Peach Parlor

Buttons in Bangladesh

2012-01-31T20:02:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things about selling supplies on etsy is when a customer takes the time to show you what your finds were transformed into. Recently I sold some victorian black glass buttons to a customer and about a month later I received these photos of a puppet show going on in Bangladesh. Those black buttons were given new life as puppet eyes! These pictures make me smile every time I see them, and I'm so thankful that she shared them with me.

Back in Action

2012-01-29T20:05:00.000-06:00

My last post was about welcoming a new shop called Ophelia to my town, and since then Peach Parlor has changed a lot. My Etsy shop used to be mostly my handmade goodies, but now I take all of my wears to sell in the store locally, which I really love. I'm excited for the chance of running into someone wearing something I made! I would probably hug them, and they would think I was a crazy person.

So, where does this leave Peach Parlor in the online world? Now it's mostly a vintage button heaven. I'm still falling in love with every old button I see, and spreading my button love all over the world. I'm loving my life, and my job.. in all it's incarnations. I've moved past the uncertainty of not having a "real job" and I'm fully embracing the road I'm on. This doesn't mean I'm not still dealing with issues that come from working from home, like time management and how to deal with distractions, but I'm working it out. I have missed blogging. I guess I've been trying to do more, instead of just talking about doing more, and I needed a blog break, but I'm back in action now.

Here is what my life has looked like since I've posted last. Lots of crafts, love, birds and cats. All the important things.

Welcoming Ophelia

2011-11-04T20:23:00.001-05:00

My beloved town is a little on the small side, and I can't say there are many great places to shop, especially if you're looking for something unique. As far as clothes and accessories go, you get a handful of chain stores, and that's it. Although we feel like a real grown up town since we finally have a coffee shop, and have recently added a music venue to the line up, something that has been missing is a clothing boutique to offer up something different. Ophelia opened a little over a month ago and is filling that void perfectly! Stephanie Mason is the fashionista responsible for this new store, located on the most charming block in town. It's full of gorgeous clothing, scarves, jewelry, perfume, candles, and as of recently, she now carries some handmade pieces by yours truly! I get a lot of pride when I see local shops like this flourishing in my town and I wish Ophelia so much continued success.

Ophelia is located at 3 North Jefferson Street

Farmington, Missouri

Superpowers Activate!

2011-10-13T12:59:00.001-05:00

We aren't usually party kind of people, but Halloween is the one time of year that we pretend that we are. Yeah, so I'm 30.. I still like to play dress up and act a fool with my favorite people! We throw a themed costume party every year, and this year's theme is SUPERHEROES! I'm still working out the details of my (super secret) costume, and I'm excited to see what this theme will bring. Do you throw parties, or dress up for Halloween? What themes have been a success? And has a theme ever totally bombed?

In the past we've had an 80's Prom:

Robots:

And most recently, a Fetish theme, which I thought might scare guests away, but instead it was the best turn out so far!

Since I have super powers on the brain, today I made a treasury full of my favorite super goodies! Click to see the treasury in action. Check back after the 22nd to see what costumes we came up with :)

Bedroom Update!

2011-10-06T20:12:00.001-05:00

It's time for an update on the ongoing bedroom remodel! Things are finally starting to get furnished, and we've been sleeping in the new room for a few weeks now, which feels like a giant accomplishment. Still much to do, like doors and trim and I have to find stuff for these bare walls, but overall it's come so far from where we started!

We scored a giant, comfy bed (thanks Craigslist), and I finally decided on some hanging bedside lights (thanks Ebay). The lights got a paint job, and we switched out the old school hanging chain for the sleeker look of the metal rod.

The focal point of the room is the gorgeous old window that is being used as our headboard (thanks antique dealing in-laws). The window was once a part of the school across the street from our house. They replaced them a few years back, and sold the old ones, and this one eventually trickled it's way down to us. I love that it ended up almost right back where it started.

The other new features are the night stands that Bradley made. The metal bases were old tool stands, that got a little tweaking, and he made the wood end grain tops, which turned out beautifully!

As always, mad props to my husband, because without all of his know-how and hard work, all of our ideas would never become reality.

Mug Monday!

2011-09-26T17:02:00.002-05:00

Pretty sure this might be the cutest mug in all of mug history!

I picked this one today in celebration of the Fall Festival I had a booth in this weekend. It was my third time participating, and it's always my favorite craft fair because of the beautiful fall weather, and the fact that it takes place a few blocks away from my house doesn't hurt. I've done well before, but this time it was better than ever! I shared the booth with two old friends, and we stayed busy all day.. busy enough that I didn't even get a chance to take one single picture! I want to give a gigantic thanks to all the local people who stopped by the booth to say hi, shop, and show their support. It means so much to me.

Recovery

2011-09-21T12:49:00.000-05:00

I was trying to think of a theme for a new treasury, but my thoughts are completely with my dad right now, who is stuck in the hospital recovering from his bone marrow transplant. I figured I might as well make one about what's on my mind. I'm so grateful for all the nurses and doctors who are taking great care of him. I'm a positive thinker, and hopeful that things are on the up and up, and he'll get to finish recovering from home soon. Props to all the other families out there, holding it together through a trying time <3

Shipping Sale!

2011-09-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

This rare in the world of Peach Parlor, but I'm feeling a little fiestly, so how about a sale! I'm offering free worldwide shipping on all of my buttons, photography, and collage prints. This weekend only! No limits. No exceptions. Sale ends on Sunday, Sept 11th at midnight, so pounce before it's over!

Amy Bengston

2011-09-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take a second to give some shop props to Amy Bengtson and her gorgous necklaces! I fell in love immediately. She works with wood, and many of her pieces have these amazing touches of repurposed leather. If you're not into the Chevron design, there is more variety in her Etsy shop, but these are the ones that get me drooling!

Click the photos to see the listings.

Get to Know a Crafter: Meet Meredith!

2011-08-29T12:15:00.006-05:00

Meredith makes adorable wrist warmers, cozy cable knit scarves, the cutest little bows and teacup pin cushions, and more. I want to hang out, listen to records with her take some knitting lessons! I love reading her blog, especially her Blogging for Confidence series, where she pushes her shy self to take on challenges she normally might avoid. So inspiring! Read on to learn more about this sheepish girl.

Name: Meredith Crawford
Location: Dallas, TX
Etsy shop: Sheepish Knitting & Crochet
Blog: One Sheepish Girl

Tell us a little about your blog and what you make:
Hi Jody! Thank you so much for having me here!

