap stockings, too, as well as 2 more small wings:

I know it's early to be showing Christmas decorations, but I can't help myself!!

Dining Room for Fall

Gosh, it's been months since I've posted photos of our dining room.  To be honest, it can be a dumping ground for clutter (all the mail tends to multiply in here) and it's where our children work on art and homework.  Yesterday was a sunny day, perfect for cleaning up and taking pics of the fall decor.

As you enter our home, the dining room is to the right:

A pot of aged music sits on the radiator:

I love this ornate side table I found many years ago at a thrift store:

Our mahogany buffet presides over one wall.  It is quite a statement piece, and I sometimes struggle with toning down its' formality.  But I do love its' lines and detailing...

Tarnished silver and brown pieces are displayed here for fall:

A sweet figure of our Blessed Mother with just the right touch of my favorite blue:

The corner by the buffet is also an area I struggle with.  Ideally I'd like a tall white dresser or cabinet here for much-needed storage, but for now - this chair and shutter fill the space.  The baskets hold our table linens:

This white cabinet has been with me for years, even in my previous condo, and I've always loved it for storage and display.  The vignettes on these shelves are often changed out for each season, while the closed doors hide the childrens' art supplies. 

Some recent ironstone finds have made their way to this shelf, holding my knitted acorns.

Hope you enjoyed this little fall dining room tour.  I've just started the Creatively Made Home e-course, and am looking forward to getting terrific ideas on decorating - especially with challenges like this room. 
The course started this week, and so far I'm loving everything it has to offer! 

Recent Thrifting Finds

Lately my errands seem to conveniently take me near my local thrift store, which always deserves a visit.  Sometimes I leave empty handed, but there's always the chance for a great bargain to be had.  I also love that the thrift store is a non-profit which serves the community.

Some recent finds include this pile of china for a mere $4.  I already had 4 cups/saucers to match, which I had found at Brimfield Flea Market.  I love this pattern!

Here is a beautiful framed print of Little Madonna.  This image is also referred to as 'Our Lady of the Streets'.  More information about the history of the portrait can be found here.  I find it compelling, especially the angelic image of the sleeping babe. 

Some pink pretties were also found thriftin':

The colors in this paper lantern are soft and pretty.  I got 4 of these for $1!  They'll be terrific for garden parties next spring.

This paper fan with reproduction Victorian images is adorable:

It's hard for me to pass up pretty bowls such as this one:

The thrift store can be hit-or-miss, but lately it's been more hits! 
I'll be sharing these with Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday and Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday.

Crate Liner and Wings Update

Back in August, my inbox contained the most gorgeous photo of prettily-lined blueberry crates available from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture.  I loved the idea of lining these rustic old crates with pretty fabrics.  Recalling an old box I salvaged from a spring thrifting trip, I decided to make my own pretty liner for it using an old Ralph Lauren pillowcase. 
Here's the result:

And here's the original photo from RASC in my email:

I just adore the look of this garden, with our Blessed Mother statue, the paved stones, gravel and of course ROSES!  I love how the crates are stacked.  Wish I had more wooden crates to play with, because this one was fun to embellish...

The other thing I've been up to is making more wire angel wings.  I listed some in Etsy recently and all 3 sold right away.  This week I finished 3 more which will be listed soon.  I have two large sized wings ($45 each) and one small sized wings ($15) available. 
I know some of you fellow bloggers have been interested in the wings, so I thought I'd let you know.  I can reserve a pair on Etsy for you - first come, first serve - just let me know.

UPDATE - 10/14/12 - These latest 3 wings have sold, but I'll add more to Etsy this week.   

Thanks so much for your interest!

Pettengill Farm Visit

Two weekends ago I had the pleasure of attending a Vintage Bizarre Fair at the nearby Pettengill Farm with my family.  It was a kid-friendly event with music, food and plenty of shopping!
Sweet Karen of A Shabby Moment in Time joined us on the glorious fall weather day.  As we posed for this photo, the observant lady behind us bought a neat old vintage bottle carrier I was eyeing.  You snooze, you lose!  :)

The owner if this vendor space was Martha of Tara's Treasures in New York.  She graciously allowed us to photograph her displays here:

neat old fleur-de-lis tin panels!

pillow from old ticking fabric

vintage mercury beads

wreath made with lovely vintage Christmas finds

Here's Karen shopping at another fabulous tent by Tracey of The Cozy Nook.  Tracey made some cool outdoor lanterns from fence posts:

I was a terrible photographer that day - too busy chatting with Karen!  Hopefully she'll post some of her photos of the event so you can see more. 
It was a fun New England fall day and I didn't even mind so much that I came home empty-handed.  Sometimes it's just good to browse. 
I'll leave you with a photo of this pretty old house on the property:

Sharing with Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday. 

WINGS WINNER!

Good evening friends!  It's late here, but I just pulled the winning #11 (using random.org) for my giveaway.  The winner is none other than Kathleen from Faded Charm!!  A big smile spread across my face when I discovered the winning comment was Kathleen's.  As many of you know, we recently said goodbye to our beloved White Wednesday link party that Kathleen has graciously hosted for quite a while.  She has inspired so many of us through them all.  I know the friendships and love of white that blossomed from her weekly gathering will continue to thrive. 
Thank you Kathleen - this is quite an honor to bestow the appropriately colored white wings on you! 

Thanks so much to the rest of you for joining in the fun.  Not to fear...I was diligently sewing up some more wings as I watched Dancing with the Stars tonight.  They'll be in my shop soon.  :)