a little bee vintage redux on findings::

Welcome to yet another great findings post! Without further adieu I would like to introduce you to yet another talented friend of mine and kindred spirit Heather Breyer. Now, let's talk vintage. Influenced by her family, Heather's meager beginnings started at an early age because of a life long love affair with vintage hunting. She carried that love beside her to adulthood and started a small business Bee Vintage Redux shop on etsy. Saving a well put together collection of odds and ends paved the way to re purposing vintage finds. Old things certainly influenced her style without a doubt. You will swoon over her lovely assortment of jewelry pieces and useful home goods. Be inspired by her lovely blog: Oh Bee and her creative mindset.  Thanks Heather for sharing with all of us your beautiful vintage creations. For more links on where to shop vintage redux and browse look in the #findings tab conveniently located above this post. Have a terrific weekend. Best, Liz

deck the halls holiday sampler::

 Every year I say.. "less is more" and this year is no different then last. My little home is ready for Christmas.

 Vintage shiny brites, woodland props, papers, repros and vintage photographs adorn the fresh tree this year. Using vintage photographs to highlight the tree was my inspiration as a vintage photo of my mom as a child hangs from a tree branch (previous post- inspiration) A frayed quilt from the 1900's a hides the tree stand out of sight. Greenery mixed with dollar Store candles and clear vessels were perfect and affordable. I'll be using some of these also at the dinner table Christmas eve.

The gold guilded mirror gets a makeover too with a vintage fur collar (a flea market find) and a pine cone swag befitting the holiday's. Foraging for berries, branches and twigs this year was a fun outing. More greens were added to a large sap bucket I picked up from Country Living fair this year. Placed by the front door with vintage cameras and more lights add a glow. Ice skates were a yard sale find.. a steal at a buck this past summer. The kitchen hosts a candy cane theme and another floral arrangement with leftover greens and berries.

A Christmas message from a postcard reads: All Good Wishes For a Happy Christmas~ hung in a vintage leather purse for all to see. Have you decorated your home for the Holiday's? I hope this post inspires you to use what you have on hand may it be vintage or not. Mix and match the old with new finds and even forage in the woods for branches and berries like I did a week ago. Enjoy this fun time decking the halls. Leave me a comment with a website address so I can come see your home all fancy for the holiday season thanks! xo Liz

sneak peeks, hihohome, xmas::

I know, it's been awhile. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. What have you been up to? It's been busy for me these days starting with holiday hoopla, shopping and everything inbetween. I've been inspired by the outdoors this year so, with this in mind my xmas theme this year will carry hints of greens, antlers and of course some vintage. Can't have xmas without it you know right? Since, we're on the xmas topic I had a great opportunity to shoot for Gatherings Mag at HiHoHome Market in Gardiner, NY several weeks ago. A Family run shop filled with vintage treasures, new furnishings and textiles. Stop by Gatherings Magazine Blog tomorrow for the feature on HiHoHome Market. If you love Christmas you're going to enjoy this blog posting. Have a perfect week- Elizabeth

grateful::

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. I have a lot to be thankful for this year including my family, health and kindred spirits like yourself! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.. Make every moment colorful. I'm rounding up a post after the turkey, see you all soon. Enjoy*
                                                                                        xo Liz

swan hollow doll repair::

This spring.. I had a wonderful opportunity to sit with Felicia Casey and talk about her business: Swan Hollow Doll Repair. We hit it off right from the start, who knew we had a lot in common. Felicia gave me a grand tour of her spacious home where it's apparent she loves to restore dolls as much as she loves to collect them. Felicia's story was ever so humbling as she spoke about her Mother and families poor roots in West Virginia. The oldest of seven children, Felicia learned from her Mother how to be a fixer and took value in doing so. Felicia now married is an Artist, Mother and Wife to a wonderful husband who supports her work. She would eventually, combine her knowledge of color,paints, clay and apply it to dolls. This would all come into play when a co-worker asked her if she knew anyone who could repair an ethnic doll in poor shape. She then volunteered, not knowing what the future would bring. Researching on the web, Felicia realized there was little if not any resources at hand. Going back to what she learned as a child, she utilized her savvy sense and applied her artsy background and went to work. She then put an ad in the local, weekly newspaper for her business. Low and behold, the phone started to ring. Felicia talked about current projects she had waiting for her and completed finalized works. It was very evident that Felicia Casey puts her heart and soul in each doll she repairs. She could reconstruct pushed in eyes, stop the aging process, paint, plaster and strengthen. Making almost any doll "look good" on a shelf when they leave her workshop. Felicia works on porcelain dolls, composition dolls from 1930's thru 1950's mostly baby dolls. She too repairs stuffed animals on occasion. Felicia a member of the UFDC ( United Federation of Dolls) finds a gem of a life in each doll she touches. Before leaving to go home Felicia, she gave me a tour of her workspace. She shared her vast collection of doll parts, doll clothing and random items used to restore. One suitcase at a time, she was eager to share her experiences and photographs of her work. A true testament in making an old cherished doll or stuffed animal look lovely again once more. I left with a heavy heart that spring day. Excited to share her story with everyone I knew. Felicia Casey is truly dedicated to her work and a inspiration to us all. If you have a doll that needs restoration or just some TLC Felicia's link is listed below.