My blog is where I share my creations, inspirations, and my attempts at staying sane during my last year of college. I create knit and crochet accessories for my shop on Etsy. I never expected blogging and Etsy to become such a big part of my life, but I couldn't be happier about it!

What is your most used tool?
Knitting needles! I always have a pair clicking in my hands or stuffed in my bag. A crochet hook is definitely a close second!

What is your favorite part of the crafty process?
Holding the finished product in my hand. Sometimes I can't believe it when a simple idea I jotted down on the corner of my notebook turns into one of my creations. It's so rewarding!

Name a skill you'd like to get better at:
I'd like to get better at color work knitting, like intarsia. It is pretty tricky and there are lots of yarn ends to keep up with. A few months ago I got really excited about the Royal Wedding, I started a Union Jack Teacosy to practice my intarsia skills. It was pretty hard and took me a few months, but I definitely feel a bit more confident doing color work. I can't wait to incorporate intarsia into an accessory for the shop!

Describe your ideal workspace:
A cozy little cottage, big enough for all of my yarn, tools, and stacks of books. A little cottage on the English countryside sounds pretty perfect right now.

What is a project you want to tackle, but haven't taken the plunge yet?
A big, fancy blog re-design. I'm kind of an HTML spaz...so I think I'll keep putting that one off for a bit.

What's the most important thing to you in the room that you're in right now?
My parents. I'm home for the weekend and they are the greatest ever. They have been extremely supportive during my first year adventures on Etsy! :)

One odd fact about yourself:
There was a time in my life when I had braces and wore an eyepatch. At the same time. Yikes!

You are happiest when:

I'm able to fully focus on my knitting and blogging. Things get stressful during the semester, so it's wonderful when I can give the passions I love my full attention.

3 blogs we shouldn't be missing:
Art Equals Happy -You really should check out Kim's blog. She is such a sweet, incredibly talented blogger and knitter. Her writing is lovely and her pictures are filled with warmth.

Sunshine and Carousels - Erin's blog is simply beautiful! It is filled with colorful creations and scrumptious recipes. I am always inspired when I stop by her blog.

The Dainty Squid - Kaylah is probably the coolest person ever. With her cotton candy blue hair and vintage threads, she never disappoints when she blogs about her adorable cats, mushroom hunting, and thrifty finds.

Tied Up

2011-08-27T18:09:00.000-05:00

I busted into my necktie stash recently, and this is what happened.. 7 new headbands and a brooch. Gotta admit that the tie projects usually turn out to be some of my favorites. See something you like? Hit The Parlor to see the listings.

Now, back to work!

Bathroom Update!

2011-08-22T15:08:00.001-05:00

There have been two major additions to the bathroom project that I'm pretty excited to share with you! First, the buffet to vanity transformation has been completed! I had been searching Craigslist endlessly for a furniture piece that was: close enough, cheap enough, and the right size. This buffet met the first two requirements, but was too long and too tall, but after a little Bradley magic, it's now fits perfectly. We scored discontinued sinks from Lowe's for $20 (which I still can't believe!) and now I am the happiest hand washer in all the land.

The mirror, which has been hanging there since the 70's, got a fresh paint job. The lights are from Lowe's allen + roth collection, which have some really gorgeous lighting options!

The old ice box was also a Craigslist find. We needed something for storage, and this baby had all the right moves. Brad refinished the hardware, added an adjustable shelf, and made two pull-out drawers in the bottom. Now it's home to our freshly purchased grey towels. Brad said he thinks that when you go and buy your own matching towels and toss the hand-me-downs you've had for the last 10 years, that's when you officially become an adult... so, that's where we are. Finally, adults at 30.

Oh, and please ignore my sheets as curtains, and lack of window trim. We still have lots to do!

After a post like this, where everything is starting to look so shiny and new, I like to remember that it wasn't very long ago that things looked like this:

So, if you're in the middle of a project that you feel like will never end, I promise there is an end eventually! Hang in there!

Mug Monday!

2011-08-22T11:49:00.000-05:00

Today's mugs are not from my personal collection (yet!) but I had to share these brilliant designs! Both are handcrafted ceramic works of art by etsy sellers, and both meet my needs deliciously.
I am very guilty of leaving tea bags laying around, and I'll admit that there is one in front of me on the desk right now, but this ingenious mug solves that problem. The second mug HOLDS COOKIES! What more do I have to say?!

Tea Drinker's Sidekick by Angela Ingram

Red Dunk mug by A Piece by Denise

Headbands Galore!

2011-08-19T16:04:00.000-05:00

I just listed 14 brand-spanking new headbands in the shop! It feels so good to be making things again. It's easy to get stuck working on other things (um, like getting to my 300th vintage button listing!) and sometimes I worry that I might forget how to get started creating again. All I have to do is chain myself to my craft chair, plug in my glue gun, and wait for things to start flowing.

Get to Know a Crafter: Meet Rachael!

2011-08-11T13:35:00.001-05:00

I first found Rachel and her shop in the good old days of Etsy chat (rip) and I've been a fan ever since. She has so many talents, and I'm always amazed at how much work she seems to get done. Between her paintings, crocheted hats (and puppy hats!) and new line of jewlery, there's never a dull moment. The same goes for Rachel's blog. It's full of gorgeous photography, and pieces of her life that really make you feel like you know her. I love her tutorials, especially this one where she shows you how to make a super cute dress on the cheap! It also doesn't hurt things that she's crazy adorable :) I'll let her tell you the rest!

Name: Rachael (Tree Talker) Caringella
Location: Provo Utah
Etsy shop: Talk2thetrees.etsy.com, Treetalker.etsy.com
Blog: talk2thetrees.blogspot.com

Tell us a little about your blog and what you make:
My blog is a place where I share my inspirations, silly stories, sad stories, beautiful photos and silly photos. It's a random jumble of photos and words.. but I sure like it. I make a lot of things! I love to paint, knit, crochet, sew, take photos, draw, and woodburn. I try to do just about everything I can!
I make hats, scarves, and jewelry for Talk2thetrees.etsy.com and I sell paintings and prints at Treetalker.etsy.com

What is your most used tool?Probably my crochet hooks and my paint brushes. I try to keep a good balance. I get a little sad when I go too long without painting, and the same when I go too long without knitting or crocheting.

