Brown Gingham Creations

February Fun and a Giveaway

2012-01-30T09:55:00.000-08:00

This week began my Brown Gingham February/Valentine celebration! I've done some Valentine decorating for this HEARTy holiday as you can see, with the help of Scrapin Blogs again and set my Playlist to some LOVEly songs...everything from Three Dog Night and Partridge Family to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. What can I say...it's an eclectic mix 8o) I've also tuned in a special opening song for all my Google Friends and Blog List Pals since it is Friendship Month!
Saturday started it off the celebration with .........................

Go toV a lentine Giveaway here and check out the post, or to enter my giveaway betweenSat. Jan. 28 to Feb.4th click on this link www.mymemories.com look around, go to the Digital Scrapbooking Kits and pick out your favorite kit, come back and leave me a comment mentioning it. That is it. Winner will be announced Sun. Feb. 5th. I can't wait to hear back from you all...Oh, and tell your friends...the more the valentiney!

It is also Nat'l Cherry Month, so, go over to It's a Very Cherry World for Wednesday is Rednesdayand check out a very ~~cherry~~ cheery post. Even though berries are best....Cherries are always on top 8)

This is my kitchen window that is adorned with a very special treatment..lace panels that are filled with yummy berries and fruits and a gingham and muslin window topper embroidered with strawberries and cherries!

It is also American Heart Month.......American History/Black History Month..............
Nat'l Embroidery Month...
February 1st is Robinson Crusoe Day, so in honor I downloaded a free Kindle Reader from Amazon.com that way I can read

and a while back I purchased a vintage cookbook............A Calender of Desserts......soooo,

Remember, if you'd like to pull up a chair and watch some vintage TV, it's time for the Donna Reed Show just click my TV icon on my sidebar, or

while doing some crafting, cleaning..whatever..the Red Skelton Show is playing on the click the icon also found on the sidebar.

Well,. I'd better be going I have more surprises to get ready for you all coming..now,

where's my list.....OH. Don't forget the Giveaway!..

I have a surprise for all my Friends!

2012-01-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

This will be a new post I'll do regularly. It'll showcase projects in various stages of completion and new designs ready to go out into my Etsy shops and Brown Gingham Creations website. I have a few things started..yes, all at the same time.....I do that to complicate things for myself..tehehe. I'm not going to showcase those right now because I have a Valentine Surprise for all my Bloglandia Friends. But, more about this later, and bear with me, you will definitely want to read more.

For a few weeks I have been playing with a new digital scrapbooking program I was awarded over at Daniella Hayes....Layers of Creativity. I posted about that HERE Before some of you start LOLing because you know how digitally impaired I am, the My Memories Suite V3 is an absolutely wonderful point and click program. Now. you may be saying, 'Melody, you don't do scrapbooking?' Well, you're right, but I am always on the lookout for some great desk top publishing venues to make my blog and selling website a little unique and MMv3 is perfect. The banner above with the quilt and sewing embellishment was created by Me 8o) I can even add music or my own voice to this banner...uh....as soon as I learn how to do it...okay I haven't mastered the whole program, but wait......
I have also created a BGC tag that will be printed and attatched to all my creations.....

an 8 1/2x11 Stationary/Letterhead..........that can be e-mailed straight from program or print and mail.

There are a myriad of business apps for this program. If doing craft shows...signage. Need business cards?

Create your own design and take to the printer! Do you do seminars online or at locations...flyers to put in storefront windows, e-mails, or community bulletin boards. See! The options are limitless.

Oh, and it seems I have found I enjoy digi scrapbooking!

Print, add a little stitching, cut out, embellish with a little lace and sworovski, and you've got an ATC..or..
Take a vintage pic, add background and some text..................................

print on computer fabric sheets and voila'...an embroidery 6x6 square to stitch up and apply to a pillow!!!

Can you tell I am LOVING this program.

Recently, I was contacted by Liz of MMS and asked if I would like to try v3. I did and now comes the Valentine surprise for my blog friends.......dutdutdutdah.....

She has allowed me to offer a free software download of My Memories Suite v3 to a lucky winner! I am sooooo excited to be able to give someone such a fun giveaway and this is going to be so simple you won't believe it. All there is to do to enter my giveaway between Sat. Jan. 28 to Feb.4th is click on this link www.mymemories.com look around, go to the Digital Scrapbooking Kits and pick out your favorite kit, come back and leave me a comment mentioning it. That is it. Told ya it'd be simple. Winner will be announced Sun. Feb. 5th.
I can't wait to hear back from you all...Oh, and tell your friends...the more the valentiney!
My giveaway debutes on Pink Saturday with Beverly and continues all week at all the blog parties listed Here I visit. Come with me there is always something fun.

I'm going to a new blog party on this wintry day

2012-01-22T21:09:00.000-08:00

As I've typed before I co-host parties for the Etsy Cottage Style Blog. I have belonged to the Etsy Cottage Style Group for a long while.

It is a varied mix of those who love and/or create vintage, country, and shabby chic interiors, art, and crafts, and most have Etsy Shops. The people I have met there are so creative and talented..they have inspired me.
This week's linky party is................................

To join in on the party or just to visit the 'Craft Room's' go HERE

Now if you are lucky enough to have a room dedicated to your creative passion..I am in awe. My Hubby reminded me that it was probably a room created by a husband out of fear and frustration. The 'stuff' grows..takes over whole table tops...LoL... swallows a room if allowed. We will not remind Hubby of the 'Man Cave', but to continue, I do have a Craft Closet and a little wall space adjoining it.....no... no pics today. I'm one of 'those' people who knows where something is, but someone else would run screaming...think Fibber McGhee and Molly's front closet..not quite that bad, but............
I will show you where I sometimes create like here.................................................................

In nice weather you'd find me on my rocker on the kitchen porch above or my porch swing on our front deck, below

Sometimes I'm in the kitchen

Or more likely, in the dining room with lots of light and a large surface....see why Hubby says it takes over....hehehe.

I must admit embroidery can be done anywhere, which is why I like it soooo much. I have even been known to embroider projects while riding in the van 8/
Lately I find my laptop is a place I have been creating. I am not into scrapbooking, but I do like paper and vintage images. You all that create mixed media paper designs are awesome....someday I hope to try my hand at mixed media paper and textiles for little journals...anyway....I was the recipient of a giveaway over at Daniella Hayes....Layers of Creativity weeks ago and received a wonderful software program for Digital Scrapbooking. I have been playing with the program for a while and find it so much fun!!! In a future post I'll have more info and a surprise, but for now let me show you just a little of what I've created.......

A stone mat with black and white photo of our original flower shop (40 yrs ago) side window

These two banners for the new parties I co-host,

this little collage of a fairy world,

and this little mermaid collage. Caution...THIS IS ADDICTIVE 8O)
Well, that's it for now. I think I'll go listen to a little vintage radio show here on my side bar or maybe watch a little vintage TV also on my sidebar.....just click on either button, grab a seat, and join me!

Wintry Ohio

2012-01-13T22:41:00.000-08:00

This beautifully preserved sleigh hasn't seen any work this winter, so far. It is located in the Pioneer Village at Caesar Creek Park a little north of Kings Island. On Thursday we had a Winter Storm Advisory, but luckily it by passed us. It is freezing out now and a few flurries, but only a dusting and no ice. We really can't complain...it's been in the 60's and seems to be heading up in temps again. We have soooooooo much water here that if it did snow I think it'd just melt in the wet and freeze or slush.

I have added the new things to my website I posted last week, so they are ready to go to a new home and I added the instructions and picture of the crocheted bedspread you can create yourself under

'Free Embroidery and Other Sewing Patterns' Here on my website too.

With it so cold outside Cincy has a few things to do inside.............................................................
There is Krohn Conservatory
Where you can visit the desert, the rainforest, or a tropical getaway...all in the same day....................................................

You could also come over to Entertrainment and walk through an awesome display of train vignettes........

The displays start at the beginning of the Train era

That is a real river running throughout the whole building which leads to water falls

This is a separate room of season train layouts...couldn't leave out a wintry blast

The buildings are all created with exacting details..I love them as mini dollhouses.

And, I couldn't leave out the 1940's Woolworth building they created. They were working on modern train city, so no pix of that yet.

This place is great for all ages..male or female.....they change the displays every so often, but every time you go you see something you missed. There is a room where the train creators work as you watch......a cafe,....rooms to rent for parties......special event and display auditorium......Hobby Shop for trains, dollhouses...even outside train gardens (during the summer).

Then there is the Museum Center...........................................................................

See the History of Cincinnati

Play in the Woods

or go in the Cave

and, you can't forget to check out ancient Ohio. There is so much more to see here it would take days to visit.....and it does.

Of course there is no way to forget the Antique Malls to browse......................................................

Ohio Valley Antique Mall

Grand Antique Mall

And these are just the two close to home. There are many more only a few more miles away.

Now, in Cincinnati the saying is...'If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes it'll change'.......Well, one day it began at 60 something, but by the next it was 13 with a wind chill of 0...80. On those days I like to sit with my flowers......................................................................................................................

Get out the seed catalogues........................................................................................

and dream of my gardens.....................................................................

or create them...........................................................................

These are just a few things to do in wintry Ohio. On Pink Saturday I think I'll snuggle up with some warm hot chocolate and visit all the pinkiluscious post and then on Monday visit Etsy Cottage Style for their
to dream of green.....colorful.....warm days.
On Wednesday I'll be at Sue's For Rednesday.................................................

to check out all the redhot vintage goodies.

Oh, and on wintry Ohio days I love to listen to old time radio shows while I embroider...'sew'.......I have placed a new radio show on the vintage..... just go to the vintage radio icon on the sidebar of my blog and click it. Remember the Cary Grant movie Topper, well this is the radio show version. Topper became a weekly show. 'Sew' sit back, relax, go back in time..8o)

Wintery Mix

2012-01-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

2012 has arrived at the Brown Gingham Cabin with a dusting of wintry white. Well, not as much as this pic shows, but enough. With the new year there are some new things..................................

For a different look I went to Scappin' Blogs and got a new overlay. Not winter white, but fresh. Stop by http://scrappinblogs.blogspot.com for a great selection.

I have my Playlist tuned to a wintry mix of instrumental and vintage tunes.......................

I have found a very pretty vintage pattern for a crisp white crocheted coverlet. You can find the instructions for free at my website HERE in a few days. Wouldn't it make a great pair of curtains too!

