Artful Interludes

My Beautiful Heart....

2012-02-11T08:48:00.000-08:00


From my swap partner Kris Dickinson, I rec'd this gorgeous Fabric Heart with antique lace layered front and back. Yes some of these laces are over 100 yrs old. I love this beautiful & unique heart Kris! and it will always be treasured!

I Found this Quote....

2012-02-10T21:11:00.000-08:00

Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about.

(Author Unknown)

I Try to remember this when that happens! :)

Shabby Chic French Lingerie Hanger...

2012-02-08T07:27:00.000-08:00


I'm hosting my New design in "Shabby Chic French Lingerie Hangers in my MAMA group, using Vintage doilies. This was so fun to create. I have so many Vintage doilies and runners I wanted to put them to good use. I added French script,buttons ribbons and fabric flowers....I Love the way these turned out. This will be a Partner supply swap. Can't wait to see what everyone creates! :) My Collection...Lots of Choices!

Valentine Vintage Heart Swap

2012-02-06T18:54:00.000-08:00


I made this for my swap partner Kathy in the MAMA group. Terri was hosting this fun swap! I found some old vintage lace, added some Buttons,ribbons roses,pearls and an old key. Thanks for for taking a peek! :)

A Wonderful Gift!...

2012-02-05T14:31:00.000-08:00

And I rec'd this Gorgeous gift from Terri Gordon. A beautiful Charlotte doll altered into a Angel on a glass pedestal. She's wearing beautiful vintage lace that wraps around her body with ribbons. I just love her Terri!... Last but not least this beautiful heart shaped charm, made from broken china and soldered. I added it to one of my pearl necklaces. It's perfect! I love the Elegance of it!...Thank you so much Terri for these wonderful gifts!!....they will be loved and cherished for many years to come! hugs! :)

Vintage Broche' Bouton - New on my Etsy!

2012-01-24T19:34:00.000-08:00

Button Art is so much fun I find so much inspiration in this unique art and keep coming up with many uses for it.such as,Pin to a neck scarf wear as a brooch, pin to a pillow or fabric bag, use as curtain tie backs, embellish boxes and wall hangings make one of a kind pendant use for altered bottle art ...the list goes on and I have many Vintage buttons, it can keep me busy for hours!

Small Heart Box ~ I'm hosting a Vintage Button Brooch Swap on the MAMA group

I rec'd this lovely Vintage bag from Debi Huntsman in a swap..I just love it! I pinned my button brooch to the front of it.

Thank for stopping by to see what I've been up to! hugs :)

Small treasures of beauty...

2012-01-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

Small treasures are altered domino's using mixed media images and metals, these little domino books are fun to make. The theme is Marie Antoinette and Paris France.

A story of Marie with images of the things that she liked most.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

I will be featuring these little treasures in my Etsy shoppe soon!

A different kind of swap....

2012-01-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

Terri Gordon hosted a half doll swap in our M.A group something different and challenging, but so much fun! We had a partner and your partner sends you fabrics and embellishments of your choice. You buy your own doll torso and create a beautiful doll from the fabrics your partner sends you. My partner was Debi Huntsman...she sent me so many beautiful things I believe I can make 2 or 3 more dolls!...thank you Debi your generosity is beyond the call of duty and I loved working with them to make my doll! :)

Please visit their blogs @ http://designsbyterrigordon.blogspot.com http://www.lifeinmystudio.blogspot.com

Another Teacup swap...

2011-12-14T18:55:00.000-08:00

We had another great teacup swap.
Terri Gordon was my partner.
This is the beautiful teacup I rec'd from her
She knows how much I love pink roses
and she found this beautiful fine bone china
teacup by Staffordshire / England.
This is a pattern I do not have.
she also made the gorgeous ornaments Angel
which is a Charlotte doll these rare doll heads
are found in Germany where mostly are buried...
and the Bird cage she also made a
beautiful Recipe card I adore and fabric tag
some tea pouches Terri has spoiled me and showered me with beautiful gifts she made...
please visit her blog she is amazing! http://designsbyterrigordon.blogspot.com/
thanks for visiting me today....
Hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas!

Our White Christmas Tree...

2011-12-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

Our White Christmas tree, changing things up a bit this year and the theme is Marie Antoinette with teacups.cupcakes,birds,masks and lots of sparkle.

And what do I see?... my two little helpers getting in on the action and helping out!... Merry Christmas!

My Girls...