What is your favorite part of the crafty process?I am really not sure! I love the whole process…But I would have to say the "almost" end.. just when I'm ABOUT to finish.. and I can tell I like it. It's a real good feeling.

Name a skill you'd like to get better at:I would love to get better at painting. There is always something in a painting I wish I could improve upon. I never took any painting classes, so I'm learning things as I go.

Describe your ideal workspace:Clean, with lots of coffee and chocolate on hand. I am a pretty messy person, but every time I'm about to create I have to clean up the whole house so that I can concentrate properly.

What is a project you want to tackle, but haven't taken the plunge yet?I want to knit a blanket. That would take lots and lots of hours, which I just don't have.

What's the most important thing to you in the room that you're in right now?I'm not really sure. I try not to put too much importance on "things." I think the most important thing to me in this room is my boyfriend, and my puppies. I know those aren't really things.. I guess the most important thing to me would be my sketchbooks. They hold a lot of secrets, memories, thoughts and designs. I would hate to loose that.

One odd fact about yourself:I talked to trees when I was little!

You are happiest when:I'm outside playing barefoot in nature!

3 blogs we shouldn't be missing:
http://www.thedaybookblog.com/
http://fuckyeahliteraryquotes.tumblr.com/
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

The Greatest Show on Earth

2011-08-10T17:21:00.001-05:00

Brad came in from the porch a few nights ago, after seeing the lightening show we were getting, and came inside to get me. I went to the porch swing to watch the storm with him, and after about 30 seconds of seeing how the sky was lighting up, I demanded that we road trip to find a good spot to take pictures. I grab the camera bag and we headed out until we found a great place with a wide open view, off the road a little. We parked, layed outside the car, and took turns clicking the shutter, hoping for a bright burst every time. Something about the challenge of getting the perfect lightening storm photo is so addictive to me. I could have stayed there until the last of the storm blew through. There is always a lot of "okay, three more tries..".

In the moment, it seemed silly to be inside watching TV or spending money to see a movie, when was such a stunning show was happening right over our heads, for free. So, Thanks for the entertainment, Earth. I never get tired of it.

267 clicks later, this is what we came home with.

Bed and Bath Remodel: Floor Edition!

2011-08-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

Some major progress has been made in the bedroom/bathroom remodeling project, especially in the flooring department! We knew we wanted to try to salvage the original wood floors, in part because of the ties to the history of the house, and also it's a great way to save a crap load of money if you refinish them yourself. You never know what's hiding underneath that hidious carpet and layers of subflooring. Put in enough sweat and it just may be the floor of your dreams!

Bedroom before we moved in

The floors in both rooms were taken up board by board and
Brad leveled out the joists, taking out all the squeaks.

We added insulation, and scraped off 100
years of dirt off the tongues and grooves.

Put the floor back down in both rooms
and sanded off the old brown stain.

Bedroom mid-sanding

I got to beat up the floor with chains and rub charcoal in
the marks to help some new boards blend in.

Thought about staining dark, but we loved
the way it looked after sanding, so it just
got polyurethane instead

Somewhere in the process of 4 coats of poly

FINISHED FLOORS!

My favorite part of the floors now is every knick and scratch. It all tells a part of our home's story, and I could get lost in it, wondering what caused this weird mark, or that patch of wear. It's a great sign of a well worn and loved house.

Check back soon for an update on how the bathroom is coming along. White subway tile galore!

Mug Monday!

2011-08-01T10:55:00.000-05:00

In order to keep my mug collection from going totally out of control, I only bring a new one home if it makes me want to throw a tantrum because I can't handle how awesome it is. This one fit that requirement. Instant new favorite!

Check out my past Mug Monday features here!

Lemonade Stand

2011-07-29T16:22:00.001-05:00

I have to share this bright summer treasury I made today! I'm not usually a pink person, but the extreme heat had pink lemonade on my mind, and It was translated into this collection! Click and comment and support these shops :)

Grey + Yellow = Love

2011-07-29T16:08:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite birds that I see at my feeders is the Tufted Titmouse. He's super cute and mousy, and how can you not love that grey.. especially with that little bit of golden yellow peeking out under his wing! So, inspired by my favorite feathered friend, I bring you some amazing grey rooms with the perfect touch of yellow.

Get to Know a Crafter: Meet Kristen!

2011-07-26T12:12:00.002-05:00

This weeks interview is with Kristen, the hands and imagination behind Knotted Nest. I've adored her blog since I started blogging and her etsy shop is home to the cutest fabric buntings, wallets and coasters around. She definitely had me at vintage fabrics! She's in the midst of a home remodel right now, which I like following because it makes me not feel so alone in the madness of it all. While you're cruising her shop, check out the sold items to see some of her past goodies!

Name: Kristen Wulff
Location: Toronto, Canada
Etsy shop: www.knottednest.etsy.com
Blog: www.knottednest.blogspot.com

Tell us a little about your blog and what you make:
My blog is a place where I share snippets of my life as a crafter, gardener, home renovator, library worker, and visual artist. My shop is where I make available a range of housewares and accessories all made from repurposed fabrics.

What is your most used tool?
My hands never cease to amaze me. Scarred and calloused, they just keep going. They are by far my best tool....specifically my right one.

What is your favorite part of the crafty process?
I'm most excited when I’m pairing fabrics and coming up with new colour schemes to work with. That, and sitting at the sewing machine for hours upon hours listening to CBC radio.

Name a skill you'd like to get better at:
In my crafty life, I would love to learn how to use a serger. In my every day life, I’m in the very early days of learning sign language.

Describe your ideal workspace:
Loads of windows, up in the trees, a giant cutting table, a colour coded fabric stash (yeah right!) and perhaps a short stroll from the ocean. A girl can dream can’t she?

What is a project you want to tackle, but haven't taken the plunge yet?
I recently moved and have been wanting to embroider the rundown buildings in my new neighborhood. I’ve done some in the past, but I can’t wait to get started on the new series!

What's the most important thing to you in the room that you're in right now?
I’m actually in my backyard, so I’d have to say the poplar trees. We have 5 massive trees in our yard and they make a perfect rustling sound in the wind.

One odd fact about yourself:
I’ve never operated a dishwasher. Oh, or a car for that matter.

You are happiest when:
When I can sit somewhere beautiful with a cup of coffee and create something.