There are some new winter cottages on my blog HERE

Also, I will once again be hosting blog parties for Etsy Cottage Style at their Blogspot. Thanks Debbi, I so enjoy meeting everyone. Not only will there be Market Monday, which happens every first Monday of the month........take the sleigh right thru HERE to join the vendors or to browse the Virtual Flea Market for everything from supplies to OOAK creations......But I will adding a couple of new ones and expanding on one that was seasonal. Here's the schedule...................................................................
2nd Monday of the Month

This'll be a fun party with posts about vintage cookbooks, vintage food and culinary ads,

personal recipes, kitchen kitch, showcase kitchens, vintage appliances, anything relating to

the vintage kitchen.

What's Cookin' in the Cottage Kitchen is up and running. I hope you can join in the Blog Hop at www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com it's open to everyone. It is a week long Blog Hop so Bloggers come throughout the week. Can't waut to see you there!

3rd Monday of the Month

This party is for all the Gardeners and just plain Flower Lovers and it's the one we are expanding. These posts should showcase seasonal gardens...alright you lucky folks in warm climates, yours gardens are all season...... but also hand-made items, decor, collections, etc, all with floral motif

4th Monday of the Month

I love this party. It should include posts to showcase items you work on (sorry no selling sites allowed), your craft space, organization tips, tutorials, supply tips, anything that'll be inspiration, creative, and fun.

The ECS Blogspot is open to everyone, you do not have to be a member to Etsy Cottage Style to link into the party, but if you'd like more info you can ask me or go to www.etsycottagestyle.ning.com to see it all.

I have also added a new link on my sidebar...................................................
When you press the radio icon on the sidebar it links you to an episode of an old radio show. Adventures of Maisie.....Blondie.........Suspenese.......just oodles of shows I find at RadioLovers.com. and Playlist. Both are wonderful audio libraries of vintage delights to share with my blog pals. Oh you don't have to shut off my Playlist of music, it automatically goes away to hear the show.

I will also have some new creations for 2012 that'll be available on my website brownginghamcreations.com
as I can. Like this...................................................................................

and this.........

a little of those.....and......

more of these.

Oh, and this too...........................

Well that's it for now. I'm so glad you stopped by today and hope you can look around a little at the new additions to my blog. I hope you enjoy them and come back often, I love when you come and sit a spell. And, don't forget to go to my Weekly Blog Parties page to join in all the fun.

2012

2012-01-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy, Blessed, and Prosperous 2012!

Just saw the 2012 movie on Dish......phew......what a ride.

It also got me to thinking. Ya know all those who point to past civilizations that have calenders that stop at 2012? Well, did they ever think that the poor guy forced to do these calenders all his life may have gotten reeeealy tired of the mind numbing math.....come on don't you get a headache doing the checkbook? Plus he probably figured if future peoples couldn't do the math, they deserved a good scare.

It's Christmas Week! The New Year is Around the Corner

2011-12-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

Wait for me!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

Holy Cremoly, Where has November one? For pete's sake where did the warm sun go...the colorful leaves.....it was all here a couple of weeks ago! Sigh. Things have been so hectic here. I feel like I'm just bouncing along behind. I didn't even get to post for Thanksgiving. I apologize for not getting my usual Thanks. cards out to all. This is the first year I missed. I think I've mentioned this before, but our phone co. has some bad lines in our area. They are threadbear for lack of a better term and moldy...we live in a woods, but in a suburb of Cincinnati..not the country!!!....they give it temp fixes...I think they ducktape em for pete's sake...then when it rains and rains and rains and rains even more...the connection goes wonky and I'm offline! ERGgggg. It must be nice to be a monopoly.
Anyway, on a brighter note, Christmas lights, Snowmen, Santa, and Elves went up on Saturday. Now it's time to get the porch and inside decorations out. This year it'll be a slow process. Jim surprized me with an early B'day present.................................

since he knows I take pics of tabletops and porch decor he set this up on the porch. I haven't been able to get a pic at home so this isn't our porch, I got the pic off Walmart's site. I had been looking at a table and chair set like this for months. It's bronzetone with folding chairs in brown with candy stripes in red, springy green, and blue that match the two retro looking metal chairs I have. When I saw it I was so excited then the price tag flashed in my head from the store. It must've shown cause Jim quickly told me he got the table for $40 in one box with two chairs...the others were bent. The Garden Mgr. told him he had 2 extra matching chairs in another box that had a cracked glassstop, so they sold him those for $5 each...$200 set for $50! He even found a $5 vinyl tablecloth in country red, green, and cream in holiday motif complete with some snowmen! Gotta love a thrifty guy! When I get to finish it I'll post a complete pic.
I'm gonna be working on some new decorations for the porch Snowman tree.

I found some cute vintage images at Imagimeri's................................................

On Saturday Jim took me to lunch at the Cafe in the Oh Valley Ant. Mall and look what I found....................

It's the Dec 1972 issue! There are a lot of groovy things I remember inside this paper time capsule. I'll show some pages in later posts, but the one page that jumped out was this....................................................................

This 8 volume set of themed cookbooks by BHG. Look what I have....I know I've showed these before........

Over the past couple of years I have searched for this collection and now I have all 8! I wondered how many came in the set. In 1973 the books changed in look.....................................................................................

They are still great cookbooks, but slightly larger, with a dull finish on the cover, the paper used feels different, and the pics are nice, but not quite the same somehow. I'm happy to know I have the complete set. Now I guess I'll look for the ones in the early 70's. Past '75 they look way too modern. Can't help it I just love vintage!!
^^^^^^*******^^^^^^^**********^^^^^^******^^^^^^********^^^^^************^^^^^^
I thought since it is Pink Saturday I'd Incluse some of my Fav Christmas things.....................

Christmas table setting atmy parents house

Christmas table display at the Flower Shop

Vintage inspired holiday Angelic Inspiration

A vintage reflector for light strand on tree

Vintage glass bell and plastic whirlygig ornies

Vintage pink glass ball with covered bridge and snow scene

Vintage tall lidded cloche filled with vintage garland beads and vintage balls

Vintage holiday panorama book seen at the Tafts Museum Antigue Christmas

Vintage holiday diorama also taken at the Taft.

Hope you're tickled pink this weekend!!! Or at least red and green!

Don't forget to go to my Weekly Blog Parties at the top of the page and check out all the fun parties I link to!

It's Party Time!

2011-10-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

......over at the Esty Cottage Style Blog!

This months color is Aqua. The party lasts all week, so I cna't wait to see everyonestrue color! I love the shade of aqua or it used to be called blue green in the crayon box. I think if pine trees on the mountainside.....a pair of flipflops I had in the 60's with a big flower on em with different shades of aqua....a 60's coffee pot I have with gold and aqua diamonds on it.... ya know there are a lot of different hues and shades in this color family...................................................

Here is a vintage set of Melemine dishes I found for sale on Ebay.

We have this 1950/60 aqua and black pottery bowl for sale at our flower shop.

This is the center picture on one of 4 English aluminum plates in my collections and it's filled with shades of aqua.

This is a pillow I created using a 1950's hankie, 1960's tourquoise cotton fabric and rickrack, accented by a 1960's enamalware pin.

My autumn throw I use on my kitchen porch glider has a lot of different shades of aqua.

These next 2 pictures show a variety of blue greens in 1950's magazine showing fabrics.

This tin is from the 1960's and filled with embroidery and threads from my Grandma.

And, this is another 1950-60 vintage dishtowel I beaded and hand-embroidered to create a pillow.

Wow, I didn't realize I had so much aqua on hand. Well...I do love the shades of greens. Here are a few more aquas........................................

Feel free to copy and use these for your own paper crafts! Well, I think I go and see the other guests at the party. If you'd like to join me we'll go thru HERE

New Digital Software...more to come later!

2011-10-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Update: 10/16/11

This past weekend we got to go for a little ride to Ky and ended up at the Florence Antique Mall. Alas, we didn't find anything we had to have, but I did spy this cute booth that made me smile.........

Just full of red and white goodies. And, we did see the most interesting folks in other booths............

There were frightfully fun to visit with. Then on Sunday afternoon we stopped at a nieghbor who was having

an Estate Sale where I found all this vintage booty........

Of course I found some vintage embroidery and a toaster cover that'll make great appliques, as well as these hand-tatted doilies. Naturally I couldn't pass on a few vintage cookbooks. This one from the State of Maine, Potato Cookbook, is my favorite. It's from the late 40 early 50's, but what is really cool is I think it may have been the inspiration for my neighbors kitchen/family room when they built the home in the 50's...at least it sure looks like this.

I found a pack of found an old pack of dressmakers transfer paper...wasn't gonna show the pic, but what I noticed was the price tag when I got home. It's from an old department store called Arlan's here in Cincy. It was slightly more upscale than Woolworth's, but it was a visit made at least once a week when at my Grandma's. Sadly, it closed in 1969-70.

The tablecloth is the one I got from Cindy Adkins, but the large checked napkin (3) is a find and I'm gonna make a little runner I think of the 3. Mrs. Butterworth never looked so good. My Nieghbor loved to paint...er...dress her in country cookin finery. And, yes another Cookbook!

I was so happy to find that sweet little rose planter in the basement and find it's mark......

I also, found this little transferware saucer with its
mark.....................

We also purchased a vintage hand-plow our Nieghbor let my Dad borrow when we put in our first veggie garden in '77 when we first moved in. The wood is a little weathers, it's missing a handle end and has a wonderful rusted patina on the plow attatchments now, but it'll look great as a garden ornie. There is also a vintage mirror Jim found in the basement from the 30-40's, but it needs some work before it makes a pic debut. Wonder what the cost of all this vintage goodness was?........$16.00

The past weekend was a good one. Think next weekend will be a clean the yard one since it's supposed to be nice. Don't forget to read on about some software I won and the digi art I created. Oh, and rememb er to visit all the blog parties too!

See I'm Back. Sorry for the blog interruption, but I had to check out this new software. I am soooo excited.

A week or two ago I entered a giveaway, sponsored by My Memories over at

Daniella Hayes' blog ...................................

'Daniella Hayes....Layers of Creativity. and, boy is it ever chocked full of creativity. If you haven't stopped by check her out here...........

Well, seems I was the lucky recipient of her giveaway which was a digital software package called,

'My Memories Suite'. Now you all have heard and some have personally seen how digitally impaired I am...

no snickering or giggles......but after going over the software for two days...OMG it is ~~SUITE.~~ ...er...SWEET!

