Hey! Do ya know what day it is?

It was the third Monday of October and that means they're having the Vintage Alphabet Party over at the Etsy Cottage Style Blog all week long! And, Wednesday is Rednesday at It's a Very Cherry World, so I'll be linking to both parties!

This months letters are  for the Vintage Alphabet is S, T, and U.

I was so happy with these letters this month cause I'll get to show-off my............................................

Unique Souvenir  Plates and Trays

Not a word about that U it's the best I can do 8)

Souvenir Plates

Jim went here as a child. He someday wants to take me there.

These 3 states were fun rides.

Jim went here to visit his Brother back in the 80's

I was born in Californis, so  this is a special plate to me.

and, these 2 plates are from our home State. The one with the Cardinal, the state bird, is really a basket when you lift the handle. I thought that was unique....and Yes Cincinnati has a Coney Island. In it's hayday it gave NY a run for it's money. Paddlewheelers and other vessels would dock at the Riverboat entrance. It is still open today, just on a smaller scale, but it is a popular local attraction. To learn more you can go Here

Aluminum Trays

If you see past posts you have learned I am crazy about 1940-50 hand-wrought aluminum pieces. Today I'll showcase some of my more unsual finds.

The first 2 trays were made for Farberware. The insets are Limoge....a colonial kitchen pattern and a French Country Gentry, almost toile like pattern. They had full placesettings to match the aluminum serving pieces.

You can clisk the pic to enlarge.

 You've seen this one before, but I love the Dutch scene

 This is an August Wendel Canape' Tray

 I display some of my vintage plaster cottages on this 3-tier tray.

 I created a shelf above my dining room window to display some of my collection. These are (left to right) A large serving tray, a relish tray, and a lazy susan tray. The lazy susan should have a glass center with matching cut-glass cover..all of them did, but today you only find the aluminum by itself. How do I know this...My Grandma, who began my collection when I was 14, had one on her dining room table forever. They came in various patterns to choose from in the 40's. I wish I knew what became of hers.........

 2 more trays with a poinsettia pattern.

The next 2 trays are just plain metal.
Cincinnati is a German town, so beer was a big biz here until the 80's. Huedepol Brewery was a large employer and a very popular brand around here.

I know you've seen this tray before too.

 And, this is my newest tray. A $10 wooden bed tray found at the Lawrenceburg Antique Flea Market. The gentleman I purchased it from said it was from his Aunt's estate. She purchased it in the 40's with her first paycheck.

I works perfect for my laptop. It needs a little cleaning, but I don' have the heart to redo it yet.

Some of you may be wondering why I haven't posted about vintage Sewing or Stitches....I assumed you may be a little tired of me showing my creations...if you'd like to see those just go thru my past posts or visit my shops Here...over Here...oh, and don't forget Here

If you'd like to view some vintage stitches visit The Embroidery Guild or to Stitch School

Let's go on over to

 Susan's and visit her Very Cherry World thru Here and see all the 'red' hot vintage finds,

then why not hope over to the.....

at the Etsy Cottage Style Blog, where I co-host the Party thru Here and see all the

Uniquely Special Timeless collections!

Oh and don't forget any time this week you can link your own Vintage Alphabet post at the party too. I'd love to see you there!

Melody

Vintage Sewing

I am the first to admit I am no seamstress, but I can embroider. When I was 6 my Mom and Grandma started to teach me. A red gingham and black dog that made a cute pillow when completed by plain straight stitches...small dresser scarf completed with a lazy daisy stitch. Pillow cases.....accenting a jacket with names of friends on it during grade school....wallhangings...By the time I was in High School embroidery was too time consuming and drawing, painting....that was much faster. Any way stores were now selling clothes with machine embroidered designs, sooo it was much easier to pick it up at the store. Embroidery was on the back burner. Now I have to admit vintage textiles were always my passion. That never changes. I was the girl in jeans with lace and calico. Jessica McClintock was my fashion designer...she did a lot of updated retro dresses taking cues from the 19th century. I was even  able to fit some of my Mom's 50's outfits. But, hankies, dresser scarves, table linens, dish towels, potholders were fondly collected....yes I was 10 when my hope chest began...LOL... it quickly became my parents hope basement by the time I was 16...as they joked.  Today embroidery is back in my life. I still do decorative painting in acrylics, but I find...maybe with age....'painting'  with thread relaxing. As I've said before vintage textiles are a pasion. They hold a fascination. When I find a box of scraps....a pillowcase....a love worn tablecloth....an apron. I imagine who may have owned it...used it.  Is this lace from a cotillion gown worn by a young lady soon to say goodbye to her fiance'.....Was this pillowcase stitched as a wedding present......how many parties has this cloth seen and oh if it could talk, what would that apron have to tell?  I love to Rework-Repurpose-Recreate those vintage peices of time.
This is why 3 years ago I began Brown Gingham Creations, where I create designs using vintage textiles, patterns, and embellishments. I have done Wedding pillows for our flower shop Bride's to match thier flowers................
You can click the pics to enlarge.

