Ready for a Road Trip? Retro Style!

I love road trips - especially the kind that involve rockin' music, (might I suggest a little Sam Bradley anyone?) good friends and the anticipation of discovery!

So - I decided to expand the retro goodness beyond your standard steering wheel cover (because everyone already has one of those, right? (no? well then....).

In honor of my sister's birthday a few weeks ago (yep, I like to extend the birthday celebrations and send gifts after the actual celebratory day - you know, just to spread out the love (maybe a smidgen b/c I'm a scattered brained mom too, but don't tell her!  Second thought - she'd totally understand.  She's running her own amazing photography business & chasing 3 little ones around too - so, I digress....) back to the goods!)

Here you have Whoopsie Daisies luggage tags and handle cover! Because you never want your luggage to look like everyone else's! (Just ignore the fact that if you're lugging around this huge, heavy vintage suitcase, no one in the airport is going to have one like it anyway - makes for a cute picture tho, huh?) 

 In all seriousness though - I do love these.  I'm always wrapping bright ribbon around the handles of my boring black suitcase when we fly, so that I can easily spot my bag coming down the luggage ramp.  I'll be making a ton more of these for sure!  

Here is a little make-up bag I made for my sis too  - I'm especially loving the gray/yellow combination here!  

Then, because you want your car decked out in retro style - we have the rearview mirror cozy....

and.... the Steering Wheel cover.  (don't worry, if you're brother in law is not so inclined to drive the mini van around with a floral steering wheel cover  - like someone I know!) - it slips off quite easily and stuffs into the glove compartment.

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Happy Road Trippin'!  Hope you're able to squeeze in one or two last trips for the summer!

  Psssstttttt!  Come find me on Twitter!  We'll have fun!  Are you the Facebook sort? 

Birthday Gift in 1 Hour - whew! Just in time.

We came home this afternoon from 2 ball games and I had 90 minutes until my daughter needed to be at a birthday party.   Being a procrastinator, I didn't have a gift ready - figured I'd just go shopping at Whoopsie Daisies if I had too.  But I wasn't sure an 8 year old would appreciate a pumpkin?  hmmmm. ....maybe? no? OK. (it's a joke).  I was thinking that I just might have enough time to sew something up real quick while the rest of the family was taking a nap..... (did I mention that I have no voice today and a cough that sounds like a seal?  It's not pretty.)  Anyhooooo..... back to sewing...

Here's what I managed to put together in 1 Hour (and 10 minutes.... I'm honest at least)

This the felt flower pin/ponytail holder, which I just pinned to a pre-made headband that I found at Joann's one day in the dollar bin.  I bought 5 of them, thinking they would be perfect for my little flower pins.    I have to say, the felt is much, much easier to work with than regular cotton fabric - I used in as the liner on the inside of the Scribble pad too, much easier.

Then, this is the Scribble Kit - well, minus the hand embroidered "Scribble" - (I was only working with 90 minutes, remember!) - So, instead it has a big felt "E" which is the first initial of the little gift recipient.  

Then, I just used a paint pen to write her name and a Happy Birthday message on the bag, tied it with some fabric strips, and Voila!

So, then,.... the Halloween Candy was sitting right there, and thinking I deserved a reward - I grabbed a Twizzler and sat on the couch for 10 minutes before we bolted out the door again.......

Are You Thinking Thanksgiving Yet?

Thanksgiving is exactly 1 month away - I can't believe it.  I'm stressed already, just thinking about it.  Because once Thanksgiving hits - you know what, is right around the corner - and I NEVER have enough time to plan, execute, then actually sit back and just enjoy the season.
I guess I like fall so much because we get 3 months of it - I count September, October, and November.  I don't feel so rushed.  Even though in Texas, September is still blazing hot - so it's a bit of a stretch.  But, at least I know cooler temperatures are around the corner.  (Supposed to get up to 90 today!!!  What????!  - Ugh - and here I was thinking I needed a Pumpkin Spice Latte (go here to see my hil-ar-eeee-ass friend "Charles") today - boo!!)
Oh well -