And, the My Memories site it wonderful. Filled with inspiration, kits, ideas.....oh you have got to visit them.

Here, after you see what I did below..relatively quickly....go to

Alright. You've already seen my first digi design in the ad for my Etsy Shop, Apronation. remember these are my first practice designs, sooooooo...............

This is form of art is definately outta the box for me, but it is awesome!

Dont' forget to join all my Blogpals at my Weekly Blog Parties HERE to see other artworks, vintage finds,

and meet some really fun folks!

Oh Happy Day!!

2011-10-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! It is a RED Letter Day! I found a wonderful book, The Kitchen Linens Book, by EllynAnne Geisel from her blog, Apron Memories. You can find her HERE She collects and writes about all kinds of vintage textiles...especially aprons.And, is the leader and inspiration for Tie One One Campaign. A few weeks ago I found her book, The Apron Book, at JoAnn's and inside it was filled with all kinds of ooooh and ahhhs vintage aprons. There are half-aprons, full aprons, work aprons, fancy aprons, even a distinctive South of the border apron , but one in particular caught my eye. A vintage 1940-50 plastic apron. My Mom had a child-sized that I remember in her collection..she used em all the time, but they are a collection now. I said to myself...'someday I'm gonna find one of those'...and closed the book. Well, last weekend we went to the Antique Mall...LOL...it has been sooooo long I was having withdrawl.....anyhoo, Mom and Dad were with us and they found this cute little number....................................................................................

Isn't it just tooo retro?! And, yes, it is plastic! I was doin the 'Happy Dance' in the aisle.

Here are some close-ups of the detail...........

The pocket hangs from the waistband. I love the little white flowers and leaves

that are on the plastic material.

This is the red rose under the pocket and

this bouquet of mixed flowers is on the other side.

More of the little white flowers are on the waistband and apronstrings.

Pink plastic ruffles frame the apron at the hem which accentuates those little white flowers

that create a border along the hem too. Can you believe it was only $8! I really didn't look to close at the detail of the apron til I got home..hehe...I saw no stains, so home with me it came 8o)

Sorry this will not be available on any of my websites this one goes into my personal collection. I just couldn't not share the pics. Ya know this is also gettin me to thinkin. I said I'd find a plastic apron......well I've been sayin, Today I'm gonna win the Lottery...sigh....how come nobody up there listens when I say that!

Don't forget to visit..........................................

Rednesday Wednesday

Market Monday

Vintage Thingy Thursday

Thrifty Things Friday

Pink Saturday

Happy Fall Y'all

2011-09-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year. Not too cold...not too hot......sweater weather....new leather shoes weather........the light takes on a life of it's own. Even if it's cloudy, the sunshine absorbed by the tree leaves blaze in a brilliant fire of warm color. Browns, Greens, Brugandys, Golds, Purples, Blues, Aquas. I have to admit it......red is great.....pinks are fine........but colors of Fall are what I always gravitate to for decor and fashion. From my logo I guess you can surmise my first choice of colors are.......browns and greens. What can I say, I am a child of the 60's.....Harvest Brown and Harvest Green appliances...yes, my bedroom today, has walls of Harvest Gold. Historically the bold, muted tones of fall were used during American Victorian and Colonial times. I Love this site ...Color Wikia...that shows all the wonderful shades and hues of brown (and other colors too)..click Here to see all the autumnul browns.......and it ain't just chocolate or dirt either. LOL
Here are some of my fav Brown things...........

My brown gingham tablecloth I was surprized with this Summer by my Blogpal Cindy at Whimsicle Musings

My Farmhouse table we recieved as a wedding present....It's Cherry and Hunter Green

These are just some of the browns...and greens.....on my front porch

Log cabins with fireplaces

Tennessee Woods

Our BrownGingham Cabin

Chestnut Appaloosas

My Rhineatone Brooch

Chocolate Pearls

Amber Diamonds.....what can I say I love color diamonds more than the plain.

But, alas, can't afford either. Sworovski is just as pretty.

My canopy for craft shows

And, my vintage 60's sewing box in red and browns

the perfect color combo!

Here are some of the designs I created using Autumnal inspirations........................

A hand-painted vintage hankie with Sworvski Crystals.

Pillow design available

The Chocolate Angel

Angeloc Inspiration

Hand-embroidered hankie accenting a tote

Brown Bag

Grandma's Kitchen Apron

Apronation

A tisket A tasket

Bolster pillow

Hand-painted design on a two-tier table

Flourishes and Broadstrokes

Well, that's all for now. Hope you enjoyed browsing. Be sure to stop by Etsy Cottage Style Here for thier Cottage Color Party and all my weekly Links listed at the top of the page!

Where were you?

2011-09-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

That's a question that is always asked when someone starts a conversation about 9/11. When beginning a conversation about JFK someone inevitable says...I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the news came to me. And, likewise when Pres. Roosevelt came on the radio with his Dec 7th Pearl Harbor speech My Grandpa could say the same. There are times etched in our collective memories that wil never be forgotten.
As we all watched in disblief we can all..even school children...answer that question in a heartbeat

I was at the Flower Shop processing fresh flowers to start deliveries. I had the tv on the Today Show and the segment was interrupted, I instantly called Jim at work......they had it on the auto dealer's tv's and radios..

worked had halted....and then I called my parents. They came in just after the second tower was hit.

Dad, an ex-Marine and Construction worker......sadly knew what was to follow....airplane fuel burns hotter.
As the buildings imploded', as a nation you could hear the collective screams in our heads.... we couldn't utter because we were holding our breaths.....and most of us weren't standing anymore we had somehow found ourselved sitting. The image that is etched in my memory of that day in New York was the faces, ghostly images emerging from the smoky cloud......the pictures of thousands walking/running away from the surreal scene. No cars....and, how strangers came to each others aid...I always remember how everyone says New Yorker's never know each other....If one thing came thru this day when we as a people need help we are not strangers. As the day went on we heard of the Pentagon...................................

our hearts sank....is this a nightmare....terror attacks on American soil...unthinkable. Then another broadcast.......another jolt...

a flight from a Newark jet bound for San Francisco was down in a Pa. field ....folks began calling in to newscasts with stories of loved ones contacting them from the plane prior to the crash....they had fought back after learning of the other terror attacks....this time there was a collective cheer.
We were not going to take this sitting down, the Nation would rally, Flight 93 was the example of what Americans do..we do not cringe and wring our hands. Those first responders of New York and everyday people were an example of what Americans do.....even tho terrified in the face of danger we 'Git Er Done'.
Those at the Pentagon inspired us with their calm and resolve to continue at thier posts.
I hope you can listen to the musical tribute I have along with the pictorial.When I heard of Flight 93 the first thought that came to my mind was the Charlie Daniels Band song.......In America......one verse that came to me was.....'We may have done some fightin amongst ourselves, but you outside people best leave us alone. Cause we'll all stick together...Just lay your hands on a Pittsburg Steelers fan and I think you're gonna understand'....I have this song in the background on my Playlist. That's a shortened version, but I think those folk on 93 were chanelling the spirit. It was written back in the 70's, but I think so appropo. I of course have the Fanfare to the Common Man to remember the Towers and the American Soldier along with all the military theme songs. for the Pentagon. Couldn't do a playlist without God Bless the USA and Courtesy of the Red, Whtie, and Blue. The final songs.....I'm Already There and Amazing Grace goes with the final photo below and is dedicated to those who lost there lives on that fateful day and our Military, those fighting now and lost since 9/11. I usually add a lot more patriotic songs, but for this week I just wanted to add songs I thought commorated 9/11.

This final photo reminded me of Pslam 35...............................

Psalm 35

Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me,
“I am your salvation.” May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, may ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing. Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.” LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord.
Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Vindicate me in your righteousness, LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me. Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. May those who delight in my vindication
shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

We must never forget...we will always remember.

I'm joining everyone at Pink Saturday here. Hope you can visit us all!

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody!

2011-08-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a little busy here. First I've had several Blogpals let me know my e-mail is not working, soooooo, after a lot of back and forth and getting no where I have changed my e-mail address. The new e-mail is,
brownginghamcreations@fuse.net Please be sure to add it to your address book.
The Southern Belle Summer Garden Pillow is complete. The original embroidered creation became a wall hanging for a new Baby Girl, so this is the pillow edition. it is availalbe at my Shoppe.

Southernbelle measures 18 x 18. Remember this is the first in the Four Season Collection and can be recreated as a custom creation in your color selection. To see how this Summer Southernbelle bloomed go
Here and Here

I have also been stitching away and adding some things to my websites.

I found a wonderful vintage find a while back....this autumn vintage apron was a stamped for embroidery piece using sheer yellow fabric with fall atumn color leaves to embroider.

I even located a vintage doily to use for the pocket of the apron in coordinating colors.

Here is a closeup of embroidered leaves. I left some plain to show the original stamping and make the leaves that are embroidered, pop.

Of course the apron comes with a vintage cookbook tucked into the pocket.

Then I found another stamped for embroidery peice..........................................

A lovely card table or table topper. It's from the 1950's, in a wonderful pale orange cloth with a darker orange shade accent square. It is surrounded by beautiful hand-tatted edging in cream and the palest yellow. The stitcher had started the peice and I have finished it.

And this is my newest Brown Bag..........................................................................

I took a canvas bag and embellished with a vintage 1940 hand-tatted lacy square to create a pocket

I then added a 1960's plaid square and with a colonial motif diamond taken from a vintage1960 curtain panel that I hand-embroidered.. Button stacks to create flowers were added and a charm that says, 'Serenity'

These will all be found Brown Gingham Shoppe soon.
Oh, and don't forget to stop by the shoppe site to check out the Free Patterns available for sewing or painted projects too....and I added a little more Vintage Inspirations.....................................

This is a sample of the vintage haberdashery (hats) for ladies available on this inspiration page from an old advertisment.

And, the BGC Gallery is now open. It shows past creations that were sold. I also use them for custom orders. If someone sees a past creation it can be an inspiration for a different creation all together.

Ever wonder about all those vintage textiles you see in Blogland or at the Anitque Mall? Wonder what the difference betweeen Calico and Mackadoo fabrics? Or, do you know the difference between a Turkey-Work Carpet or Needlework Rug? Well, visit my Vintage Textile Library for the answer.
Please visit http://www.brownginghamcreations.com/ to see what's new!