2011-12-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

My girls and their own little Christmas tree, gearing up for the Holidays. These are my four girls that I customized earlier this year..they are so excited to have their own tree with lights! they've been so busy decorating it in a Shabby Chic Candy theme with the soft colors. I think they think if they stand in front of it long enough Santa will come early...ha!...NOT!

Beautiful Masquerade Mask

2011-12-01T08:19:00.000-08:00


We had a Masquerade swap in the group a while ago...so today I received an extra mask in the mail from Bobbi Ann...it's so gorgeous in person and I love the color! Thank You so much Bobbi Ann for your kindness and friendship! I love my Mask! :)

Frozen Charlotte dolls

2011-11-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

I've gotten so interested in these little Charlotte heads. I ordered some on Etsy and came up with making little Angels out of Chandelier Crystals and will be giving them as gifts as well as adding to my own Christmas tree.


The story of frozen Charlotte and frozen Charlie: It is said that these dolls were named after an old poem, which the author based a story read in the newspaper. In the poem, dear Charlotte and Charles set off in a carriage to attend a New Year's Eve ball. The night was frigid and Charlotte's mother begged her to put on a coat. The vain Charlotte refused as she didn't want to wrinkle her dress. When they arrived to the ball, Charles extended his hand, only to find that she had frozen to death. In mourning Charles soon died of a broken heart. In Germany these small porcelain dolls were baked into Christmas cakes and puddings. The lucky child who found the doll was entitled to a prize. The doll heads you see was excavated from the grounds of an Old German doll factory in Thuringia Germany. Buried treasure indeed!. These Charlotte heads were made between 1890 and 1920.

Mini Perfume bottle Charm bracelet

2011-10-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by today. I created this bracelet of mini Perfume bottle charms w/ Pearls and crystals. Check out my Etsy Shoppe for more charms and bracelets.

2011-10-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Mask I made for my sweet friend Bobbi Ann. We had a Masquerade swap in the Marie A. group.

New Orleans Mask

2011-10-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

I had to buy at least one of New Orleans Mardi Grad Masks to bring home!

I loved this musical theme mask in gold and Black

I'm back from my New Orleans Trip!...

2011-10-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

New Orleans Louisiana!...and here we go.What a wonderful experience to be in this beautiful place, the people were so nice and hospitable. what a time we had. We rode on the street cars the whole time we went around the town.

This is our window view from the Hilton Hotel,we were on the 24th floor. You could see for miles! I was glad to know that Louisiana is not known for earthquakes!

This was lunch in the Garden District and seafood was on the menu.

Bourbon street is where all the action is at night down in the French Quarter. Lots of music,celebrating and of course eating!I had my first bowl of gumbo...and...well I was told I did not have good gumbo and I had to agree and I did not want to venture into another bowl of gumbo some where's else! This girl is Gumbo-ed out! thank you!!

City at dusk, was so pretty. I could not get enough of the old architect buildings. Fortunately Katrina that hit in 2005 did not touch the French Quarter.

Some of the places on Bourbon St. were all decorated for Halloween.

Coming out of one of the oldest Bars in the city Pat O'Brian's and a spooky ghoul hanging above us.

Old Catholic Church in Jackson Square at dusk.

Lots of Horse & Carriages strolling the town streets.

We took a tour of the Old "Oak Alley Plantation" that rests along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Built in 1837-39 and famous for it's evenly spaced giant live oak trees that are 300-400 yrs old. This Historic Landmark is recognized for having one of the most popular, spectacular settings in the entire Deep South!

This house reminded me of "Gone with the Wind" plantation house.

If you ever go to New Orleans don't miss this lovely place to visit!

Lil' ole me, never felt so small. I love these old trees!

The front porch and a photo of my good friend Susan. This house is so dreamy and surreal.

We took a trip down to the Garden District where all the Victorian homes are and they are so BIG! and Beautiful!

I could of walked all day in this wonderful neighborhood, no matter how tired my feet felt, it was a beautiful day cool and not to hot and you could feel that fall was in the air.

This house right here is just so gorgeous...and could you guess who's house this is?! well.... we were told it's Sandra Bullock's house! doesn't she have excellent taste?!

Sandra Bullock's house.

I just couldn't wait to high tail out to the old Cemetery, and New Orleans has lots of them. I love the old rod iron fences in this one....and so many Crypts.