I've been playing around in my fall fabrics, getting ready for another awesome Trunk Show - October Shop & See at my dear friend Jenn's (from Hippie Bliss) house in Fort Worth, on Thursday night, the 28th.
I just can't let that 1970s fabric go!  I love it!  (See, barely a mention when I first found it hiding out in a thrift store in Indiana, but it's one of my favorites, ever!) I've saved every little bitty scrap, thinking I may be able to use it in some project later....  I know it's not for everyone, maybe it's the 1970's born child that I am that makes it feel so familiar to me.  I'm betting that my mother had me dressed in a jumpsuit for elementary school in a fabric similar to this one!
How about you?  Do fabrics take you back to a time in your life?  Or a person perhaps?
So, anywhooo..... whipped up this garland/banner/bunting thingy to hang over the fireplace.  These suckers are verra difficult to photograph, I might add!
I'll have it at the Trunk Show - along with all sorts of goodie, goodies!  If you live near Fort Worth, would love to see ya!!

Vintage PUmpKins straight to you........

Straight from the chaotic sewing room of Whoopsie Daisies, come the retro-hippy vintage-y funkilious pumpkins.  Can you Dig It Man?

Remember the ugly-dugly fabric I snagged in Indiana?  Perfect for fall pumpkins!  (It was dated 1974 by the way).  At least in my opinion that is.  I realize that this fabric is not for everyone.  Personally, I love it, but my house, though I'd love it to be, just isn't retro-cool.  Cookie cutter suburban house doesn't equal retro-chic.  I'll probably keep one or two in the hopes of finding someplace to display them though.
I went out yesterday after Coffee-Talk with some Fort Worth Etsy folks, and hit a local thrift store in hopes of find more previously loved threads to sew with, but no luck.  Sometimes you hit the jackpot, and most of the time....Well....you don't.  But the hunt continues.......

Did I mention that I'll be at the Fort Worth Cowtown Indie Bazaar on Saturday, September 4th????  Come by and say HI if you're in the area!  Loads of really talented vendors will be on hand (over 80!) - and....it's alllllll  handcrafted!  No made in China here ladies and gentlemen!  Come support Handmade - and listen to some live Music by Titan Moon, Shop till you Drop, Free Photo Booth, Enjoy Refreshments, bring the kiddies along and put your own Creative Talents to use at the free Make and Take Table, and Free Goody Bags to the first 50 Customers!  100% Indie, 100% Handmade!

Catch you On the FLiP SiDe!  I'm Outta Here.......

Vintage Sheets Flying in the Wind

What a pretty picture, huh?  Love it when I find a good stash of vintage sheets - and a bonus was the cute little green suitcase.  These sheets will make the softest pajama pants and shorts anywhere!  And - you can't beat the summer sun and wind for a fresh smell!

 Not sure what I'll do with the funky - ugly- piece of orange and brown fabric there - but, I'm thinking retro apron??  We'll see.....

Mommy and Her Little Cupcake

I've just finished a Mother/Daughter set of aprons - so super sugary sweet, you can taste it!

These are headed to Birmingham, AL shortly. Wishing that I had a child's size dress form for the little one....

Don't you just love that pink polka dot fabric? Wishing I had several more yards of that too!

"E" is for Ethel

"E" is for....well, it's for "Ethel"! (for you Bobby Long fans, I keep wanting to sing the "T for Texas" song here!) I had to share this cute sewing basket I picked up at the flea market this weekend. For one thing, I loved the icky plastic thing because my mom has one just like it - and you know what it's like when you see things in antique malls or flea markets from when you were little - sometimes, you just gotta have it. I was sold before I even opened it up - but once I did, I found these large "E" monograms inside of it. My last name begins with an "E" so I thought it was perfect. But then....I saw the "Specially Handmade by Ethel" label and loved it even more.

I'm the new owner of Ethel's sewing basket!
It's fun to think about what she must have done with all those zippers, lace, the book on Collars, hem tape, etc. I'm just thrilled to have it - I also found this stack of odds and ends - basically really gaudy fabric that the hubs rolled his eyes at! I liked the little Ginger Snaps because they have little horse shoes on them - I live in Texas you know! Quirky and cute in my book!