Hope you all weathered the storm okay. Irene breezed thru here yesterday and took all the humidity away she could find. Seems the dog days of Summer followed her too.....yippee!!
Don't forget to visit Susan over at It's a Very Cherry World.....Wednesday is Rednesday. It just brightens the day to see all the red hot vintage finds. I know I don't have much red today, but orange is a shade of red 8o)

Welcome to the New Brown Gingham!

2011-08-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

I'm glad it's premeire week for my new sites!
I'm tickled pink to debut my new Blogger and Website on Pink Saturday!
Woohoo it'll be a red letter day! It's Rednesday Wednesday at Sue's It's a Very World
Holy Cow It's Thursday already! It's time to do a little traveling over at Brambleberry Cottage and to see some vintage thingys at Colorado Lady's and Friday theres more vintage things to see over at the Thrifty Groove. See the Weekly Blog Parties page at the top. Can't wait to see you!
Sorry I've been gone sooooo long and thanks to those who've e-mailed to make sure everything was alright. Yes everything is fine. I just decided it was time to redo Brown Gingham here in Blogland. It was creativity Under Construction., actually to combine all my sites under http://www.brownginghamcreations.com/

I've added new music to all the pages, added new pages to the blog, and added a whole New website, but it's still filled with favorite vintage things........and I did all by myself!!! Yes, the computer disfunctional.....and believe it or not it was relatively easy...time consuming, but worth it in the end result. At least I hope you think so too.

Here at the Brown Gingham Cabin we'll be able to really sit and visit.

There are more pages on the Blog......E-zines that will be added too frequently........Apronation, a small Etsy site tied to Brown Gingham by apron strings, that is my vintage inspired apron collection that is all one of a kind and usually come with a vintage cookbook......Brown Gingham Exclusives at Etsy is another Etsy site that I have with special price creations.........Blog Party is the page of fun. It contains links to sites that really know how to party.......Links are to sites that have great info sites........Tablescapes is a pictorial collection of all my table designs.....and I Love Cabins and Cottages is a pictorial collection of buildings and places I'd love to visit. I have some other ideas to add to my Blog in the future to keep it fresh.
Now I'm really excited to debut my Btown Gingham Creaations Shoppe.........................

Just click this picture and follow the path to my embroidery world.

.You can visit my 'Design Room' to see how my creations come to life. Of course there's 2 more links to Apronation and BG Exclusives at Etsy and there are many new designs I'll be adding in the coming weeks.The new Brown Gingham Shoppe is open with new creations and more to come There is Angelic Inspirations (vintage inspired angel), which includes Angelic Lights (nightlights) , and Angelic Music (music boxes). Brown Bags (totes and purses), PillowTalk (vintage inspired pillow), Table Linens, and still with creativity under construction......Flourishes and Broadstrokes (hand-painted home accents) and Home Decor (wall accents and more) and BGC Sandwich Glass (servingware with a fabric twist) There is a special Custom Order page, which I love to do...the picture I used...............

was for a lady who brought me the vintage lirish linen handkerchief. She asked if I could embroider her new Granddaughters name on it so that it could be placed in a large shadowbox with other vintage irish items. It was so fragile I was afraid it would shred, so I created a medallian using a newer peice of Irish linen and hand-tatted rirckrack from another project I did and embroidered the name in matching green of the Shamrocks. It worked beautifully. Be sure to check my ideas on that page. Then come some fun pages. I have 2 libraries.......an Emboidery Library filled with vintage and classicv embroidery and sewing stitches and the other is a favorite, the Antique Textile Library, which contains information about everything you ever wanted to know about textiles. There is a BGC Gallery still under coming, which will showcase items previously sold such as this.................................

and this.................................

and that.

As a thank you for visiting I hope you visit the Free Embroidery and Other Sewing Patterns. It will be filled with new and vintage patterns sure to sure to please the beginner and expert sewing enthusiast. Well,
I'll be quiet now and let you browse.
I hope you enjoy your visit to BrownGinghamCreations.com both at the Blog and the website...and be sure to let me know what you think
Oh..and don't forget to stop by Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for Pink Saturday.....her link is in the Weekly Blog Parties.!

Creativity in progress

2011-07-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Pardon my dust and the absence, but as you can see I've made a few changes to the blog and there are some surprizes to come.
Also, I will be unveiling my new
Brown Gingham Creation Shoppe.
If you stop by I'll answer e-mails and comments as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience.

Summer is in Full Bloom !

2011-07-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXUPDATEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

New Email Address

brownginghamcreations@fuse.net

Please copy and past in your address book to relpace the old one

Coming Soon

Keep an eye out for a new website for Brown Gingham Creations

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Now, on with seeing Summer's bloomers!

To complete Summer's garden I added applique daisies, silver and rhinestone daisies, beads were added to the centers of the ZInnia and Daffodil. Sworovski crystal centers were added to the lavender Asters.

Applique daisies were added to her bodice and in her hair is a Sworovski crystal tiara with a single applique daisy. Summer's floral fashion seems ro be a breath of fresh air. She'll make a wonderful pillowtop for my Summertime pillow..the first in a 4 pillow set....she will be available for sale. Now my Brown Gingham Creations are OOAK designs. If you'd like to place an order, please remember, I use vintage textiles so the background will be different, but Summer can be done on the same colors or done as a custom design. To reach me e-mail me at brownginghamcreations@fuse.net

Since we're thinking gardens I found a great vintage tablerunner. It was an unfinished stamped embroidery peice..........................................................................

I love how the pattern has a colorwash as well as embroidery stitches.

This is the closeup os the wishing well.

When on a table the runner is 36"

I love the little red accents that surround the edges. 'The Old Wishing Well' is available for $29.99. If you'd like to order please contact me at brownginghamcreations@fuse.net Also, it you'd like to see more creations visit my Shoppes at http://www.brownginghamcreations.com/
                              http://www.apronation.etsy.com/
                              http://www.brownginghamcreation.etsy.com/
Remember to stop by todays Blog get-togethers
Pink Saturday
Vintage Love Market
Vintage Thingy Thurday
Vintage Thingy Friday

Summer Is Bloomin !

2011-07-08T21:44:00.000-07:00

A little update on Summer.

As you remember I saved Summer and her friends

from the Happy Recycler. The fiend had several vintage embroidery transfer packets and magazines all bundled for the compactor when I swooped in and scooped them up. Hey, I'm all for recycling, but be sure what little time capsules and snippets of history you're getting rid of . Well, we all got home safe and sound.

Summer has found a wonderful new space on this vintage hand-tatted edged pink linen hankie.

Since last weeks post Summer has bloomed !

She's pretty in pink

and is no shrinking violet with her floral best.

Her skirt is is a riot of colors and varieties......Left to Right.......yellow Daffodil, blue Delphinium, red Rose,
green and yellow Colombine, blue Bachelor Button, Orange Zinnia. Little lavender Asters, Fern Fronds, and Leaves fill out the 'Garden Party Dress' .
Here are some close-ups of my hand-embroidered fashion statement for Summer.

Wow, since taking Summer out of her paper wrappings.......she has really blossomed..... into a pretty little thing.
Ahhh, but wait,,,,,,,, Summer still has some surprises to show you.
Remember, Summer is the first in my newest 4 Season Pillow Creations. She will be available for sale on my website and blog. Custom orders are always welcome too.

Don't forget to stop by these fun Blog Parties...............................
Pink Saturday
Southern Lady Vintage Love Market
Rednesday Wednesday
Vintage Thingy Thursday
Thrifty Things Friday

Red, White, and Blue With a Re-do Too!

2011-07-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a beautiful Lady named Liberty, who lived near a port. She loved to welcome all the newcomers to her shores. One day Liberty met a very handsome man named Sam. She learned quickly that he was very patriotic, believed in equality and justice for all, and had fallen head over heels for Liberty. It was a whirlwind romance and the two knew they were destined to become one. They lived an idyllic life and one day Liberty and Sam found they were to blessed with a Little Miss they named America and thier bliss was complete..
May we introduce Miss America..........................................

This isn't the real Miss America, but a Brown Gingham Creation Angelic Inspiration tribute to her.
I found a 1940's patriotic doll who needed some TLC. Her hand-crocheted dress and hat needed a few 'alterations' ( she is 70 ya know, so , sometimes we are all in need of a little nip and tuck here and there.) There are sequin stars stitched to the dress too, but the pic couldn't catch them. Her wings are a 1940's doily, and she waves her new flag proudly. She never goes anywhere without her favorite book by Guest,
Poems of Patriotism dated 1941. This vintage inspired tribute is available for your collection at $29.99 just leave a comment.

Just a little update on my Summertime Pillow.......
I started with this........................................

and this......................................................

put the two together, add some satin, lazy daisy, straight, and chain sritches, it begins to look like this........

I told ya it was a little update.
Don't forget to stop by Pink Saturday

Re-do, Re-create, Re-purpose

2011-06-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Maybe it was the Depression Era Grandparents........maybe a Mom who could a take little bit of this and that and make a wonderfully decorated home on a budget.......or maybe it was the because in our family things were passed on from Mother to Daughter, Father to Son.....but, I have always figured things could be redone, recreated, or repurposed. I suppose that's why I love the vintage hunt. finding something that most would throw away and finding it's new lease on life.

I don't have a before pic of this wooden ladderback chair, but it was in horrid condition. With some nails, wood putty, a coat of Vanilla paint, some hand-painted rose garlands, and a victorian inspired lace, satin ribbon with satin rosettes accented pillow, this old chair has new life.

Discarded dinner plates become hand-painted wall art, or, place a clear plate over it and it can become a serving dish for cookies.

A vintage 1940's hat and coordinating hankie, hand-embroidered, await to become a music box base and a dress for an Angelic Music Box creation

With the help of a vintage apron pattern, a....................................................

vintage 1940's hydrangea doily and new coordinating calico............................

will become a stylish apron.

A chipped souvenir plate becomes a floral wall hanging.

A 1940-50's rose motif tablecloth that was stained and threadbare. With some quick stitching and paper doll cutting expertise, I created pocket appliques for this vintage apron.

A discarded, rusty, and albeit holey water pump becomes a garden water feature.....

okay , I couldn't figure a way to incorporate a vintage textile in this one, but I do find uses for anything discarded into the garden. I have a 1950's Tappen stove sitting out back covered over.....LOL..to my husband's disbelieving looks....it will be a potting/serving buffet table on our kitchen deck when we get it finished...hey it was free... and I'm on the lookout for a vintage ringer washer to fill with geraniums by two trees that'll make the perfect holders for a good old fashioned clothesline.