1950 machined hankie with new pillow and flowers

And totes to put fresh bouquets into rather than just tissue........................................

1940's hankie hand-embroidered and beaded on new canvas tote

 eventually my design ideas utilizing vintage embroidery and textiles started rolling.......................

Angelic Nightlights using vintage textiles. This Pretty in Pink 1960's spun plastic doll sports a dress made from a 50's hankie I hand-embroidered, a 40's hand-tatted doily, and her wings are a 40's heart shaped crocheted potholder.

This vintage inspired pillow, from my 'PillowTalk' collection, is a combo of a new pillow form accented with a 1940's hankie I again hand-embroidered, embellished with new sworovski crystals and a 1940's rhinestone ribbon pin, and finished with new matching trim.

My Anggelic Inspirations are vintage dolls recreated with vintage new dresses.

Like Autumn here. She looks good for being over 60. I find dolls that have been loved.....fix their booboos..and give them new fashions. Autumn sports a dress created from another 1950's hankie I hand-embroidered and them embellished with 1960's plastic flowers and new leaf sequins.  Her wings are dried leaves and she holds a bouquet of dried statice.

I've added a new line called Placesetters. I combine vintage embroidered fabrics with paper embellishments to create unique placemats for the table. The fabric medallion on ths one is a 1940's transfer patterns.

I'll be quite for a minute and you can look at some photos..................................

1960's dishtowel hand-embroidered with new rick-rack

Vintage textiles I hand-embroidered and embellished. Vintage textiles used range in age from 1930's-60's

This tablecloth and napkins were reworked and hand-embroidered. The co-ordinating apron is from flour sack material and hand-embroidered

This 1930-40 apron was created with a new Mom in mind

This 1960's peice was reworked and repurposed into a new pillow

Again the textiles in this pic range from 1930's-1960's

The Chair is one of my hand-painted peices.

This wonderful 1940's tablerunner was fun to complete. I hope the lady that began it is pleased with the finished result.

This clothesline is filled with vintage charm from textiles of the 40's and 50's

This 1940-50 Bridge Table cloth was fun to complete.

Some of these designs have been sold, others are waiting to be put on my sites, and still others are available at Brown Gingham Creations , Brown Gingham Creation , and Apronation.
I will be linking to Southern Lady Vintage Vintage Love Saturday and to Liz over at Brambleberry Cottage for TIme Travel Thursday.
 I can't wait to pop in and see all the vintage pretties.

Things have been...just off.....and

.......and I almost missed it again! I don't know what is going on, but ever since the Craft Show on Sept 25-26 I haven't been able to get in a groove again.
I've missed my blog friends and I'm sorry I haven't had a post in a long while...boring, so I don't blame you all for not leaving any comments. and I haven't stopped by you all either...until today, and wow, some of you have been busy! Thanks to those who have become new friends in the last few days. 
Welcome.





I have been busy.  We're getting geared up for Homecomings, Sweetest Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving at the Flower Shop. I don't have any pics of that, but I do have some of .......................

My Booth at the Fall Harvest Craft Show. If you looik close on the left of the tent you can see the Teepee from the Wild West Show folks that spent the night in the park..

Annie Oakley and Bufflo Bill's Wild West Show used the Train Station platform as a stage and performed half hour shows. it was packed each show!

Here are some designs I've created...................

This serving platter is part of my 'Sandwich Glass' Collection. I hand-painted the plate and accented with a center medallion taken from a peice of vintage 1940-50 barkcloth 'sandwiched' between a clear glass plate.  The clear glass plate is food, microwave, and dishwasher safe. It's available  at $24.95

This hoop wallhanging uses vintage quilt pieces, eyelet, and wax flowers from the turn-of-the-century. The little metal charm says 'remember'. It's available at $18.99.