3 blogs we shouldn't be missing:
Oh gosh, there are so many! Some recent favs are:
longestacres.blogspot.com
littleyellowbirds.blogspot.com
www.liveandenliven.com/

Fresh from the Peach Parlor Oven

2011-07-13T17:02:00.000-05:00

I've been waiting (not so) patiently for the prints of my collages to arrive, and finally they are here and up in the shop! I'm so excited to have some artwork for sale. I used to draw and paint more, but it kind of faded away.. and I just discovered how much fun making collages is. I love taking old, unrelated things and throwing them together to create something totally new.

I've been giving new life to my stack of vintage school books and my stack of Better Homes and Gardens magazines from the 50's and 60's. It definitely smells like a 50 year old magazine in the parlor right now, and I'm loving it.

Visit the new artwork section of Peach Parlor to see the new listings!

Get to know a Crafter: Meet Julie!

2011-07-12T14:31:00.001-05:00

Let me introduce you to Julie, the creative force behind Dawn Will Break. I don't know if it was all the buttons, her love of color, or her amazing shop photos.. but I was drawn to her shop right away. She's having a 40% off megasale right now that I couldn't pass up (I purchased a button necklace and these cute earrings!) I was most surprised to learn that she's only 17, which is so impressive considering she's running 3 etsy shops, and seems like such a seasoned professional already! You'll definitely be seeing great things from this one in the future.

Name: Julie Rudziensky
Location: Michigan
Etsy Shop(s): DawnWillBreak, TheBotanicalBee, RobinsEggDesigns
Blog: www.dawnwillbreak63.blogspot.com , jrudziensky.tumblr.com

Tell us a little about your blog and what you make:My blog is a little bit about my life, a little bit about art, and a lot about all of my Etsy finds and adventures.

What is your most used tool?
All of my pliers, and Buttons of course!

What is your favorite part of the crafty process?I really love every part of the crafting process but my favorite part is buying new supplies and then spending time with my sketchbook coming up with new ideas.

Name a skill you'd like to get better at:I would love to take a metals class so that I can make my own designs, going through the entire process starting with the most basic part.

Describe your ideal workspace:
My ideal workplace would be a huge empty loft studio with huge windows, tons of drawers and jars for storage and an entire wall of art books.

What is a project you want to tackle, but haven't taken the plunge yet?
Right now I have really started to tackle m next big project which is starting my 3rd shop with vintage items. I only have 30 items listed currently but it is a work in progress. I love vintage things and this is something that helps me share my finds with you.

What's the most important thing to you in the room that you're in right now?
Well I am in my spotless living room right now, since our house is on the market so there isn't much extra in here. But I would say my laptop because it is where I spend a lot of my time running my 3 shops.

One odd fact about yourself:
I am actually only 17, which not a lot of people know. I started using Etsy as a way to help make some extra money for art school.

You are happiest when:
I am happiest when I am working with my hands, painting, drawing, taking photos, bike riding, and making jewelry.

3 blogs we shouldn't be missing:
These are all must reads:
kendieveryday.blogspot.com/
meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/
kirstyfish.blogspot.com/

Here are some of my favorites from Julie's shop:

Bedroom Update!

2011-07-10T20:34:00.000-05:00

Our master bedroom and bathroom remodel started with demolition in October, which kind of seems like a lifetime ago. This week we will be painting walls, which is a huge step towards finishing! For me, it's the first step where the design choices start to become real, and it starts to look like a real space. My husband, Bradley, has been busting his ass since day one, and endless props go to him. He works so hard and never complains, and if he doesn't know how to do something, he just figures it out. Sorry to gush, but he's amazing, really. I've never knew anyone to be so motivated and focused on the task at hand. You'd think some of those traits would have started rubbing off on me by now!

Since we are kind of, vaguely, seeing the finish line now.. at least in the bedroom, I wanted to reminisce on what we started with, and the stages we've been through to get where we are. There is still so much to do, but it gets a little closer every day!

Oh, drop ceiling and wood paneling, how I will not miss you.

Get to Know a Crafter: Meet Amy

2011-07-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

This is the first installment of my "Get to Know a Crafter" series where I interview some of my favorite crafty bloggers! Starting with Amy from Ponder and Stitch was an easy choice. Her blog was one of the very first ones I started reading, and I was hooked right away. She makes gorgeous cuffs from vintage fabrics, and recently added new fabric necklaces to her etsy shop arsenal. Amy is always super nice, and apparently knows some amazing places to thrift shop, because she always seems to find the most amazing things. I could keep going, but I should let her tell you the rest!

Name: Amy

Location: Woodstock, IL

Etsy shop: ponderandstitch.etsy.com
Blog: ponderandstitch.blogspot.com

Tell us a little about your blog and what you make:
My blog is a little peek into my life- lots of thrift store scores, pictures of all sorts of Etsy things the mailman brings me, and just general vintage-y goodness. You'll see some progress of new things I'm working on, too. I make pretty fabric accessories from vintage and vintage inspired prints.

What is your most used tool?
Hmmm. My seam ripper, for sure! I couldn't live without it. I just HATE crooked stitches and end up ripping stitches out of every single thing I make until they are just right.

What is your favorite part of the crafty process?
I'd say that feeling of satisfaction when you finish something and you love it. I'm also a big fan of the treasure hunt for that PERFECT piece of vintage fabric nobody else will have.

Name a skill you'd like to get better at:
Does staying organized in a small space count? Because I'm not super great at that. lol

Describe your ideal workspace: omg, it would be THIS room:
pinterest.com/pin/8842182/. Heaven.

What is a project you want to tackle, but haven't taken the plunge yet?
That would be learning how to thread my serger (I've never used it because I'm scared to thread it- I'm telling you, it's a beast). Then I'd be able to start sewing stretchy fabrics.

What's the most important thing to you in the room that you're in right now?
Hmmm. That is really, really hard! If I'm counting a living thing, it would be my handsome cat, Finn. If not, I'd say it would be this: ponderandstitch.blogspot.com/2011/01/look-what-i-just-got.html It's just a really special little bit of France sent right to my doorstep.

One odd fact about yourself:
Every single time I finish ice cream, I absolutely have to have a glass of milk. I have no idea why, but ice cream gives me the most tremendous milk craving. This has been the case my entire life. Riveting, I know. lol

You are happiest when:
I'm in a creative, artistic space with someone I love. Tea, a good book, and kitties help, too. :)

3 blogs we shouldn't be missing:
It was hard to narrow it down, but here are a few of my faves!
howaboutorange.blogspot.com/
emmallamb.blogspot.com/
staceywinters.blogspot.com/

Friends with Feathers

2011-07-02T12:41:00.001-05:00

These are the common visitors to my little bird paradise. I'm super excited for fall and winter to get here (pretty sure I've never said that before) to see who it will bring around for a meal.