And, newly found vintage transfers..................................................

.......or vintage ephemera used as transfers........................................................

can become new Brown Gingham Creations like this....................

A vintage Southern Belle embroidery transfer will be added to............

this vintage hand-tatted edged hankie

to be the beginning of my newest Brown Gingham Creation pillow, Summertime..

I thought I'd do some different posts this time showing progress of one of my creations using vintage finds.

Summertime will be the first of a four pillow series of the season's.

Don't forget Saturday is Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

Southern Lady's Vintage Love Market

Wednesday is Rednesday at It's a Very Cherry World

Vintage Thingy Thursday at Coloradolady

Scattered pictures.................

2011-06-11T04:37:00.000-07:00

All my life I have been drawn to art and have been surrounded by Artworks...not the fancyshmansy big name Artists of museum fame. but the down to earth bucolic landscapes, the renditions of everyday life, the portraiture of unknown people,but that touch a cord...usually with an undiscernable signature. My first contact with artwork came at the Grocery Store...don't laugh....I was all of maybe 5, but I remember Mom would do the shopping, pay, and then choose a wonderful 'painting'...ok..ok..it was a lithograph..not oil, but to me they were a priceless treasure... and this happened every week! Well of course it ended, to my disappointment, but it was replaced by yet another..shop, pay, choose a treasure event...but that is for another post. Today I thought I'd take you down my memory lane..so to speak.

These are just a couple of the landscapes to choose from

June Day by Brightwell

I can't make out the signature on this one, nor is there a title

There were also cityscapes of far away places and ships sailing to distant shores.

There were animal paintings, clowns, still lifes, and portraits........some of unknown origin as seen below......others more renowned such as Washington Crossing the Delaware and the Signing of the Constitution..

Pink Girl, who went with Blue Boy, but he didn't figure into my room.

This picture came wuth the ornate plastic frame.........Mother and Daughter

Now the next pictures are older than the ones above. The next 2 pictures are favorite Cottages.......I always wished I could visit in these places.....................

This picture is much earlier than the 60's, maybe from the 40's.

I really wished I was the girl feeding the duck....hehe.

This Guardian Angel print was purchased by my Mom when she first married from Woolworth. It is in it's original metal frame and still hangs in their bedroom. As a child it hung in my room to ward off closet monsters and the Boogeyman....hey....it worked wonders!

This picture was the basis of my whole bedroom in the early to mid 60's.....Swan Lake and ballet. Sears had the whole Swan Lake bed set....canopy,,,,,bedspread.....pillow shams.....I had lavender walls and pale pink accents......heaven.

Here is my latest art acquisition from a local Antique Mall just a few weeks ago. It's another vintage 12x24 lithograph in it's original goldtone metal frame. As soon as I saw it....it made me smile. For a whole $2 I happily carried it home. I immediately took it my parents house to show them my great find. It made my Mom smile too......you see this picture hung over the living room sofa in thier apartment in California where I was born. At 3 months old Mom would lay me down and i'd look up at that picture and just smile. Well, this will hang over my dresser mirror so when I open my eyes each morning it'll be the first thing I see.
Isn't it funny how art plays an integural part in our life and we don't even realize it?

Today I'm linking to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for her Pink Saturday get-together
Don't forget to stop by and visit all the other pink pretties.
And on Wednesday I'm heading over to Sue at It's a Very Cherry World for Rednesday Wednesday for all the Summer hot reds!

Think I'll Put................................

2011-06-03T23:24:00.000-07:00

....................................a little 'light' on the subject, that I love to talk about.........................................
Reusing, Redoing, Recreating vintage textiles and finds into special keepsakes for my Brown Gingham Creations. I have a whole line I've created called Angelic Lights. I find vintage dolls from the 1930's to the 50's, usually, that need some tlc and recreate them into charming nightlights.

This is Rosa She was a 1960's spun acrylic dresser lamp. Her skirt was created from a 1940's hand-tatted doily, as well as the hat and parasol embellishments, and a 1940's hankie I hand-embroidered. She found a home right away. Her two sisters................................................................................

Sunny and

Daisy, both created in vintage embellished textiles, Sunny's wings are created with vintage lace ribbon, while Daisy's a vintage quilted coaster. Both are ready to go to their new home. They are available at $49.99

This next Angelic Light is a votive...............................

Lovey is originally from the 1940's and she sports her original hand-crocheted slip that I used as pinafore over top of a 1930's hankie I hand-embroidered and embellished with brown Sworovski Crystals. The crystals also created her choker and she holds a copper charm that reads 'LOVE'. Her wings were created by repurposing a vintage net and velvet flower hat. She sits atop a vintage Amber glass lamp shade which covers a battery powered candlelite votive. She too has found a loving home.

My favorite Angelic Light is ..................................

'Lacey Rose' as I've named her. I found her and her Sisters (1952 little ladies) in a cold glass display care without a stitch on and bald! I knew immediately I had to bring them home and help them. Now Lacey was given flowing long black tresses. Her dress (the lampshade) was created using tulle, black lace edging, hand-painted pink rose and tulle rick-rack, a 1940's hankie I hand-embroidered, and a hand-tatted vintage doily.

The wings are a Battenberg lace heart. Her crown and garland she holds is the same rick-rack. I placed a candle lamp into a vase as the 'votive' holder, which is surrounded by an Ivy wreath I accented with matching paper and porelain roses.Sh is actually 3 peices. Lacey Rose is also available for $69.99

I so enjoy creating these 'flights of fancy', each has her own personality when finished. And I do love the fun of finding all the vintage components that create my Angelic Lights.

Don't forget to join me on a visit to Beverly's Pink Saturday

Souther. Lady's Vintage Vintage Love Saturday

And Etsy Cottage Style Blogspot on Monday for Market Monday

We interrupt this girlie blog...................................

2011-05-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

..........................for a vintage Carguy. I must admit I have a great Carguy. Yes, he's 'vintage', but he loves vintage finds too.

When we go antiqueing or flea marketing it's hilarious to see this guy carrying a rusty gas can in one hand and frilly lace hankies and an apron in the other to ask if I noticed these a booth back. Now ladies, let's admit it

Our guys stuff just does not go with our interior scheme of things...that is why Man Caves on DIY is soooo

popular. I am relieved to realize, and feeling not so guilty, it's not just me being selfish.

My Carguy has been in the auto industry since birth. Today he's an ASE Chrysler Master Tech. He has all kinds of old car stuff, awards, model cars...some of which do go in our T.V. room with other vintage toys....

but the majority just does not go upstairs in the main living area...sigh.....Well this Summer we're gonna give him his own space. He recieved this great canopy tent last Fall..........................

It fit perfectly at the double doors off the basement next to the driveway, garage, and parking area.... it smells so good right there due to that huge plant of Bittersweet and these old timey vines of Honeysuckle.......

in the back. It's a nice wooded view, but.........................................................................................

actually there are houses all around us, but in our hollow here, it's pretty quiet. Now a freind gave us some office chairs last week that work quite well with this Carguy's area.........

They are chrome, a golden yellow vinyl, and wood I realized to my delight they match the color on my Scotch Plaid collection! This one used as a little side table has rusted a little at the bottom, but the grass hides that and as you can see it holds pop cans nicely ;0) A while back we found this little gem at the Antique Mall here in town..............................................................................................................

Don't look too close, you'll see a few nicks, dings, and a little water spot, but for $25 who could pass this up......a Coke cooler used at a ponykeg to hold it and pops with the whole Coca-Cola racing team from the 90's...Um....if you won't be able to tell the Earnhart/Nascar /Chrysler theme is Jim's passion......and hanging above is a Christmas present Mom and Dad gave Jim.......................................

What would a Carguy space be without a little grill area..........................................

Put it all together and it's beginning look a lot like a Carguy's haven...................................

It's a simple start, but on the other side of this pic is the garage....yippee.....we're gonna clean it out....er......
start redecorating it with old car stuff!! He has his own peices ready to go, like this...............................

old Chrysler..should be clock....with the evolution of it's parts division, Mopar, logo. And when the guys come by for lunch on a work day....we live close to the dealership.....he even has his own tableware.......

Remember, this is just the beginning, so we'll be posting as the Summer goes with my Carguy's progress. I thought he had a good start, hope your Guy can get some inspiration...believe me I am sooooo surprized

my Carguy is excited about this decorating..it won't be fancy, but it'll be his.

Don't forget to visit everyone over at It's a Very Cherry World for Rednesday Wednesday

thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com

coloradolady.blogspot.com

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

Lest we forget...........................................................................

Iwo Jima WW2

USS Arizona, Hawaii WW2

Korean War Monument

Vietnam War Memorial Wall

The Gulf War

Sept. 11

Twin Towers

The field in Pennsylvania, and the Pentegon

Iraq and Afghanistan

Thank You to those who Defend our Freedoms does not seem enough.

What's Old is New

2011-05-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

Now while walking through a flea market or antique mall I expect my 'Vintometer' to go off in my head.....you now that giddy feeling...the aw moment...when you see something and your 'vintometer' goes off and you think I remember that....that was in whatsherface's house......Grandma loved that......well. while walking through Hancock and Joanne's Fabric, Home Good's and Hobby Lobby....even Wal-Mart recently my 'vintometer' went off. I was just out trying to get some inspiration, so upon my return home I began looking through some of my vintage magazines and guess what I realized.......MY 'vintometer' is pretty good.

1958 House Beautiful 1001 Color Schemes for your Spring Decorating

The fabric of our lives are back!! He He.

Isn't it too cool! All the pattern, color, texture, all original...today retro and look at this.....................

1958........or........2011 Hobby Lobby? The pic is from the 1958 mag pictured above. The I found these ads in a couple other 1950 magazines..................................

The blanket in this 1950's ad is very similar to one I saw at Wal-Mart a while back, but take a close look at that bed skirt......pink lace!!!

and, this 1950's reproduction Colonial bedroom suite looks very similar to one we saw at Ashley Furniture. Then while at Home Goods I like to go thru the pillow isle.........

The patterns and colors were very similar to these 1906 examples from this book.......

You ordered the stamped pillow, threads, etc, and embroidered it yourself.

Isn't it amazing how some think everything 'new' is so much better.....I'll say it again

Everything Old is New again!