I was walking slowly down this path ...just wishing and hoping a spirit would pat me on the shoulder and say Hi! well...

no such luck!!!

These Crypts are so old the writing is all washed off so couldn't read any of the history on them.

I thought this was so beautiful like an old Church. One of the ground keepers gave us some interesting info as sometimes a large family would fit in one of these Crypt's. He said there is a large pit in the bottom ground and above the pit has shelves they stack the caskets ground up over the pit when a new member is buried they dump the bottom member's remains in the pit, which gives the room above the shelves for the newest members, it's a method of rotation disposal and that's why so many can be buried in such small quarters. This is the law of Louisiana...don't know if the other southern States do the same.

Don't I look happy to be alive!!!!

This Crypt was made of all marble.
I'm singing that song "Staying alive, I'm staying alive"!

Something about this

looks so lonely and sad. and a bit eerie.

I took zellon photos but didn't want to make my blog a book

so this was just some of my adventures.....

I Hope you enjoyed your journey to New Orleans, if you ever get the chance to go. you must not leave until you try their Beignets! They are to die for! A wonderful light flaky pastry covered with powdered sugar and served warm!

I've seen a lot, ate a lot, spent a lot and... had fun a lot!

Thanks for visiting me today friends! :)

Some Custom fun!... customizing these dolls that come stock is now my latest art addiction!

My sweet little cupcake!....Brandy is Pretty in pink and is custom #5

Baylee darling is posing for you with her pink poodle she is custom #9

Bekah was my very 1st custom girl dressed in her favorite color lavender

Bevin Leigh is custom #10 and she is a handful!....always fooling around!

Sleepy Brishelle loves her pets...custom #3

My two ballerina's sharing secrets

Brandy #5 and Bijou #7

Puegeot our boy

2011-10-08T21:07:00.000-07:00


Puegeot is going to be 3 years old next month..He is very much calmed down now, which is a blessing! Big Daddy John was on his way out the door to take him for a walk when the phone rang, here he is sitting so patiently waiting. :)

Halloween Gala Event...

2011-10-08T20:54:00.000-07:00


The Marie Antoinette group is having another Gala event, with prizes and games. I'm hosting another one of my ~Halloween Word~ games again this year.. a sneak peek of part of the surprise This Vintage style necklace I made with a matching surprise to go with it for who ever that winner is!...surprise, surprise...heehee

A practice run...

2011-10-08T20:41:00.000-07:00


My two girls practicing there Trick or Treat and trying on costumes for the big day.

2011-10-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat

2011-10-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a Hoot Owl and I'm ready for Ghosts and Goblins...

Fall is here

2011-10-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived,cooler weather is welcome the leaves are turning and yard work begins.

Bethany is helping me in the yard today gathering up pine cones

Halloween is on the Horizon.....

2011-09-22T20:07:00.000-07:00


Yes Marie Antoinette will be attending the Masquerade, all decked out! She is my Custom #4

I love a Masquerade!

2011-09-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

I'm hosting Marie's Masquerade Mask swap in our Mama group. We create a mask and swap with our partners.This is the one I made for Tabitha

Hello Friends...

2011-08-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have been so bad lately neglecting my blog! I need to get on the stick before I forget how to do anything in it!!! I have taken a bit of a turn on the road with art lately and all my attention has been on these little addicting dollies that I just can't get enough of! not only collecting them but customizing their faces from stock to ~One of a Kind~ it's really a art of it's own. I've learned so much about these collectable and wonderful unique dolls....and it goes further than that when it comes to photographing every photo you take they take on different expressions without changing anything about them just with the different positions of Photographing, it's so amazing, they actually look like they come alive! This is a photo I took of sleeping Brishelle with her favorite pets cuddled around her. My Custom #3

These I call ~3 Peas in a Purse~ They know I'm going shopping and are trying to sneak into my purse...but what they don't know is that I'm watching them with my camera!...lol!

My customs # 5,6,7

Thanks for visiting me today! Have a great week! :)

Teacup Tuesday...

2011-08-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

Bekah is showing off my Teapot along with her new green eyes!

Happy Teacup Tuesday! hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Bekah is having a ball she thinks my teapots are for her only! Custom # 1

Teacup Tuesday...