If you have feeders, who visits you?

Cardinal Love

Ain't no party like a House Finch party

Robins in the bath

my squawking Jay

my bird watching friend

Carolina Wren

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Blue Jay showing his ass

Sweet little Titmouse

Downy Woodpecker

squirrel friends

how dirty Jays get clean

Confessions of a Bird Lady

2011-06-30T23:05:00.002-05:00

When I was a wee one, I would hang out with my grandpa and watch the birds at the feeder out the window. I can't say I had given birds much thought at all since then. Then about 2 months ago I got my first feeder, hoping my bloodthirsty cat would not make a meal of our new friends. I was amazed when the first birds actually came, then of course I wanted more birds, so I added another feeder, and another.. and before I knew it, I was totally hooked.

I'll admit at first, I didn't get much work done because I couldn't pull myself away from the window, thinking if I look away, a flock of new birds I've never seen will fly in. I'm happy to say that the birdcitement has reached a normal level now, and I'm limiting myself on how long I can hang out and watch, for my etsy shop's sake. Kitty, though, has no limits. She watches all day.

The feeders grew so quickly, and so did the amount of visitors we had. It inspired me to take on a landscaping project and I added plants around the feeders to create my very own little bird sanctuary. It's definitely my favorite spot right now.

This is kitty in the bird watching corner. She's a very good birding friend. When I'm busy, her little twirps let me know that something exciting is going on.

Jeebus, my little snake in the grass, is NOT your ideal birding companion. He'd rather decapitate them and leave them as gifts for us. Thanks, but no. Not allowed.

This cute apple feeder came from the etsy shop Village Rich. It was only $10, and I couldn't pass it up! So far, I've only attracted hungry ants with it, but one day the right bird will come along.

Check back soon for my bird photo post! There are just too many pictures to cram into this one. I had no idea I could be so entertained by some birds, a window, and a camera with one big ass lens.

My Favorite Feeders

2011-06-27T20:08:00.001-05:00

Etsy is an awesome place to go for handmade bird feeders and houses, but there has always been one shop that stood out from the rest: Joe Papendick creates feeders from welded steel, and have a industrial look that I would love to have in my bird sanctuary! Some of them are in bright poppy colors with a modern design, and others are like pieces of abstract metal artwork. For more designs, check out his shop and blog.

I did just happen to have a birthday. If you feel bad for missing it and not showering me with gifts, I'll forgive your tardiness and I will accept any of these below.

Lets Connect

2011-06-23T17:05:00.001-05:00

If you have an iPhone, and you're not using Instagram yet, stop reading this right now and go download the app! If you're already using it, I don't have to tell you how awesomely additive it is. For me, it's taken over the roll that Flickr used to play in my photo life. First, you get to make your iPhone pictures look amazing with a dozen or so filters (my current favorite is Brannan), and share them easily with your friends.

My Instagram name is Jodytron. Find me and say hello!

The other thing that I'm currently obsessed with is Pinterest. There is an app for the iPhone, but it's much easier to use on your computer. You know how you probably have folders and folders of house inspiration, and project ideas.. well this is a place where they can live and get passed around. You make your own pin boards, depending on what you're interested in, and as you find a photo online that you want to save, you pin it to your board. Other visual folks can re pin your pins and it's like a giant inspiration swap meet!

Postcards from the Past

2011-06-22T14:24:00.004-05:00

The Mackley family holds the record for the family that lived in our house the longest (of course we're hoping to steal the record from them!) They were here from 1972 until 2000, and Sandy and Ed recently paid us a visit! I learned that they bought the house in disarray, and fell in love with it despite it's condition, much like we did, and immediately started working on it. It's funny that all of the things we are ripping out now for our remodeling projects are all the things they did in the 70's. Sandy did spot that her green mini blinds are still hanging up in the bathroom, and I learned recently that we swing every day on the porch swing they put up almost 40 years ago.

They walked through it with us, answering questions about little construction mysteries, and telling us how things used to be. I was shocked to hear that once they moved to New York, and still owned the house, they considered tearing it down to build apartments, but thankfully someone swooped in right in time and wanted to buy it! I'm very happy they did.

From the first email we exchanged a few years ago, I learned that when they were remodeling, they found leather postcards in the walls from the O'Sullivan family, and since then we've been dying to see them. We would have been thrilled with a scan, but we received an envelope in the mail from the Mackley's containing two leather postcards, and an old bank stub. I love the cat and dog postcard! I'm beginning to think that this family really liked cats!

I'm so grateful that they would pass these treasures on to us. I can't wait to display them with the rest of our house history goodies!

Alpacas!

2011-06-16T21:58:00.001-05:00

My inlaws have recently aquired a little heard of alpacas, so I've gone a little crazy lately taking pictures of these strange, yet oddly adorable, creatures. More words aren't necessary, I'll just let the pictures do the talking!

Migrate

2011-06-13T00:28:00.002-05:00

A fresh treasury inspired by my current obsession with the bird feeder and my new feathered friends. Click and comment on the treasury to support some great shops!

Focused

2011-06-12T21:24:00.001-05:00

The craft fairs that I've done are usually fun, and worth all the work that goes into them, but I always end up putting my Etsy shop and blog on the back burner while I prepare. Last weekend I shared a booth with some friends at our town's fair called Country Days, which is a giant freak show where people crawl out of the woods to eat funnel cakes, ride on spinning death traps, and apparently shop for crafts! I loved our set up and we had a great time, except for the part where we sweat our assess off in the 98 degree Missouri heat.

I'm not doing any craft fairs for a while, so I can keep my focus on Peach Parlor online. I've listed a bunch of new things this weekend.. lots of headbands, brooches, buttons and more coming soon!

Something Different

2011-05-24T15:41:00.000-05:00

I just listed a few new things in the shop! I'm happy to be getting to work on some different items that I've never tried before. New today are two framed button collections, and two embroidery hoop collages. Click the pics to check out the listings!

Peach Parlor on the Road

2011-05-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

This weekend I set up a booth at a small, local craft and antique fair called the Grapevine Country Market, with the help of one of my favorite ladies. The weather magically cooperated so I got to spend two days out mingling with people, peddling my wares., and getting one hell of a sunburn. It was the first year this show was put on, and I can't say that a lot of people came, and I can't say that I made much money, but every great show has to start somewhere, right? Even though the traffic was slow, at least I got more practice at my booth set up, which is looking better than ever. Bradley made me an adorable new sign out of wood that is shaped like a cute little ribbon. Love how it turned out!