I'll be linking to
Cottage Colors Party

Drink Anyone?

2011-05-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

The Cocktail Hour is back! Martha Stewart, Emeril, Bobby Flay....even Oprah...has dedicated episodes to this popular get-together. Cocktail Hours originated in the 1950's and continued into the mid-70's. Weekday cocktails began when Hubby arrived home from work and ended at dinnertime...usually 2 hours....and consisted of either Manhattan's (stirred) or Martini's (shaken). Saturdays tho were Cocktail Party time. Everyone had a special Cocktail Set........................................

Barware (courtesy Google search)

Kitchy Shakers.........(courtesy Google Search)

and My Fav, but only cause of what it's made out of...Aluminum..and it's mine!

There was also the Hors d' vours and foods synonimous with Cocktail hours

Cocktail Kabobs------Button Mushrooms and Cocktail Franks marinated in French Dressing

Canapes

Olives stuffed with pimento

Broiled Grapefruit

Potato chips with onion dip.....just to name a few.

The Cocktails included the Manhattan, Daiquiri, Whisky Sour, Tom Collins and others. I used my vintage BGH set of 12 specialty cookbooks for these, but you could go on the 'net and get a myriad of suggestions for vintage cocktail parties.

There were also those kitchy little extras........swizzle sticks, beanbag ashtrays, and cocktail napkins...like this one I found on the internet........................

In the 1950-60's who could forget some of the beautiful built-in bars in any Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra movies. The everyday folks I knew had these for their rumpus rooms, dens, or family rooms.....................

I found these retro bars on the internet and had to include them....
can't you just see Luvee and Mr. Howell with Gilligan as the Bartender?

Now this is the quintisential 40's Cocktail Bar.

And this pic is of a 1960's Cocktail Bar. Understated, modern, blends in with the decor of the room.

furniture peices were available in a wide variety of styles...modern, art deco, country, My parents had one that was definately an Early American./farm house feel from the early 70's.....it's a divider between kitchen and family room and it now displays vintage bottles, glassware, teapots, and cookbooks.

The Cocktail Hour had a dress code.....Dinner jacket for the host.....Suit or sport coat for the gentlemen.....and the ladies....................the Cocktail Dress...............(courtesy Google search).

I found these examples on the internet........ But we can't forget the Cocktail Jewelry

Rings, brooches, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Even men had Cocktail Pinky Rings.

And, the one all important accessory any Hostess had to wear was the............................................

Cocktail Apron.

They were fancy little numbers, usually made of taffetta

Like this one...........................

I had to do a little redo on this vintage taffata beauty, but the flocked and glittered floral pattern is all original. I also added a few vintage buttons for a bit more umph. This apron is a bit unusual....it is one size fits all. The aprons I find to recreate, redo, repurpose...well.....some....okay they don't quite tie all the way...women were petite back then....but this one fits.

Now this little Cocktail Hour Cutie is probably from the late 50's- early 60's. It's tropical floral accent to commorate the our 50th state..Hawaii....I just see the Tiki Bar poolside now...

It was in excellent condition when I found it, but I did have to do a little seam repair and of course add a little cocktail bling..........................

I added 4 little cocktail charms at both pockets.

You can click the pics to enlarge.

You can visit me at Apronation if you'd like add these to your collection...both are available for $19.99. If you'd prefer you can contact me at melody@brownginghamcreations.com to arrange aquiring them.

Sorry....seems blogger had some issues and lost posts from last Wed to last night.

I was linked into Rednesday Wednesday and Three or More Wed.

Today I linked to Thrifty Things Fri. at the Thrifty Groove and Pink Saturday at How Sweet The Sound

Hope Blogger has taken care of it's glitches

Uh,,,wait a minute.......it is Friday the 13th...not their bad. It's the Gremlins.

It's the most.................................

2011-05-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

........wonderful time of the year. With the kids doin lawn mowin and everyone telling you 'The yard looks so good'.....

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

It's the hap-happiest season of all with those runs to the garden center and gay happy meetings when friends come to call..........

There'll be Bar-b-ques for hosting........................

drinks for toasting and laughter in the setting sun's glow. There'll be scary gardening stories.......................

and tales of the glories of projects long, long, ago................................................

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

These are pics from last year. Just click on pic for closer views.

In honor of the most wonderful time of the year I just completed a fun Brown Gingham/Apronation Creation perfect for my favorite season ..........................

This garden themed apron is perfect for the gardener, garden clubber, or garden party hostess.

It's a vintage 1950-60's 1 pocket green gingham apron with garden implement and seed packet accents.

I hand-embroidered the seed packets

to make them stand out. I've also added a wonderful find................................

it's a kitchy little coffetable book now, but in 1958 this calender was all the rage. It's filled with beautiful designs..popular in the times........................................

trends...................................................

and even an overview of the Garden Club

Yes, the book is a little time worn, but its filled with inspiration, information, and nostalgia.

If you are interested in this

Wonderful Time Of The Year,,,Garden Edition

please contact melody@brownginghamcreations.com

Happy Gardening!

Today I'm linking to Pink Saturday over at Beverly's How Sweet The Sound

Also, if you'd like to see a lot more pinkness don't miss this post HERE

Southern Lady's Vintage Vintage Love Saturday
And, to Three or More Tuesday at the Gypsy Corner

Won't you stop by......................

2011-05-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

For some cake and coffee on your way?

I know you have a lot of other stops to make what with Thursday being filled with parties. There's Vintage Thingy Thursday, Time Travel Thursday,and Tablescape Thursday, I'm just so glad you could come. Your the first to arrive....we can have a nice visit while I finish putting things out. Hope the weather hasn't been too horrendous in you neck of the woods. As you can see we've been water logged here in Ohio. The most water in 150 years!
I'll just put out these placemats............................................................................

You like these? Thanks. This is the first in my line of table placemats I've created. This pattern is called,
'Tea Party'

I took denim fabric and embroidered a 1940's transfer from my collection.....Oh when you have more time I'll show my whole box full! Jim's the one who finds them..he loves to look thru old paper stuff....anyway,
then I take coordinating papers, hand-cut them, and create the border. Then They're laminated and ready to use as placemats. I'm hoping to create a whole line..even do custom orders if some likes.
Here can you help me? You carry these cake plates and I'll get the other. Let's sit these two on top of each other and I'll put the 'SandwichGlass' up here and use them as risors. That way I put extra slices of cake on the other tiers. See.........................................................................

that's it..what? Oh..hehe...that cake plate doesn't look like sandwich glass you collect? Well, that's cause I design'ed this 'SandwichGlass' I took a glass cakeplate and hand-painted it......................

to match the celery green of the 1940's hand-tatted rose doily leaves............................................

I bonded them together and topped with a clear glass serving plate, so the doily won't get soiled it's sandwiched between the peices of glass............

Brown Gingham 'SandwichGlass'....get it....welllllll. Yes I have other designs...cakeplates, platters.... and again I love to do custom orders...couldn't you see your Grandma's dresser scarf you've got in that box upstairs added to a serving peice? Uh-hu I thought so.
We'd better hurry....takes these plates.....................................................................

and I'll get the cups and saucers.......

Where did these come from? You were with me when I found plates! Mom had a tumbler forever from an Aunt and has been adding to the collection. Yea, I know no mark on the bottom..They are a glass tho...white on the bottom color on the top..maybe someone who comes by may know more about them and will let me know. There.............................................................................................

Just in time....here come the others!

For Mother

2011-05-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

I've working on some designs recently that would be perfect for Mother's Day gifts..................................

This is 'Colleen', she's a bonnie little lass, part of my Angelic Inspirations. Colleen is 70ish, but looks great for her age. After a little nip and tuck of her origianl dress, I added the pinafore overlay of a 1950's irish linen and lace hankie.

I love the satin rose and Mother script. The color matched to original blue gingham and satin skirt.

I then gave her a new 'do' and added the hairband....1960's blue gingham with coordinating rickrack. I was soooo happy the color lot matched the 40's. I added a little butterfly applique for whimsy

Her 'wings' are a 1940's hand-tatted doily gathered by more 60's rickrack.

Now 'Rose' is a bit olser that 'Colleen'

She is from the 1930's. She is a composite doll not plastic...to find out more about composite or composition dolls go HERE......she was a model back then paired with a boy on an advertising stand. She is all original.

Her hand-crocheted dress is original and only needed a little refit. She holds a garland created by using 1940's hand-tatted trim with new ribbon roses.

Her under skirt is a 1950-60 linen rose motif linen hankie...with it's original sticker.

'Wings' are a 1940-50 hand-tatted doily in a glorious red that matched the dress. Her 'hairpeice' coordinates with the garland she holds.

Both of these Angelic Inspirations are ooak and would be a perfect Mother's Day rememberance gift.

Mom's always need to carry a lot of stuff. Be it her craft project of the moment, books, shopping items, or the myriad of doodads she has to carry for the family while out..I have a great idea......................................

A roomy canvas tote with reinforced leather bottom and handles. I embellished with vintage quilt inspired fabric with coordinating butterfly. This can even carry cans of veggies!!

Does your Mom love roses? I have created a very 'rosy' gift set just for her..........................................

This is a 1940's rose tablecloth in perfect condition.

I then found a 1940's apron that I redid and added pocket appliques created of matching roses taken from another vintage tablecloth and vintage rickrack.

To complete the set I located 4 1940's glasses in the rose motif.

Wouldn't this make a great tablesetting for Mom as a surprise?

I have other creations at, Brown Gingham Creations that would great gifts for any ocassion.

If you're interested in any creations listed in this post please contact me at

melody@brownginghamcreations.com

Don't forget to visit these fun parties on Wednesday

Rednesday Wednesday

Wow Us Wednesday

Angelic Inspirations

2011-04-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

As a little girl I loved to play with dolls, but not baby in the stroller....no they wanted to play dress up with me. Paper Dolls were sheer delight. Today I'm still playing with dolls and not ashamed to admit it. I call them my, Angelic Inspirations, that are unique individual works of art, one-of-a-kind creations. No two are ever

alike. The dolls I prefer to use are from the 1930's to the 60's. You know the arms and legs move by rubberbands and the eyes open and close.

I am extremely lucky to locate these, they are becoming limited in quantity due to their fragility. I

sometimes have do a little 'corrective surgery' and a little 'plastic surgery' on the faces if need be. I hand apply hair to the dolls or re-do the hairdo that is there. I always try to salvage the original dress the doll came with and incorporate it into the design usually as the slip or for embellishment and then its time to create.