2011-08-01T19:28:00.000-07:00


Today it's Teapot Tuesday for me!...... and we're celebrating Mickey Mouse. This is a original Mickey Mouse Teapot limited edition and I just had to share it with you. Bethany was all excited and wanted to dress up in her favorite Mickey outfit. This teapot I've had in my collection for sometime, and thought I could switch gears here and show some whimsy verses beauty instead! ha! Bethany thinks it's a toy, but it's actually a real teapot. The spout has steam where it pours out your tea. Mickey's head comes off to insert the water and tea bags and the handle is Mickey's luggage all stacked up. Come on Bethany get off the teapot so everyone can see!! Looks like she won't be going far...there's a front flat tire. Thanks for stopping by today and stop back anytime, you never know what I'll show next!...heehee Please don't forget to visit our three very popular "Teacup Tuesday" Queens you can always find them at... Terri and Martha's Teapcup Tuesday and Wanda @http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

Lil' Miss Marie

2011-07-24T17:10:00.000-07:00


Yes!... I know I'm Obsessed...but what would one expect if you knew I love Blythe and I'm a member of the "Marie Antoinette" group?! well...1+1=2...so I couldn't resist customizing Blythe into Marie, ever since I laid my eyes on another customization I knew it would have to happen for me...


With new eye chips, matted face, painted lips and eyes and of course her beauty mark all she needed was her dress and hair to top it off. I had so much fun customizing her into a Marie Antoinette...

Hope you enjoyed my sharing her with you friends! :)

Custom # 4

Welcome to Teacup Tuesday...

2011-07-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!...hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. It's a bit hot here in Murrieta CA.

I wanted to share this lovely teapot I received in the mail last week from my Mom-in-law! in Minnesota, she didn't have a reason she just sent it to me!!... isn't she the sweetest?!...I just love the pink roses scattered all over the front and back of the white rippled teapot with gold edging on the handle and spout! Thank you Dear Audrey! it's a treasure!

Hand painted Rose's

Have a great week! ...and don't forget to visit the other tea party's out there!

Terri and Martha's Teapcup Tuesday and Wanda @http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

2011-07-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Marie Antoinette Teacup ATC cards

Elegant sewing slipper

2011-07-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

This sewing slipper I hosted in a swap. It's made of an elegant green sage velvet and demask fabric with embroidery embellishments and a fabric rose.

It opens up like a book to keep your pins & needles at hand. the front holds your scissors and thread in a neat little elegant slipper.

A green ribbon holds it closed and ties in the front.

2011-06-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

We Have a winner today for my Teapot Giveaway!!!

First let me tell you that this was a drawing with

all names placed in a hat and my hubby happily drew a name from the hat......and the winner is SONYA!
Congratulations Sonya! please email me your address so I can get your package in the mail this week.
Thanks to all that signed up for this giveaway! and all your sweet comments! Hugs to you all! :)

Sonya I hope you like your Teapot and Tea house!

Another swap Kit!

2011-06-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Another sewing kit project! I'm hosting a ~French Elegant Pouch~ in our Marie Antoinette group and this is the one I made for the example. we will make up a fabric kit for our partners and they make a pouch for themselves like this one with the the guidelines.

I used a fabric photo of Marie with a velvet backing. I added embellishments

to the front with beading an ribbon roses.

Here is the Kit I received from Holly. I loved the way she added the little boxes to fill up with supplies

Can you believe all this came from those little boxes!? All these gorgeous fabrics and lace just waiting for me to get my hands on it. Whatever I make it will be pretty with supplies like this how can it not? Thank you Holly for such a generous Kit!

Here is the kit I sent to Holly

I wished I had remembered to take Photos of the contents before I packaged everything up!

Two stacked heart boxes with surprises inside!

It will be exciting to see what she makes with it!

I've been PUBLISHED!!

2011-06-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to know I've been published in Sonia's lovely magazine "

"Creating Marie Style"

I created a Marie Altered miniature"Pastry shoppe" with sweet cupcakes. Some of my Marie friends are also published in this magazine so pick up your copy today.You can order here at: http://www.creatingmariestyle.blogspot.com/

My June Giveaway Please join me here!

2011-06-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

June is my Wedding Aniversay and I'm celebrating it by offering this English collectors Teapot Giveaway. A

~Price Kensington~ hand painted teapot made in England.

All you need to do is leave me a comment in the comment section below this post, grab my badge adding it to your blog... if you have it already then you are half way there. I will then enter you in the drawing... (sorry U.S participants only please).

BUT!.... guess what that's not all! I'm also adding a little something else with this unique teapot...this adorable ~Royal Doulton~ Tea Room with box.