Overall it was a very relaxed country atmosphere, with a little bluegrass music, a 200 year old guy making amazing rings from old silver spoons, and a deep fried Oreo truck conveniently parked right behind us.

One Month Review

2011-05-18T12:34:00.001-05:00

It's been over month now, since I've stopped "working" in the conventional sense, and lets just say it's been interesting. I really thought that I would start killing it from day one, working non-stop to prove that I could do it.. but instead, I woke up on the first day like a deer caught in headlights, not knowing what to do next. I thought that the drive to succeed would be enough to keep me in check with this new found freedom to spend every day doing whatever I want, but it was harder than I expected to motivate myself. I will admit that I spent way too many hours bird watching (my new hobby that, unfortunately, kills productivity) and playing Words with Friends those first few weeks. Someone obviously needs to revisit her notes to self!

I feel like I'm back on track now. I'm setting up a craft booth at the Grapevine Country Market this weekend, which has definitely got my ass moving. Maybe I should pretend there is a craft show every weekend to prepare for!

After my job ended, we had a shirt burning BBQ party, which I must include these photos from. YES it was necessary for me to crucify my old shirt and light it on fire. Seeing these pictures is one hell of a motivator to keep working hard. With that said, it's time to hit the parlor and get to work because I don't want any more uniforms in my future.

Mug Monday

2011-05-16T21:58:00.001-05:00

Dear Monday,
You were mostly pretty shitty, except for the part where I got to mail out lots of packages to all of my awesome customers (thanks to a feature in the Etsy Finds email, that led to a button frenzy!) Besides that, I could have done without you. Now I will stop complaining and give you two cute little mugs that I made into pin cushions a while back.

How was your Monday?

Mug Monday is Back!

2011-05-09T15:06:00.000-05:00

I've missed many Monday's since I started doing this feature when my blog was still a fresh little baby, but I have many more mugs in my collection that need shared! This week is an awesome 25 cent yardsale score, a Dunder Mifflin mug, complete with floating Michael Scott head. What more could you ask for?

Click here to see the past mug Monday features! Here's to sticking with it.

A Lesson on Cathrineholm

2011-05-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

While digging through our local flea market one day, among the piles of junk I spotted a bright white flower pattern on a large dish. It was bold and so striking, and defintely stood out to me right away. There were two of these large, enameled platters and they were marked Cathrineholm on the bottom. I assumed that they were designed by a person named Cathrine Holm. I snatched up both platters for almost nothing and came home to do some research. I learned quickly that Cathrineholm was the name of the factory in Norway that started manufactured these items in 1954, and that they were designed by Grete Prytz Kittelsen. After more reading, I learned that she designed solid color pieces, and the factory added the, now iconic, "lotus" design without her approval. Personally, I think it was a pretty good move!

If you're a mid-century design fan, you'll probably love the Etsy shop Yumalum, from the UK. Coming from a person with limited kitchen space, I love the idea of filling up your home with dishes on the walls, instead of taking up precious counter space.

There are so many gorgeous Catherineholm pieces to admire. Visit the Flickr group to drool over a whole gallery. I'll leave you with a few of my favorites from the flickr pool!

Now and Then

2011-04-15T12:03:00.000-05:00

The first time I saw pictures like these, I was floored. It combines photography and local history, which are two of my favorite things, so I couldn't resist trying some of my own! It was a little trickier than I expected, and sometimes you run into issues like something else being built where the picture was taken from, which makes it impossible to get the shot. These are the three I've done so far, and I'm sure there will be many more to come!

Check out these links for a bunch more:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/75-captivating-looking-into-the-past-pictures
http://www.flickr.com/groups/lookingintothepast/pool/

the End and the Beginning

2011-04-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

This is it. Today is my first day as a full time craftperson! I'm up early, so that's a great start so far. I wanted to give my blog a little love before I hit the parlor to start working. Lock me in, chain me to my chair, glue my glue gun to my hand because it's time to do WORK!

Shutting down Blockbuster felt so surreal, and I don't think it really sank in until yesterday when I was alone in the store, waiting for a truck to come pick up the few boxes of movies we had left. Everything was dark and empty and all signs of fun and life were long gone and I realized that we were finally at the end. I will miss my work family so much, but it feels incredible to be free.

The only dream I've ever had was to find a way to let my creativity be my job. Long before Etsy was born, before I ever got my first job, this was the only thing that made sense to me. It seemed so impossible back then, but here we are.

Peace out, old life. You were good to me, but new life is going to be even better.

Pin-Up Girls

2011-03-31T16:35:00.000-05:00

Since I'm drowning in buttons at the moment, I decided to give some new life to a choice few. I picked out some complimentary buttons and my E-6000 glue and went to work. There are a few listings in the shop already, and many more coming soon!

Block Busted

2011-03-31T11:49:00.001-05:00

These photos show you what my Blockbuster looks like right now. It's starting to resemble a yardsale more than an actual place of business, with every supply or random thing we can find thrown on to a table with a price tag. Seriously, everything must go.. and it's pretty much went. It is surreal watching everything disappear so fast every day. Cleaning out all the cabinets and throwing away everything that used to be part of normal daily life feels weird, but honestly it is something I've been dreaming about doing for years. The hardest part for me has been adjusting to chaos mode. My job has always been to keep things clean and organized and running smoothly, and that's so far gone at this point. The anal straightener in me is going nuts at the disarray, and it's hard to get my brain to understand that it's okay.

We're down to the last 10 days now. It's sad, or at least bittersweet to a lot of people, but for me it's mostly sweet, only because I've had a back up plan brewing for years now. Granted, it's the craziest change in my life probably ever, but I'm excited for it. I am feeling for everyone else though. So many people in stores across the country losing their jobs, and communities losing a place that they enjoy coming to. People have been seeing it as a sign of the times, like the bad economy is to blame, but the real blame is on the greedy, poorly run company in a dying industry who refused to look forward into the future and make changes accordingly. I wish I could say I was surprised by any of this, but it's been a long time coming.

This place gave me countless new friendships, my husband, and a decade of free movie rentals, but I'm more than ready to lock up those doors for the last time and move on.