Vintage hankies are hand-embroidered, unless they are so fragile they begin to shred...not a good thing, but managable.... I hand-embroidered the floral pattern of this 1940's hankie. Click to enlarge for better view.

Then the embellishments are added, such as vintage rickrack, bits of jewelry, Sworovski Crystals, etc, then the underskirt of doilies, tulle, or other textile create the slip, and wings are attached. The final step is adding the angels 'voice'. Each angel has a charm which has a word or saying that has a special meaning.

This is how an Angelic Inspiration is born................................
One day I was in a favorite antique mall when I spied this perfectly pink hat from the 1940's

It has layers of satin petals
with velvet dangle poms...
very remeniecent of tiny pink cherries

The back had the original net and very thick velvet covered wire supports. I just knew that repurposed this hat was really a perfect pair
of Angel wings! Now, this hat, when flattened was not a petite set of wings.

I knew this angel was to be larger than I was used to. I looked for months, but none of the truely vintage dolls, the size needed was at least 18", were in the price point I needed. So, while strolling thru some dolls one day I saw this face in the crowd........................................

She is definately not old, very modern, but those big baby blues just whispered Angel and she measured 18".

Het little slip was ready for much needed embellishment and her little satin slippers were ideal. On a roll I began my next search for her dress. I already had some vintage eyelet trim for the slip and was so excited when on another foray to the antique mall saw this delightful hand-tatted doily in exact size needed...........

I think these are tulips and I just love the color detail in them. Well, Now that I have the Doll, her dress and wings, it's time to put the creation together..........................................................................

As you can see her 'halo' is made of a wreath I created from latex rose petals and silk leaves. She holds a full bloomed latex rose in the palest shade of pink accented by a satin bow and her little charm that reads, 'Faith'.

See I told you still love to play with dolls. I can't wait to show you my other Angels again, but for now I need to head off to find other vintage goodies for some other ideas I have. Thanks for stopping by!

'Faith' is available on my website http://www.brownginghamcreations.com/ or just leave me a comment if you would like more info on her.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't forget it's Pink Saturday with Beverly over at How Sweet The Sound. You can visit all the other links thru HERE And, Vintage Love Saturday, over at Southern Lady's Vintage Love thru HERE
On Tuesday visit Me and Everyone at Tam's Gypsy Corner for Three Or More Tuesday

I've got a secret...............................................

2011-04-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

and it's time it is revealed........sigh.............you all know I love to embroider. I love to embellish. I love creating home decor, totes, and my Angelic Inspirations dolls with vintage finds you can find HERE, I love creating fashionable outfits, but it has to come off the rack............................ ........I am no seamstress.

There I've said it. I can draw up a fashion idea.....I can cut a pattern.........I can sew a straight line, but I cannot nip and tuck for a fit......I cannot do a collar or cuffs, zippers...a nightmare. Now you all know my embarassment. I do have a redeeming quality tho, as I've stated I love to embellish and embroider, sooooooooo I found this..............................

A simple cotton crinckle material one pocket in a true red, the pic is fady 8/,
shirt at Wal-mart. Pretty as it is perfect for jeans or dress slacks.
Then while out going thru an antique shop in northern Ohio I found this..............................................

A vintage 1940's linen hankie accented by this gorgeous hand-tatted butterfly with trim.

I knew the colors would match perfectly so I had to have it. When I got it home I found a little vintage floral transfer from my collection and stitched away. After I did a little altering on the back of the shirt........

I added it to the back seam

I added another corner of the hankie with the matching trim and more embroidery to the pocket flap.

and for a little more umph I added the same trim lerft over from the hankie on the collar.

I think this'll look nice with a white tee or tank under it with a pair of jeans. I enjoy taking plain and adding 'umph', bling, or pop. I have done a couple custom order shirts for a client, but the scatter brain I am, didn't get pics 8{
Right now I do these for myself and for friends and family in different clothing like denim shirts, jeans, skirts, jackets with various vintage textiles, but I'm thinking maybe doing some for my website to sell. Not sure how popular it'd be..maybe just doing as a custom design available option......
Well, I thought it was time to come out of the 'sewing basket' with my admission. I hope I haven't disappionted you, but we all can't be fashion designers, but I guess we can all be Fashionistas at heart.

Don't forget Wednesday is Rednesday at Sue's It's a Very Cherry World. I'll be linking in and joining all the other red hot ideas and finds

click here to visit

It's Party Time!

2011-04-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Did you know I co-host a Blog Party over at the Etsy Cottage Style Blog? Well, a couple, but this week is the............................................................................

Aprils color is PINK Stop over and link in...Everyone is welcome....We'd be tickled pink if joined the party! Just enter thru here

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Wishes

Tea Party Chic

2011-04-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

I was soooo excited when I found this vintage 1960 dishtowel..........................................................

I love the colonial motif and the colors are so popular today....pale to medium shades of

pinks, colonial red, soft browns........and it lends itself so easily to become a small tablerunner.

It just cried for some hand-embroiery to make it pop!

I hand-embroidered the the leaves with a satin stitch that wove around the candle and throughout the design

I used a myriad of daisy stitches to create the flower petals by the spoon

and I outlined the Grandfather Clock

It needed a finishing touch, so I found a matching rickrack for the ends of the runner. It's the perfect colonial brown.......................................................................

This would be soooo pretty on a tea cart or table all accented with a pewter or ironstone teapot and floral teacups! A fluffy coconut cake, hot buttered scones, fresh baked shortbread........the menu could go on.

This TeaParty Tablerunner is available. If you're interested just leave me a comment or e-mail me at melody@brownginghamcreations.com

Don't forget to join everyone at How Sweet the Sound for

And, Southern Lady's Vintage for

Vintage Love Saturday

This Weekend and coming Monday join everyone over at Etsy Cottage Style for................

Hope to see you there!

It was meant to be...............................................

2011-04-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

......................and that makes it a red letter day...er....delivery day!

I received a much awaited package from my friend Sue from her Very Cherry World.

When I opened the package I was surprised with this adorable tag she made for my Easter, I love the little details and she remembered my love of flowers :)

As I pulled thru the paper I found my latest vintage find............................................

This 1960 study in floral designs of the times captured on a serving tray with coasters. How am I so certain of the year? Well, on one of our vintage hunts I found 2 American Horticultural Society Day Planners. One was 1960 and it has these photos and 7 more. This will make a great conversation set! This is why said it was meant to be for me to get.
Here are the close-ups of these Flower Power designs.........................................................

The tray shows red and white carnations (red carnations are the Ohio state flower..another reason I had ro get this) in a Hobnail Milk Glass Compote with matching plate and a Soapstone figurine

This Mum design is still very popular, but it's the wall clock that caught my eye..if you click it it's give a better view Here's a pic a posted last year..................................

See my wall clock? It must be the same company, but they must've done different themed peices, in different years.My clock has an eagle finial, brass filigris and a picture of Montecello. The coaster's clock has a barn scene and a rooster finial. (way cool coincidence)

Isn't this set the neatest...oh I'm jsut so excited..these were just meant for me to find...I can't wait to do up my idea for a vintage inspired table with these.

Now I know Sue asked us to show off our Easter finery, but I haven't been able to decorate this year, so I will leave you with some Easter images for you to use..............................

Thank you Sue for letting me add these special finds to my collection and if you haven't visited Sue in her It's a Very Cherry World today would be perfect cause Wednesday is Rednesday

Your visit will be the cherry on the top of your day!

Celebrate the Sundae

2011-04-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

July is typically the designated National Ice Cream Month, but
April 3,1892 was the first advertized Cherry Sundae for a Cherry Sunday marketing strategy in Ithica, NY. at the Platt and Colt Pharmacy......for more history check out Wikipedia , so amid a little controversy 119 years ago the iconic Sundae was marketed.

I realllllly do not care when the sundae was born, I am just happy someone came up with this delicious concoction.

Now when I think of the sundae I do think of the local Soda Fountain. Here in Cincinnati there were soda fountains still in various pharmacies up until the early 70's.....

and luckily there is still one up and running in Lebanon, Ohio at the Village Ice Cream Parlor>>>>>>>>

In celebration of the 119th Anniversary of the Ice Cream Soda, I found this article in my 1954 Family Circle

With the recipes

(LOL...sorry bout the ad appearing with the recipes. Guess the magazine ad folks thought it was a a great product space)

Thinking of ice cream and soda fountains, I remembered I had found this beautiful vintage hat a few weeks ago...............................................................

That reminds me an ice cream cake! It's waiting to become a music box. And, a while back I found this 1940's waitress apron that I embellished with a vintage hankie on the pockets and embroidered some blossoms on.....................................................................................

it reminds me of the lady behind the counter. It's available on my website Apronation

(Sigh) Okay now that I've posted I beleive Jim is going to have to take me down to the United Dairy Farmers

for my sundae fix..........a cup filled with chocolate ice cream topped with butterscotch sauce and hot fudge syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry........he had better not work too late tonight ;)

Oh, and I can't forget to stop by It's A Very Cherry World for Rednesday Wednesday either, and, please if you haven't read my post from March 21, go Here! I'd really like your feedback on this new party I'd like to have weekly on my blog. I'll be my first personal one so what do you think?

And remember ................................................

Over at Brambleberry Cottage

And, Saturday at Southern Ladys Vintage Is Vintage Love Market

Brown Gingham Vintage Inspired Sandwich Glass

2011-04-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

Vintage textiles always lend flair to tabletops and decor accents. When I find a new vintage peice sometimes it just...tells me what it wants to be......I am not crazy..... Haven't you ever heard someone say that a painting 'Speaks to them'... or a sculptor say that a slab of marble told him what was inside? Well, old bits of thread or fabric tell me what they wish they were. Cake. Alright, alright, stop laughing.

This 1940's hand-tatted doily
said it looked like sugar roses and minted sugar leaves.

So, I took a pedestal cakeplate and painted it the palest of green found in the leaves and afixed the doily to it.

I placed a clear glass serving plate on top so it wouldn't get soiled. Here's another view..............................

I love the way it looks like a lattice on top. Now, see, doesn't it look like icing on a cake? I call her, Rosy

The next doily.........................

thought it was ribbon candy and needed to be .....

a cakeplate too. So, I painted a glass pedestal cakeplate a fresh white, afixed the doily, and covered with a clear glass serving plate. This is, Confection.