So just leave a comment so I know you'd like to be added and copy my badge and that's it!

The random drawing will be on my Anniversary June 29th! Hope to see you there..and Happy Month of June!! :)

Teacup Tuesday

2011-06-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you a beautiful Teapot I rec'd from my partner Trish...we had a Spring Teapot swap from Wanda's Silkenpurse.blogspot.com she hosted. The teapot is so lovely with lilac and Forget me nots on the front and lid, it's china and ~ Staffordshire~ made in England. I just love it and it's such a sweet style and size. .... and little Bethany who was so excited she wanted to have a tea party! Thank you Trish! I have this teapot displayed proudly for all to see. Check out Trish's Blog at www.sweetology101.blogspot.com

Bethany has her Tea party dress on enjoying her cupcake. Do you notice how Bethany is all over my new teapot?!!

Bethany likes helping me with these photos so there you have it!

Thank you for visiting me today. Please drop by and visit

Terri and Martha's Teapcup Tuesday and Wanda @http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

There's always something good going on there!

Teacup Tuesday

2011-05-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day!

This beautiful Teapot I found on one of my Antique shopping trips we took on Memorial Day to The Mission Inn

I felt so lucky to find this one with the lovely Pink Roses...this one is made by~ Royal Caldone~made in England.

I love how the lid has 2 sides of the roses and the spout does too with the gold edging. Its not a large teapot more of a medium size which I like...the rippling pattern running down the teapot is so pretty and dainty.

The teacup is a ~Crown Trent~ also made in England. I found the lovely cake tray stand in a wonderful boutique shop that the teapot is sitting on.Looks so much like ~Shabby Chic~ and I just love it!

Thanks so much for visiting me this week. Have a great week!

OH!! I HAVE A WONDERFUL SURPRISE FOR YOU NEXT WEEK ON~ TEACUP TUESDAY~

I WILL BE HAVING A GIVEAWAY FOR A HAND PAINTED ~PRICE KENSINGTON~ TEAPOT MADE IN ENGLAND IT'S A COLLECTORS TEAPOT AND I HAVE 2 AND WOULD LIKE TO PASS ONE ON TO YOU! MORE DETAILS NEXT WEEK TO SIGN UP FOR THE DRAWING. MAKE SURE YOU COME BACK TO SEE IT AND SIGN UP FOR THE DRAWING!!! DON'T MISS IT!
Please check out Terri and Martha's Teapcup Tuesday
Also Wanda @ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.co

Welcome to Teacup Tuesday!

2011-05-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Thank You for visiting me today for ~Teacup Tuesday~

I would like to share with you my teapot for one. Even though my teacups and teapots I collect are mostly made in England, this one is not. I seen it and loved it with all the little pink roses decorating it. I also order my tea on line from Harney & Sons, if you would like to try a great tasting tea I can recommend their most popular "Paris" Tea! a well known and loved tea of theirs.

Last week I mentioned I would share with you how to make my little sugar delights for your tea.These are so much fun and VERY,VERY easy to make

Mix 1/2 C. sugar w/one drop food coloring I used red for a soft pink color add 1tsp. water.Mix well. until color is blended. Press firmly into candy molds you can find these candy molds at (Michaels or Joanns) let them set for about 6 hrs. Turn molds upside down gently pushing each one out on wax paper. Let set another 6 hrs. before placing them into a covered container to keep them fresh and from drying out. Hope you will try this fun and simple way to make these lovely Sugar delights for family and friends.

Please check out Terri and Martha's Teapcup Tuesday
Also Wanda @ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com

Matchbox Swap

2011-05-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

Holly Moore is hosting a Matchbox swap in the M.A. group. My partner is Becky. We are to alter a large matchbox and fill it will goodies for our partner. I made this one with Marie sitting on top in her gated garden holding a bouquet of flowers,with doves and ribbon roses surrounding her.

Inside I added some embellishments for Becky to use in her art, such as small lace embroidery, small birds, beads and charms. This was such a fun swap!

Thanks Holly for hosting this swap! :)

2011-05-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

2011-05-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

Teacup Tuesday ~ April 26th

2011-04-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

It's not an English Teapot for one...but I found it and you know how much I love Pink Roses...

so this was the perfect find for me the delicate roses surround the teapot and teacup along

with the gold ridge, a perfect set for one.