Missouri Roadtrip

2011-03-24T18:42:00.000-05:00

One beautiful day last week, I packed up my camera gear and my hubby and we hit the back roads. Through the dreary greyness of winter, I forget that my camera can do more than just take etsy shop photos, and as soon as the warm days hit.. I started to remember. Nothing had really started to bloom yet, but I found a field to play in, and that was enough to scratch my photo taking itch.

I love driving around rural Missouri, because you definitely never know what you'll see next. This huge hay bale pig and little caterpiller are the perfect examples. It was a great way to start out the spring photo season!

Bathroom Decision Overload

2011-03-15T21:22:00.000-05:00

Bathroom planning has turned out to be much harder than I expected, and I already expected it to be pretty hard! We're in the stage where we start seeing some basic things come together, like the shower is taking shape, and there is drywall on the walls, but there are so many decisions yet to be made. I'll think I'll have it all down, and then one change in the plan will have a ripple effect through out the whole room. It's easy to pick out what you like. It's harder to make sure all of the things you like work well in a space together.

The hardest part is trying to plan around things that don't exist yet. We've been checking Craigslist and antique malls, looking for the perfect piece of furniture to turn into the vanity, and the problem is that you don't really know what someone is going to be selling at the right time (now) for the right price (cheap). Without a vanity, I can't choose sinks or a mirror, without a mirror I can't choose lights.. and on and on. That's the trouble with scavenging for old things.. you never know what will find you.

About every other day I give up on the search and decide to have Bradley make a custom piece that will encompass all of my vanity hopes and dreams, but really that just adds so many more choices. What kind of wood do we use? Are there drawers? Handles? What do the feet look like? Vessel sink or under mount?
The last thing I need are more choices and decisions to make!

At this moment, I'm hoping the perfect rustic and worn old workbench magically falls into my lap somehow. If that could happen, then it's green light GO!

Until then, I might as well share some of the vanity inspiration I've been hoarding away.

Happy Daylight Savings!

2011-03-13T17:53:00.000-05:00

I'm not big into holidays, but today is a day that I like to celebrate like one! It finally marks the beginning of the end of cold, brown days. No more getting dark at 5:00! Some people complain about losing that one hour of sleep, but I'd give up sleep for a week if I had to.. anything for more sunshine, green grass and trees sprouting little leaves.

Yesterday I spent the day outside enjoying the weather with some of my favorite people. We flew kites at the park, had a junk food picnic, and tried to make giant bubbles with little success.

In Peach Parlor news: I just listed four new spring inspired headbands! See my shop for details.

Notes to Self

2011-03-09T17:30:00.000-06:00

I didn't quit my day job, but my day job is quitting me. In one month, the doors to the Blockbuster store that I've worked at forever will be closed for good, and I will become self-employed! My plan is to use my Etsy shops as my main source of income, along with selling my photography and crafts at some places around town, and doing any craft show I can find. I have confidence that I can make it work, but it's going to take a lot of self discipline, and a total change in routine. For so long I've thought "Oh, if I had the chance.. I'd start taking this and this more seriously, and start doing that better" but now the time is actually here! No more talking, time to start doing.

With that said, I felt the need to make a list of things for future self-employed me to remember from what I've learned so far.

Print by Vol25

1. No more sleeping as late as you want. We have work to do. End of discussion!

2. Get dressed like you might actually see another person. After 12 years in khaki pants and a polo shirt, revel in the fact that you can work in regular clothes! This doesn't mean you can't ever take advantage of being able to work in your pj's, but lets not make a habit of it, okay?

3. Never underestimate how much better you feel when you're clean and freshly showered. You'd never go to regular work unclean, with unbrushed teeth and messy hair. This is basic hygiene, and I'm embarrassed that we even have to go over this one.

4. Make time for friends and family, especially since you wont have coworkers to talk to anymore. Through the week you can hold as many conversations with your cats as you want, but come the weekend.. some social interaction is required.

5. At regular work, your workspace is always annoyingly clean and organized, so why does this not apply at home? This must improve immediately!

6. Times are gonna be tighter now, so cut down on the $4 lattes, okay? I know it will be hard, but it must be done.

7. To do lists and schedules are your friend. You wont be able to do it without them.

NOW GET TO WORK!

My Reclaimed Treasure

2011-03-04T15:36:00.001-06:00

A while back, while starting the demoltion of our bathroom, my husband found these old beads under a pile of crumbling, 100 year old newspapers. I can only assume that it was once a necklace that belonged to one of my O'Sullivan girls. To read more about my obsession with the O'Sullivan family, check out this post. And here you can see what else we found!

My friend Jena is a jewelery maker and fellow Missourian, and she runs the Etsy shop Copper Hollow, and she cleaned my beads up and restrung them into two bracelets for me! I love how pretty and simple they turned out. Wearing my house's history on my arm is a very tangible connection to the past. One day I will find a photo of one of the O'Sullivan wearing these very beads! I wonder what they would have thought if you had told them in 1910 that 100 years from then there would be this girl living in their house, looking for photos, obsessed with finding out more about them. It would be a little creepy, but hopefully they'd appreciate that someone still cares enough to keep their history alive.

Button Overload

2011-02-28T08:30:00.001-06:00

If you've been to Peach Parlor lately, you may have noticed that it's been taken over by endless listings of vintage buttons. It all started while antique shopping with my mother-in-law. I squealed over a jar of all white buttons, and had to buy them, which gave her an idea to sell jars of buttons in her new antique mall booth. She scored the motherload, buying 33 pounds of antique buttons for a great price. I wish I had them all in one pile so I could show you what 33 pounds of buttons actually looks like! When she called me over to check them out, I was in shock and immediately fell in love with each and every button. I dug through the piles with my mouth on the floor, admiring each and every one like a tiny piece of artwork. Someone spent their whole life collecting these, and so many of them seemed so old and unique and I knew these couldn't be antique mall filler, stuck in jars for decor. I told her If she took them to the mall, I was going to go buy them all anyway, so she might as well save the time and sell them all to me now! You know how this story ends by now.. with me diving into a pool of buttons Scrooge McDuck style.

My brain has been on full button mode for the past few weeks. Learning, researching, sorting, photo taking, listing, packaging, shipping.. and then repeating the process all over again with the next batch. I didn't know there would be so much to learn! You'd never think that such a tiny little thing can hold so many clues as to what's made from, how old it is, and where it came from.