For more information about Felicia Casey and her work visit: www.feliciacasey.com
Email: feliciacasey@gmail.com

tuesday's vintage::

 Queen Anne's lace.. Yes, loving it paired with vintage. These tin portable shot glasses were my hubby's find over a year ago, tucked away we almost forgot about them. They make a pretty vignette instead of the standard vase. Image from my Instagam feed where, I spend most of my time these days. Stop by, I would love to chat with you! Have a great Tuesday - Liz

at the flea::

Hi.. just popping in with some flea market images to share from today. Here were some of my faves: bistro chairs, trinkets, shabby chic, dress form, mason jars, vintage books and needlepoints dating back to late 1800- 1900's. If you follow me on Instagram there's more images to see.. and even the topic of the day to engage in, lol. Leave it up to a flea market vendor to point out that the dress form needs a boob job. Hey, great selling point  don't you think? Anyway, hope you had a fantastic weekend. Did you get a chance to go to the flea?
                                                                                       xo Liz

mini project, wildflowers, rain::

My plans for this weekend are all washed up. Doesn't look like the flea market is a go.. yeah. So, my head is spinning with ideas for a new project since, this weekends a bust. I'll be starting my mini project with the help of my Hubby this time around, power tool pro and handyman. More thoughts on maybe catching  a movie, organizing a closet or making potato salad and the tandori chicken recipe I've been dreaming about.Despite the rain, you can still see beauty all around. Catching a glimpse of it, this mornings cuttings will be used for my project as well. Lots of ideas to take on this weekend. I'll show and share real soon as my mini project gets moving along... Do you have any plans for this long weekend? Back to the drawing board.. Happy Memorial Day~ xo Liz

Inspiration:Wildflowers Every Child Should Know by: Frederic William Stack published May, 1909.

the early bird catches the worm::

 The yard work is in full swing around here. Thankfully, the weather is perfect to get most of it done. I took some time to bird watch this morning. My yard is filled with birds coming and going looking for worms. So, peaceful and quiet I don't want to leave... Back to work. Have a wonderful day! Enjoy the sunny skies :) 
                                                                                      xxx Liz

happy wednesday::

Nothing more can make me happier..Spring. The colors of inspiration, the sounds of birds singing and sun shinning throughout my home. With all this enthusiasm for this new season, comes new and fun things happening on the horizon. But, for just today I'm sharing some market fresh tulips that put a smile on my face. Happy Wednesday everyone! Liz

easter tidbits::

You know, one thing leads to another...
new friendships, the color wheel, old rusty collections, inspiring meetings, birthday greetings, a mother's love, a friend's gift, a new season, opportunity and faith.

Before, the time slips away from me like it usually does during any holiday. I leave you with this touching quote.

The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt in the heart- Hellen Keller

Easter joys to you and yours this Easter and Passover. Enjoy!
                                                     xxx Liz 

natural egg dyeing and vintage trim::

The sun was peeking through my kitchen window this morning as I gathered all the materials needed for this simple craft project: natural egg dyeing.
There are many recipes out on the web using veggies for this process. From blueberries to onions, I opted to dye eggs using a mild coffee instead. This project is very easy you'll want to create many decorative eggs in all kinds of patterns and hues. Tea can also be used but, I tried coffee first and I liked the outcome.

Here's what you'll need: 
large eggs {hard boiled}
mild coffee
vintage trims
vinegar
glue stick

How to:
Add 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup mild coffee. Steep for 5 minutes or until desired color.
Let eggs dry thoroughly. Cut various vintage trims in all different sizes. Be creative..
I secured with a glue stick to hold trim in place. Elmer's should work too or any other glue you have on hand depending on drying time.