The lovely doily I rec'd from Debi in the Teacup swap. I love it too. I made the mini

cupcake.
Do check out Terri and Martha's Teapcup Tuesday
Also Wanda @ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

It's Pink!

2011-04-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

It's April Etsy Cottage Style Color Party in Pink..come join the fun! @

http://www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com/

A little heart box made into a Pink faux cake to keep your keepsakes in.

On top is a white Dove with pink roses and lots of frosting.

Easter Eggs

2011-04-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

A lovely Teacup & gift Swap

2011-04-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

We had a teacup and gift swap in our Marie Antionette group and my partner was Debi Huntsman. We were to find a Teacup for our partner and add something we made along with some Tea themed gifts. I rec'd this lovely Royal Albert Bone China teacup... Debi knows I love pink roses and anything pink for that matter she sent me some tea stuffed into these little Organza bags with a beautfiul doily and silver vintage teaspoon and some little Chocolates to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Look at this beautiful Shabby Chic Pink Apron she made me..it's much prettier in person, her attention to detail is amazing a doily pocket and little flowers she sewed on the pocket and the top of the apron.

This Gorgeous Teacup is so pretty, I love those roses and the gold trim...Thank you Debi for your Generous heart for giving all these beautiful things to me!! Visit Debi's Blog. You can see all her beautiful artwork at....

http://www.lifeinmystudio.blogspot.com/

Teacup Tuesday - April 19th

2011-04-18T23:40:00.000-07:00

I rec'd a wonderful surprise in the mail on the Weekend from Audrey, my Mother -in-Law, who lives in Minnesota. There were these 3 beautiful Teacups wrapped up so nice and what a surprise I got when I opened them!

The one on the left is By "Royal Albert"...fine bone china made in England. I love the soft flowers and the gold around the rim of the teacup and saucer.

The one in the middle is my very favorite! with the pink roses and the pink rim and handle with a scalloped edge. It's made by "Shelley" it's bone china and made in England also.

The one on the right with the pretty yellow is made by " Royal Kent" bone china and made in Stafffordshire England. Thank You so much Audrey for your thoughtfulness and generosity! I love them all, and have them displayed.
Do check out Terri and Martha's Teapcup Tuesday
Also Wanda @ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

Making Easter Cupcakes

2011-04-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the Air with the Sunny days and warmer temps...and finishing up my Spring planting in the backyard...well I decided I was in a CUPCAKE mood and of course the pretty spring colors of Easter...I decided to get fancy in the kitchen and make some "Easter Cupcakes"...I'm no Martha Stewart that's for sure BUT... I just love to browse through Gourmet cupcake recipes! and this is what I made.

Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry frosting!..Yum!
Recipe:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs

For the Frosting
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract or... fresh strawberries mashed
food coloring 2 drops of red (optional)

Bake 350 for 20-25 min.

Teacup Tuesday...April 11th

2011-04-11T19:49:00.000-07:00


Thanks again for joining me today for Teacup Tuesday....I'm sharing another one of my wonderful finds. Only it's not a teacup..this tall Teapot....


I was told is actually a Cocoa pot...probably because of it's odd shape, I really don't know but when I saw it and it's reasonable price I snatched it right off the shelf. I found it in "Big Bear" CA. I would most likely use it for Tea, but who knows I may use it for Cocoa sometime.

It's English made "Crown Dorset"...fine bone china "Staffordshire" made in England. Do stop by and visit Terri and Martha's Teapcup Tuesday
Also Wanda @ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

THE WINNER IS!........

2011-04-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

DRUM ROLL.................IS DEBI Huntsman!!! CONGRATULATIONS DEBI!! YOU ARE THE WINNER!!!...thanks to all of you who signed up for the drawing! ...... Have a great weekend...Hugs

My Girls are all geared up for Easter!...

2011-04-09T09:04:00.000-07:00


My little gal's, Bethany & Brishelle are all geared up for Easter in their special Easter outfits and they even packed a little Easter Basket with eggs inside!


They love to pose for you, Bethany in her Springy Easter Egg dress with bunny shoes and Brishelle in her Bunny hat and pink bunny dress... and look at those lovely eggs!

Thank You for visiting us today and Happy Easter!

Alpha Stamp swap...

2011-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00


Easter is almost here, can you believe it?...where is the time going?...Over at Alpha Stamps art group they're having a Easter Bunny ATC swap. We are to create 3 ATC's using at least one of their images and in 3D. These are the ones I made for the swap. I must admit I haven't really done any in a while but what can I say....I love Easter.