This is another 'Sandwich Glass' peice. It's a hand-painted cakeplate accented by a 1940's rose doily. Again the clear glass plate is food and dishwasher safe, and microwaveable. It's available for $34.99

This floral pillow makes a great centerpeice. It's a 1960 sofa pillow accented with a center medallion of plastic flowers. I created a matching Angelic Creation..............

This is 'Autumn'. She is from the 40's. She sports a 1950's hand-embroidered hankie embellished with plastic 1960's flowers and has wings made from dried leaves. She available for $34.95



These are some of the red hot designs I've been working on. For more red hot finds don't forget to check out the Etsy Cottage Style blog's virtual flea market and Sue at It's a Very Cherry World for Rednesday

Let's Go To Market!

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to invite all my Bloglanders to stop over to the Etsy Cottage Style Blog
thru here...............

There are over 75 participants up this Virtual Flea Market.....sooooo.... grab a beverage of choice, put on a comfy pair of slippers and browse thru the vintage and new jewelry, kitchy and dime store finds, prims, vintage textile designs, hand-painted home accents, dolls, supplies, paper creations, fabrics, antiques, smalls and a whole lot more!
If you would like to join in as a vendor just stop by the blog and use the Inlinkz. Remember this is for selling sites only.
Oh and the best thing....This runs the Whole Week!!!! 
Can't wait to see you there!

Autumn Is Finally Here !

Wow, this month is flying by and this week is jam backed with all kinds of things going on! Monday started the Vintage Alphabet Party at Etsy Cottage Style. Wednesday is the first day of Fall...Yay! And, if it's Wednesday, that means it's Rednesday over at It's A Very Cherry World! Since the end of the week is going to be so hectic, with the 2 day Craft Show, I decided I'd better 
combine all the posts.

Etsy Cottage Style is having it's monthly Vintage Alphabet Party.
This months letters are P, Q, and R. The first part of my post covers a Quaint Place
The last weekend of September is the beginning of the Fall Craft Shows in the Cincinnati area. I'm excited about the shows this year. There are some really fun events in conjuction with the shows. Today I'll show you the where first Craft Show. is taking place.........................
 The Heritage Village
This is quite a large village area taking up many acres along a sleepy creek, in a tranquil valley, that runs through the park. It is a living museum . There are  museum  interpreters and re-enactors all dressed in period attire that lead groups around the village! There are many  period homes and outbuildings,

The Kemper Log House, below, is a two-story, double pen log house, built in 1804 by the Reverend James Kemper in Walnut Hills and occupied by members of his family until 1897. It is one of the oldest houses built in Cincinnati that is still standing. The house was moved in 1912 to the Cincinnati Zoo.

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Ohio assumed responsibility for it in 1951. The Ohio Society oversaw a second move in 1981, as the house was disassembled and relocated at Heritage Village in Sharon Woods. Its operation is coordinated with Historic Southwest Ohio, which maintains the village.
The log house is significant, not only because it represents one of the earliest architectural styles for this region, but also because of James Kemper's prominence as an early educator and clergyman.
The adjacent Stone kitchen provides educational opportunities with open hearth cooking demonstrations which delight visitors of all ages. A fenced period garden just off the kitchen will provide fruits and vegetables for the kitchen. - NSCDA Museum Properties

 

The Elklick House, also pictured below, is a  mid-century country farmhouse is from the Elk Lick Valley. The east fork of the Little Miami River in Clermont County formed the valley. Several different owners lived in the home and eventually Mrs. Mary Smith built on the front portion.

The two sections of the Elk Lick House have distinctive differences.The original two-room, 1818 cottage in the back had simple lines on the outside and basic woodwork on the inside. The front section is more ornate and speaks of mild affluance.
In time the structure was to be demolished to make way for the East Fork Reservoir. The Miami Purchase Association for Historic Preservation rescued the building by purchasing it from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1969. The Association rebuilt the house on a plot near the park stream similar to its original site along the East Fork.
Today guests may tour the entire house and glimpse into what life may have been like for the 19th century home owners. The house is fully furnished in time period furniture and accessories. Recently the front portion of the house was redecorated in the fashion of middle class 1800’s life style.- Heritage Village Museum



The Elklick also has a wonderful Smokehouse, Hen House, and 3 seater Outhouse that has a beautiful arbor leading to it. There is also a small garden and laundry lines in the side yard

The Vorhes House

It is assumed that this home was built between 1820 and 1830. The actual date of construction is unknown. It is an 1820s Federal style farmhouse that was located on Cornell Road near Kenwood Road in Blue Ash. It is a substantial and well-built home, yet the family who lived in this home had to work hard to produce what they needed 

-Heritage Village Museum

This picture shows the Cider Press going in the back of the house. Inside a Roast and bread are cooking on the hearth. It smelled soooo good.