  Let me know if you decide to try this easy Spring project. I would love to hear all your comments.
  Have a great weekend.. Now, back to clean up my mess!
                                                                                        xxx Liz 

spring forward::

Spring forward... more daylight, warmer weather, no more snow pants at school (thank goodness) the fleas, outdoors, travel, flowers, butterflies, apple blossoms and lots of fun activities around the valley. Sorry, I couldn't wait for Spring any longer. I needed something to look forward to, even if it's weeks away. Or, even if it's in a collage out of desperation. Can you relate? Am, I the only one with these thoughts? I see... lol :) 
If you like the artsy image in the upper (right) hand corner. It was made in: #colorvu app #instagram #vintage #newchocolatemold. I'm playing the game of catch up.. can't wait!
                                                                 Have a relaxing evening,
                                                                            xxx Liz 
                                                                  

take a peek::

 Here's a little sneak peek of what you'll see in the Spring issue of Gatherings Magazine coming March 11. I'm very honored to be a Contributor once again in this issue.While, I can't divulge all my vintage secrets because we want an element of surprise.
 Here's a hint: vintage/ephemera/crafts. Stay tuned.. Our best issue yet!

             http://www.heatherspriggs.com/gatherings-magazine/

PS. Thanks for leaving me your comments. I'll be in touch real soon ;)
                                                                                          - Liz 
                                                                                        
 

happy march::

       March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb... let's see how this month all pans out. I've been very busy and have to apologize for my lack of blog hopping these days. I hope you understand. Lots of good stuff to share with all of you real soon.
     Sweet horse hair brushes above, were a thrift shop find this morning.. and I have more to share from last weekend as well. I'm in the midst of scouting out/brainstorming for Gatherings Magazine. If you have any ideas on what you would like to see in the vintage dept. please leave me a comment here or email me: lizhanley72@yahoo.com
     Have a wonderful weekend my friends.
                                                                          xxx Liz 

vintage games::

       Do you recognize any of these board games? Some loot from the Saugerties High School French Club flea, yesterday. Games are getting harder to find in my neck of the woods. Even more, in good condition with all it's game pieces. The "Modello" German matching game is my fave by far. What do you think about the vintage graphics, aren't they fantastic?
     I have more loot for another time.. my brain is telling me to make some pretty vignettes for you. That's what makes shopping at the flea a challenge for me. I want to buy it all..BINGO!
                                                               Have a relaxing Sunday,
                                                                          xxx Liz  
    

spreading some love::

Since love grows within you,

So beauty grows.

For love is the beauty of the soul.

- Saint Augustine

Have a perfect Valentine's Day!

xoxo Liz

snow, snow and more snow::

Even though, we've been hit with a lot of snow and shoveling out is just a big pain. The snow and blue sky makes it all seem magical. Thank goodness for mittens, boots, snow blowers, shovels and a hot cup of coffee!

Stay warm in your neck of the woods. Thank you for all your helpful hints on blogging. So far, I still can't upload.. uploading in HTML mode. Thank you, Pam!

           OK, doggie sitting my Daughter's doggies. They want my attention. Bye for now ;)

                xxx Liz

the vintage cook::

There's nothing like taking out a vintage cookbook and tempting your taste buds with homemade recipes. According to Cookbook Village, here are their top ten most collectible cookbooks:

1.Betty Crocker's Cookbook pub: General Mills- copyright 1969

2.Betty Crocker's New Picture Cookbook pub: General Mills- copyright 1961

3.Treasury of Great Recipes- Authors: Mary and Vincent Price copyright 1961

4.Joy of Cooking- Authors: Irma Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker -copyright 1931

5.Mastering the Art of French Cooking by: Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle,Simone Beck.
 copyright-1961

6.The White House Cookbook- Author: Hugo Ziemam {First Addition 1887}

7.Women's Home Companion Cookbook- Editor: Dorothy Kirk {1942 First Addition}

8.Weight Watcher's Slow Good Super Slow-Cooker Cookbook {2005 First Addition}

9.Larousse Gastronomique - Author: Prosper Montagne {1961 First Addition}

10.The Good Cook Timelife Cookbook Series (Series of 28) Pub: Time Life, Editor: Richard Olney, copyright-1979-early 1980's

Do you have one of these top ten's in your kitchen? Which one is your all time favorite vintage cookbook?
Stop by www.cookbookvillage for vintage and used cookbooks. Awesome variety and great prices too.

                Enjoy your weekend cooking and maybe cooking with vintage ;)
                                                                             xxx Liz

winter wonder::

I hope your Holiday's dreams and wishes came true. It snowed on us last night. This morning's blanket of white was so beautiful, calming and peaceful. Did you get some snow too? I'm home enjoying the cozy and working on my next project. The bells above are my most recent purchase before, the snowstorm came upon us yesterday. Do I really need more ornaments? It's hard to resist the temptation of a sparkling bells with hints of glitter.  Have a relaxing day..... stay warm.

                                                                                   xxx Liz