Thanks for stopping by today...to see what I've been up to! :)

Hi and Welcome again to Teacup Tuesday!

2011-04-04T22:15:00.000-07:00


This Teapot for one is one of my favorites! it reminds me of Spring!... I love the pink roses and the elegant style of this Teapot for one. This is actually a ~Ganz ~Teapot & teacup with matching sugar and creamer. I loved it when I saw it on one of my shopping hunts.

Included is one of my faux Cupcakes. Thanks for stopping by today. Don't forget to visit Terri and Martha's Teacup Tuesday too! wonderful collection of teacups. Oh and Wanda is having a "May Mini Teapot" swap, so stop by and visit her for her Teacup Tuesday and swap! http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

2011-04-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out! sign up for my GIVEAWAY! see below.... Deadline is APRIL 10th....

My Easter Eggs are Finished!...

2011-04-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

I made these Easter Eggs for the M.A group. I wanted to do 3 drawings for Easter so I made these eggs especially for this event adding little prizes inside. These eggs were so delightful to make decorating them with faux frosting and Marie Fabric images with some roses, pearls & ribbon to complete the decor.

Pretty in Pink...

Beautiful in Blue

Purple Perfection

Altered Domino swap...

2011-04-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Holly Moore is having a "Altered Domino Mini Book" swap in the M.A. group. She did a Tutorial on ideas how to make them. This is what I made I used alcohol inks for the background, using a image of Marie Antoinette and a clear Cabochon over the image. I added some metal filigree with beads and a charm. I coated the domino's with "Diamond glaze" to give it a glass like finish. I love doing mini books with domino's letting inspiration lead the way to doing something different each time.

The inside of my book is pages in an accordion style.

A gold ribbon to close the book. I embossed with gold embossing powers, using a heat gun to melt and set the edges, giving it a elegant textured look. Thanks for stopping by today!

WELCOME TO TEACUP TUESDAY!...

2011-03-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you for stopping by...today I'm sharing this little teapot & teacup combination. I found this in Old Town. I love the design and pattern with little feet, I was drawn to the dainty look even though it's not made in England I was happy to add this to my Collection!

A Birthday Surprise for me and Dolly!....

2011-03-27T09:42:00.000-07:00


Oh my what a great surprise that came in the mail for my B-day!.. this sweet adorable outfit for my Blythe dolly!..From no other than my sweet friend Miss Rella Gauthier!... not only was I elated with this package but dolly was so excited she couldn't wait to try it on! this pretty colorful little Spring dress with handbag to match and white lacy tights matched up with those awesome little black platform shoes! she wanted so bad to be in the Pictures modeling for you all! so here she is... in all her glory!


Isn't she adorable!

Thank You so much Rella!!... you made us girls tickled to death with your Lovely & Generous gift!!! xox.. Please visit Rella's lovely blog to see what she's been up to @ http://faerieluna.blogspot.com/

WINNER IS......DEBI HUNTSMAN! CONGRATULATIONS! DEBI!

2011-03-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

IT"S A TEACUP & SAUCER with TEA GOODIES! AND I"M GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO WIN IT!..... Ok, it's my Birthday and I want to Celebrate a Giveaway!...not to happy to be another year older...but so glad and thankful I'm still here! I have so many blessings and I'm not really crying...just tears of joy I've gotten this far in my life, and so grateful to have blogging friends such as YOU! here to make it happen ..thanks for all the memories and inspiration you've given me through the years!!! hugs to you all!

SO.... to be eligible to win, just add my Blog button to your blog and leave me a COMMENT THAT YOU DID!...if I'm already on your blog then you are all set. I will then add you to the random drawing for my special GIVEAWAY! "TEACUP & SAUCER" along with TEA GOODIES (Holiday Tea's by David & Son's, a little pink candle, a pretty spoon with hand painted roses, and 2 Vintage doilies for your table). The drawing will be on Sunday April 10th...Please leave your email for me to reach you, if I don't hear back from you after 48 hrs. of announcing the Winner I will have to draw another name, so please check your emails!
International are welcome to join too!

The teaspoon is glass w/ hand painted roses

This is a Beautiful Vintage Teacup & saucer w/ roses... a special treasure as you can see

The Teacup is Bone China by "Old Royal" made in England

THANKS! for stopping by... :)

A Gift from the Fabulous Miss Terri Gordon!