The Haynor House

The Hayner House was once located in Warren County Ohio, along the Little Miami River near South Lebanon. In 1862 John Hayner purchased the property the house sat upon along with several other local farms. Hayner made his living by raising and drying corn, later by canning it. In a partnership with several others the business flourished. When there was no longer a demand for dried corn he converted his drying barn to a cannery.
The Hayner House is an example of Greek Revival. It features fluted columns with Ionic capitals, bilateral wings, and seven fireplaces on the first floor and two in the basement. The house was originally built in about 1852. -Heritage Village Museum
This grand old lady houses the Museum Gift Shop, a Victorian Parlor, and Headquarters for the HSO offices. They also host many weddings on that porch and you should see a bride coming down the grand staircase inside.

The Gatch Barn is locaterd right behind. It hosts petting zoos, blacksmith's, farm implement demos and other farm related activities.

The Village is completed, so far, by a Doctor's residence and office, a workman's cottage,a printing shop, merchantile, church (they rent out for weddings), a train station, and a new old one room school house. I'm amazed at how many don't know it's there...lol.... its been a work in progress since 1972.

The scenery and peaceful beauty of this village is draw enough, but here is more info on what is going on at the village this coming weekend! 

Heritage Village Museum presents

Fall Harvest Festival

Featuring Annie Oakley and Company

& our 2nd Annual Craft Show

September 25 & 26, 2010

Saturday 10a-5p

Sunday 1p-5p

Daily performances by

Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show

Saturday Noon-3p and Sunday 1:30 and 3p

Enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn in the historic Village as you watch

demonstrations on apple butter making, hearth cooking, candle-dipping, and cider pressing.

Crafters will be set up throughout the Village 

Admission:

Adults:   $5.00

Children: (5-11): $3.00

Children under 4 and Members : No Charge

If you'd like to see more pictures of this Quaint Place go to The Heritage Village

The next letter is of the vintage alphabet is R..............

R is for my Religious Collection. I have a few prayer books that have wonderfully inspiring and spirit lifting prayers. I  have some beautifully designed prayer cards from the 40's-60's that I keep in those books and bibles too.

I have some vases.....................

This is one from the 40's

And some ornements...............

This is also from the 40's. It's hand-blown glass with a glass glitter paper bottom.

My favorite pieces in my collection are my Rosaries. I have several but these are 3 favs.

The wooden one is from Italy with aluminum that a Nun would keep. The red beaded one is a reproduction from the 1800's, and the man's all metal one is from the 1930-40's.  The craftmanship of the crosses and medals are beautiful

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Today is Rednesday...WooHoo!
I figured since I've been so busy finishing up designs for this weeks craft show, I'd give you a preview of a couple of my newest.

This is a vintage inspired red gingham apron.

I created hand-embroidered appliques from reproduction vintage cherry fabic and applied one on the waist band

and one on the pocket. If you look closely the two little leaves are off-set above the cherry bunch...when you open the pocket they are attatched separately to the apron itself.

I attatched one more on the hem of the apron and you can see the embellishments of rick-rack and stitches on white and black.
I'm hoping to have more of these cherry....er...cheery aprons soon.
If you'd like to order one let me know. They will come with a vintage cookbook as always. The completed set will be $29.99




I've also created a new line of  placemats for the table. I call them Tablescape Place Setters
 I've combined hand-embroidered medallions with paper frames. They are vinyl sealed and waterproof...thanks Kim..;)

The top placemat is a small 9" round with a dinnerware motif. The center medallion is denim with a vintage 1940's transfer..there are 4 different designed medallions....The paper cut-out frame border has a  mix of food, flowers, and various graphic designs. The 4 placemats all have the same frame border.

This placemat set is a little definately fancier. The medallion was created by using a 1950-60 bridgetable cloth in a duck and marsh motif that I hand-embroidered. I used a paper border with a vintage feel and embellished that with co-ordinated round cut-outs.

These Tablescape Place Setters will be available in a  variety of designs
4/$34.99


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Well, this is my post for the Vintage Alphabet and Rednesday. Hopefully Monday I'll have more pics to share of the weekend.
 I'm glad you stopped by. Come with me and we'll see what other vintage collections and red letter finds
are at these two get-togethers. Let's go on over to Etsy Cottage Style here  and we'll visit Sue and everyone at
It's A Very Cherry World