Flea markets are fun - you just have to get past the grubby-ness of it all. If you look past the ickiness and focus your eyes on the prize, it's fun! What flea market treasures have you found?? Anyone been to Round Top this past spring?

Don't forget to sign up for the Facebook Giveaway if you are not already entered! The contest ends tomorrow midnight - you just have to be a Facebook fan to be entered. You can obtain a second entry by posting the Giveaway on your Facebook page, and a third entry by blogging about the Giveaway! (Just be sure to leave me a message)

See you later taters!

It's Time! Giveaway Time, that is!

In celebration and appreciation to my 202 fans on Facebook - I am giving away to one lucky winner this lovely spring scarf!

Totally one of a kind, airy, lacey, breezy, beautiful, and elegant - to me, it speaks Spring!

Here's what you do:

1 Entry - for each Facebook Fan. If you are not a fan, then head on over for your entry! If you're already a fan, then you are automatically entered.

1 Additional Entry - for each Facebook Fan who posts about the giveaway on their own Facebook Page (You need to leave me a comment to let me know!)

1 Additional Entry - for each person who blogs about the giveaway (You need to leave a comment to let me know!)

Contest Ends 12pm midnight on Wednesday, April 14th.

Thanks so much for all of your support! I truly love creating these items, hunting for the unique fabrics and trims, getting to know my customers and fellow crafty artisans. I am also always amazed that others appreciate my creations too (and are willing to pay for them!).....hmmmmm......something to ponder, ...... come to think of it, anyone interested in some 1970's potholders? I think my mom has about 100 of them.

The San Francisco Treat

It's been awhile, Non?? Ok - LOVED San Fran! Had to get this pic of me hanging off the side of a cable car, although I would have liked a little more of the cable car showing, but o well. Needed my trench coat and box of Rice A Roni too.

We did all the cool touristy things - really because, well, they are cool! Alcatraz, China Town, Fisherman's Wharf, Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Union Square, Haight Ashbury (all I have to say on that one is - Wow. My daughter is not ever, ever, ever allowed anywhere near that place! Ha! Just kidding, ok, well, not really) Very enlightening to another way of life to say the least.

Great food - yummy French, yummy Italian, yummy (for hubs) seafood (makes me want to throw up, but I'm sure it was good as good could be)

Found an amazing fabric store too - Britax Fabrics - I was in la-la land in this place. In business since 1952, family run - 4 stories of inspiration, people!!! Had to keep reminding myself to close my mouth and quit drooling. Couldn't help "touching" everything - so beautiful. Loads of fabrics that you just don't see at the local fabric store. What was equally as fun was seeing all of the interesting people who work there and shop there. (Oh wait - that's ME! See! See my "Britax" bag in the picture! See?? I must be interesting too. Cool. Yeah me.) The sales lady even noticed my Narwhal tee and complimented me on it :) The creativity was just oooozing out of this place.
Took a drive south along Highway 1 - tres cool! It was truly one of the most beautiful places I've seen...ever. The hubs rented a convertible - (I am very spoiled, I believe, even with a frozen arse and wind burned forhead) - best way to see this part of the country, I also believe.

Pebble Beach.....Muir Woods - always knew I was a bit of a tree hugger! Awesome, unbelievable place. Lovin' those National Parks! It was hard to truly grasp the age of these trees, such ancient, wise earthly things they are.

Anyways, back to real life now. I'm eternally grateful to my mother-in-law and brother-in-law for taking such good care of the kids while my husband and I were away. I know the kiddies had a blast without mom and dad too - lots of stories were told upon our return. (included words such as, but not all inclusive: "barf", "pizza", "putt-putt", "goldfish (as in living, not as cracker)", "more barf", "ice cream", "soccer", "diarrhea" (sorry, but it was a major part of the weekend....!), "the nice policeman", "bowling", "a little more barf".

As I said - I'm am soooooo grateful for grandma and uncle!

I was also reminded how much I enjoy traveling - I shall never be sorry for any bit of it I do - it can only enlighten me to the wonders of the world, bring about tolerance for others, broaden my scope of the world, and educate my sometimes cotton filled brain.