2011-03-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

I rec'd this beautiful blue "forget me nots" teacup from a special friend on my B-day....~Miss Terri Gordon~..What a wonderful surprise!! the teacup is bone china by "Royal Albert" my favorite!! I love Royal Albert, I have a few collections by him, but not this pattern, which tickles me to death!...THANK YOU so much Terri for your most beautiful and generous gift!..and for thinking of me!...HUGS! :)

TEACUP TUESDAY.....MAR. 22

Thank You for visiting me today!.. My Teacup & Teapot are not a go-together, but I think they do look good! matched up. The Teacup is Vintage and some of the words are worn off..it does say ESTD over 80 yrs...made in England...I'm not to savvy on the mark it has a #5962 and a little stamped mark, however I knew enough that I really liked it when I saw it!...lol...I also loved the ripple edging on the cup and of course those beautiful pink roses! the china spoon was purchased on a different day and not meant to match until I got it home and said HEY! this matches my teacup...if I had been on the Hunt to find a match,Murphy's Law it would not have happened!...Please stop by and visit.. Terri and Martha's Teacup Tuesday too!

The Teapot is also made in England..one of my great finds in the Big Bear Mountains some years ago, I was attracted to the beautiful Pink Roses with it's delicate design it is made by "Price Kensington"...I just love the shape and style of this Teapot, I have it sitting on my fireplace mantle for viewing.

Thank You for stopping by...Please visit Wanda Lee's Teacup Tuesday @

http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

Teacup Tuesday, Mar. 15th

2011-03-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

This lovely rose Teacup I found in our local Antique shop. It's bone china by "Crown Trent" Staffordshire England. the Teapot is by "Price Kensington Potteries" made in England. Thank You for visiting me today!

Don't forget to Visit
Terri and Martha's Teacup Tuesday!

Please also visit Wanda Lee for Teacup Tuesday at http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

Fabric Postcards from Paris Swap

2011-03-08T20:28:00.000-08:00


Terri Gordon is hosting a "Fabric Postcard" swap in our M.A. group we are to make 3 to Postcards...this is the first one I made. I will receive 3 in return. Thanks Terri for hosting this fun swap. You can visit Terri on her beautiful blog at www.designsbyterrigordon.blogspot.com

Postcard #2

Postcard #3

These are the backs
Thanks for looking! :)

~Tussie Mussie Swap~

2011-03-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

I rec'd the most Gorgeous Spring Time Tussie Mussie from the most talented Debi Huntsman, she has a way of creating the most lovely & feminine creations with anything she makes...Thank you Debi I have it hanging on my fireplace screen and looks so lovely there!...you can visit her at http://lifeinmystudio.blogspot.com/ Please stop by and visit her lovely Blog!

~Teacup Tuesday~ is here again!

2011-03-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

I found this lovely teacup in my local Antique store and the spoon in another antique store... I think they match up pretty well!...This teacup of course is bone china by Paragon, "By appointment to her Majesty the Queen" Made in England. I love this rose design and have only found one of this particular design so far.

Check out Terri & Martha's blogs for "Teacup Tueday's"

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

~Teacup Tuesday~ is here again!

2011-03-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

Limited addition of Royal Albert ~Country Roses~ I found this teapot years ago and thought it was so cute! with my favorite pattern.

~TeaCup Tuesday~

2011-02-28T20:07:00.000-08:00


Time for Tea...this Teapot is one of my collections by Kernewek made in England. The teacup is Called Queen Anne and is bone china made in England. I was lucky enough to find it for a song and dance in a Antique store... I love the roses on both the teapot and teacup and didn't realize that it actually looks like it could go together..the special shape of the Teapot other than the pattern roses was also something that caught my eye when I purchased it years ago.

Spring Tussie Mussie

2011-02-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

I'm Hosting a Spring Time Tussie Mussie Swap

My Journal Kit

2011-02-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

I'm hosting a fabric journal swap...we are to make up a kit with fabric's embellishments, and different goodies to send to our partners so they can make a journal for themselves... then we all share what we made with the kits we rec'd and post photos to share with our group. Terri G. was my partner and this is all the wonderful fabrics and goodies I rec'd. My color request was Turquoise, Creams and Whites...she made the Gorgeous Heart and filled it up to the brim with all these beautiful things. Check out her blog at- http://www.designsbyterrigordon.blogspot.com/

Marie's Fabric Che'rit Le Journal

2011-02-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

Completed Journal