Now both of these vintage inspired cakestands are available on my website here They are $34.94

My newest serving piece was inspired by a 1940-50 barkcloth curtain panel.........................

I used a flower and geometric patter as an applique, affixed it to the glass plate that was painted a rich chocolate color, and placed a clear glass plate on top...........................

This is the finished platter. I call it Retro Botanical. It is available for $24.95 and you can contact me at......
melody@brownginghamcreations.com if you would like to purchase it.
You may be wondering why I call it Brown Gingham 'Sandwich' Glass.....the textile is sandwiched between the pieces of glass. They are actually two separate glass plates. The clear plate holds your baked goods or hors d'vours and keeps the decorative plate below clean.

Please visit my website for more creations

and don't forget to visit

Southern Lady's Vintage for

Vintage Love Market Saturday

Beverly over at How Sweet The Sound for

And, on Monday for Etsy Cottage Style......

Just click these buttons to visit.

Welcome to Rednesday!

2011-03-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't heard before ...................................................

Click button to visit Sue

Or, at least Wednesday was Rednesday....I missed it 8(. If you haven't visited Sue or the other rosy personalities who strut their red stuff and are very proud of thier old red finds from Flea markets, yard sales, estate sales, antique malls and shops, or thrift stores, click the button above to visit.

I'm only by a day late so I'm gonna link on in today..................................

I love RED my whole kitchten is red and white with touches of green and black. I call it modern retro because I have modern appliances with a strawberry motif and vintage 30's-70's accents.

Now everything I learned about color I learned from my Mom. She has an incredible knack for mixing colors for a homey feel. She likes red, but when decorating her own home it's usually very

earthtones with touches of blues. Until she found this for the Guest Room...........

Click pics to enlarge

A cute country inspired spread for the bed inspired the room.

Her choice of wall color was...............

The pics don't do the color swatch justice. The above color is a dark cantelope on the bed and side wall, while the bottom color is the lighter shade of cantelope on the closet and 1/2 bath wall.

Of course when she saw this barnsiding panaling, she had to use it on the back wall where you see it from the doorway. It really adds to the country farm feel.

So far you see oranges, greens, white.....where's the RED! Wait till you see the border she happened to find that just adds the surprise.........................................................................................................................

A Seasonal farmhouse Border......Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall in warm country colors with a cute Red gingham border around each square.

Here's what it looks like .................................

Okay, I've told everyone before...I am no photog so please excuse the quality. You can click the pic to see it closer.

Now to complete the color scheme these Mary Englebrite-ish panels for the windows were hung.....................

A perfectly matching plaid with a floral pattern on the front and...yes...those are tiny cherry clusters on the flip side she has fastened flipped with a red ribbon rose and black bead pin.

With a topper...........................................................................

white cotton with embroidered red rosebuds with a stitched frame. The scallops are edged in the same red.
Here are some of her favorite things to accent the room ..............

This throw pillow shows perfect shades of reds and rosebuds.

This whimsicle rooster lamp came with french country shade...beads and all

And. she foofed this plain shade

with more bead trim, bead fringe, and a rose embroidered applique.

This is a ruby glass powder box

and a fun barn birdhouse.

This book is from volume from a set Mom has had since she was a little girl.............................

She found some vintage doilies from the 1910-20's that she framed..................................................

and Ya shoulda seen her happy dance when she found this dresser set, complete with brush, hand mirror, and buttonhook, all in the colors matching the walls, with black, and even rhinstones inlaid on the design.

The room is outfitted with a bed, dresser, and chest of doors all 1960's modern walnut, but with her magic with paint, textures, and accents it all works together to create a warm, inviting,

country sanctuary.

It's Easy to be Green

2011-03-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

Especially when it's time for Etsy Cottage Styles.......................................

This months color is my favorite.....GREEN. My house is decorated in shades of greens, golds, burgandy, taupes, mauves, peaches.....okay so they are not trendy, but warm inviting colors and yes, Autumnul....yes, dated, but comfy for my Cabin Cottage.

I have a few favorite green things..............................................

My Repro metal chair, metal flower cart, metal sun flowerpot holder, and my vintage floral anf foliage botanical prints at my front door on the porch.

This vintage cookbook cover

These Vintage English enamalware tin plates with their variety of greens

and this cut glass green pitcher

My favorite vintage bottle.........................................................

This Angelic Inspiration and Vintage inspired pillow creation ................................................

They can be found here...................................................I said I love

GreengreenGreengreenGreen

Here are some Green places that are beautiful

Vintage Dining...in the kitchen, dining room, or patio

2011-03-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Since it's Pink Saturday, I thought I'd come over with my first PS post. Well, It's not a new post, but one I'd like to get your opinion on. I'd like to start a monthy post called Sunday Supper or Tuesdays Tabletop (not sure yet) on my blog. Now this post does have some pretty pink.........pink polka dot pyrex and Pink Fluff Cake just for starters. Please read on and I'm so happy you stopped by today. Please be sure to leave a comment!......................Melody
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you didn't realize it, while strolling thru my blog, I LOVE (and must collect) vintage.... dinnerware, bowls, pots/pans, utensils, cutlery, trays...if it's used in the kitchen or dining room I have to look. Those 'New Fangled' appliances of yesteryear were wonders.....and now commonplace. Tablecloths, potholders, placemats, dishtowels, the list seems endless. Then there are the vintage Cookbooks with their quaint illustrations and now taboo ingredients But man they are sooo good. Now there is yet another item to add to my quest... locating and aquiring vintage magazines from the 1930's to the 60's. To this end I have found these..........so far 8)...............................................

But, there's something I have realized, while perusing the pages of these paper timecapsules, not only do issues from the 60's bring back memories of childhood but, they and earlier issues combine all my vintage loves in one neat package! All for .50-$3 depending on the year and magazine
Then it hit me.....what a fun post creating table vignettes using completely vintage items....utilizing wonderful period articles, recipes, ads, and decor from vintage magazines with touches of some vintage items I own.....
wait a minute.....what if I opened it up weekly with a Linky Thingy and we all could get together and visit our 'Virtual' dining ideas.... sigh...Oh Dear...I do hope I'm explaining this clearly...... I know......
How's about I do a sample post?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Come On Over Supper's Ready!!

So glad you could stop by for an early supper today. The weather's been so nice, but you know the old adage....If March comes in like a lamb, it'll go out like a lion.......oh well, we won't worry about that today....

Let's all go out on the patio.____________

_______________

______________

Doesn't this tablesetting I found in a 1955 Women's Day look inviting for a casual buffet?

I love the black wrought iron table design, and, if you look closely at the tabletop it's a black marble tile. The food looks so elegant, but is such simple fare. What's on the menu you ask.....well, there's..................

Cold cuts with the fixins, assorted breads and buns, Jello salads, peas and carrots, potato salad and deviled eggs, iced tea and for a sweet ending, Cake with coffee.

Here are some recipes from this article...................................................................................

For fun I found these vintage ads in the same magazine that pertain to the recipes...............................

Some of us like to purchase vintage advertizing. Some of us will pay up to almost $10 for a single page that has been ripped from one of these $1 timecapsules....welllllll.......feel free to make copies from my post if you collect and frame commercial art or like to incorporate it into your crafts.....at no charge 8)

One thing I found on this table I hadn't seen before is this delightful white and pink polka dot Pyrex serving set. The conical shape of the bowls is so unusual, as is the special handled serving basket with votive warmers. And, it seems they had matching glasses too!

Oh No.......Must Find..............but for now how about this ad....check out the price!

With that pink I think I might add this vintage table topper...............................

Bluebirds and Dogwoods..sooooo spring. I think in the real world this will make some pretty throw pillows

This is my 'virtual' Vintage Dining on the patio.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Okay, do you think it sounds like fun? Would you be interested to join in?

Let me know what you think. Can't wait to read your comment!

Don't forget to visit Sue at It's a Very Cherry World on Wednesday for....................

And Sue on Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch for...............................

And, Elizabeth at Brambleberry Cottage for....................................................................

Luck O' The Irish.................................

2011-03-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

...........................................................and for all my blogpals! The Canon Powershot is wonderful. I've installed the CD for my my new camera and read thru the book that came with it. Guess what it seems this camera is easy to work......yippee!! Remember, I am by no means a photographer, sooooo I use the AUTO shot...LOL.... a lot...... and my hands are not as steady as they once were..especially while trying to balance on my legs. I just pointed and clicked.......no special light......nothin fancy...............

These are the 'Roses' gave me for Valentines Day. I love the red and brown on the ivory, but the center image of the ranch is so cool. I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn't as much flash reflection...my Fugi was terrible for that.

I'm redoing the entry hall...pics will come soon......but this newest horse to my collection was received for my birthday. I love the American Indian design. Again, this was point and click.

I had to hold the camera above my head and snap, since these red ripe tomatoes are displayed above my Mom's fridge. Again I'm amazed about the lack of glare.

I am not one to promote products, but I would buy another Canon and if you're lookin for a camera check these out.

Don't forget

Click button to check it out!

Eureka...........................................

2011-03-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

.................................................I found it!!!!! Okay if you didn't read my past post, My five year old Fugi Digital Camera said sianara last week. I had heard a lot of talk from other bloggers about using Canon Digital Cameras easily for blogging. So, not a photographer I figured I'd look at the prices and see if I could find one. I went online and found them at $109-$99...umph...I was figuring I'd have to wait and you all would be really bored with my posts,
Well, Sunday night we found ourselves at Wal-Mart. We almost forgot to look in the camera department..not really expecting to find anything. HAHA....what to my wandering eyes did appear in a spotlighted glow................................................................

A Canon Powershot 490 and......................wait for it..............you won't believe it...............for $60.00... 8D.................I was doin Nascar donuts in the aisle on the little rider/scooter. I got it all programmed....LOL...I would recommend this camera to anyone....if I can program this one, anyone can...it's much easier than the Fugi. Now I just have to insert my CD-Disk they sent in the box and upload pics I've taken using either the SDHD card or the USB cord.......if that's as easy as the programming, I'll be one happy blogger.
The next sonic boom you hear may be here in Ohio blowin my top if I can't finish this programming.

And, reminder to those stopping by.........................................................................................................

It's Rednesday Wednesday over at Sue's It's a Very Cherry World. Those posts are sure to brighten any day all the red. I'm going over there right now come on!

suelovescherries.blogspot.com