I'm so happy to be offering up these beauties to the world. I think about someone finding one of my listings and finally finding the one button they have been searching everywhere for.. or a collection of buttons that inspires someones next project. I'm thrilled to be finding homes for them, sending them on to people who will love them as much as I do.

Bathroom Update!

2011-02-27T19:56:00.000-06:00

So, my master bedroom still resembles a landfill, and there's still a shower in the corner of it, but progress in the bathroom has been made! Today Bradley put in the first of three new windows! Windows might not sound very exciting, but in an old house, it's something that makes a huge impact. First, you can actually SEE out of them, and has a big impact on our utilities. We replace them room by room and I think we're about half way to all new windows. Only like 20 more to go!

Soon it will be time to lay some beautiful white subway tile, and that's when I'll really be able to start seeing the room come together. Here's to hoping we made good choices!

Fresh From the Handmade Oven

2011-02-25T18:33:00.000-06:00

I finally spent some quality time cutting and gluing, which are two of my favorite things, so I have a few new handmade items for sale in the shop! Take a peek!

Silhouettes

2011-02-23T23:40:00.001-06:00

It was love at first sight when I laid my eyes on these papercut silhouette prints by Andy Smetanka. Andy runs the Etsy shop Going To Seed, and I am itching to have some of his work hanging up on an empty wall near me! The color lover inside me feels so happy when I look at them. Click the pictures for more info, and do some shop favoriting while you're there!

Etsy Seller Shout Out!

2011-02-23T17:16:00.003-06:00

I wanted to give some props to Melody's shop, Behind My Picket Fence. She bought some unique vintage buttons from me to use on some of her crocheting projects, and send me the link to these beautiful cuffs once she was finished! She even added a little link to my shop in the description, which I thought was awesome. I'm constantly amazed by the kindness and generosity of people I come across on Etsy. It's such a wonderful community to be a part of!

I'm also loving this gorgeous cowl scarf! The creamy colors are perfect!

Snow Day!

2011-02-17T12:33:00.004-06:00

As much as I'd like to forget the snow ever happened, I have to share these photos from one of the mini blizzards that hit us over the last few weeks. It was perfectly deep and fluffy and packable and like a child, I had to go play! I wrapped my cast up in plastic and we headed out to play with my two favorite ladies: Olive and Frankenstein! It was nice knowing that if I fell down, at least it was going to be a soft landing. Bradley built an igloo and we had some good old fashion snowy fun.

Rewind

2011-02-17T12:09:00.003-06:00

It's been about three weeks since my last post, and here's whate you've missed:

- I hobbled around in a cast for 2 weeks, and adjusted to crutches and one fancy ass walker with a fold up seat where I can store things, which comes in very handy!

- I started working on both of my shops (Peach Parlor and The Little Prints) the day after my foot surgery. I was so excited to have a huge, uninturrupted block of time to see what I could do with it. I'm moving slower, so things are getting done slower, but they are getting done! I am disappointed that I haven't made a thing since I've been home, but hopefully the other progress makes up for it.

- Now my cast is off and I'm in a boot and I can't wait to be walking again! It was okay at first, but now I'm starting to forget what regular walking was like. Granted, it has been very helpful having an awesome man around to help me out.

- I finally took down my Christmas tree last week, which I can't blame on the bum foot, since I have a habit of leaving it up until Feburary almost every year.

- We have moved the matress to the living room floor, so I don't have to crutch upstairs (our stairs with no railing, mind you) unless I want to shower, or check in on the bathroom remodel Bradley's knee deep in. I rather like it. There's a TV and we get to pretend we're having a slumber party every night!

- I acquired over 30 pounds of vintage buttons, and it has consumed my life for about a week now. I'll save the details of this acquisition for a later post, but I am definitely button obsessed at the moment. There's a lot to learn!

- Still dealing with the realization that my dad is sick. Been visiting a lot, hanging out and processing everything. Good days and bad days. Chemo starts March 1st.

- I've worked at the same Blockbuster store for the past 10 years, and for the past while we have been dealing with the looming threat of closing. Today we got the news. I'm sorry for the other people losing their jobs but personally, this will finally force me to make a change. I have to make a change now, I have no choice, and the timeline is so perfect it's like I planned it out myself. Here's to finally taking a leap, taking a risk or two, and seeing what happens. This is amazingly life changing for me, and it feels so good.

Crutching It

2011-01-28T13:45:00.002-06:00

I survived my foot sugery and now I'm rocking my first ever cast! I guess everything went okay, and It's not to painful, and I'm actually kind of enjoying the challenge of getting around. I'm sure this will wear off soon and start to get annoying, but for now It's like a fun creative game of how to I get from here to there and take this pile of stuff with me. If carrying your phone tucked into your underwear's elastic is a crime, then consider me guilty.

I've been loving the Shop Makeover Series that has been going on at the Etsy blog the past few weeks. It's perfect timing for me, since I'm off work for a few weeks and looking to revamp my two shops. My to do list is growing fast, but that's the only thing that is going fast around here lately!

MUG MONDAY!

2011-01-25T00:03:00.000-06:00

I know I gave up on Mug Monday's a while back, but I met the cutest little friend that had to be shared! Since I go under the knife on Wednesday, I have been hunting and stock piling treasures for the shop, giving my mother-in-law lessons on what to junk shop for. It was hard to explain what I was looking for, because you never know until you find it. I told her to look for things that made her instantly happy inside, and at some point the day she picks up this mug and says "like this?" and I say "exactly!"

Watch for the new stuff to be listed over the next few weeks, along with new handmade goodies, and a much needed update to my photography shop, The Little Prints. Off to bed now because it's barely even Monday anymore!

The Short Version

2011-01-22T17:26:00.000-06:00

Right before Christmas we found out that my dad was really sick, and he spent the next month in the hospital with my mom by his side. Life kind of went on hold for a little bit while we figured out what that meant for the future of our family. Lots of tears, lots of waiting, lots of bad news to accept. That was, until better news came that hopefully means we have a LOT more time than we expected. They got to come home yesterday finally, and I have never been so relieved.

So, I'm on the upswing of a crazy emotional roller coaster, and in four days I have surgery on my weird ankle and I'll be off my foot and out of work for around 8 weeks. And talk to me in a few days when I realize I have underestimated how much you need two working feet, but as of right now, I'm planning on focusing all my time on my family, and kicking my etsy shops ass into gear. I always say I could definitely make Etsy work if I had more time to put into it, so here is my chance to prove it. We'll see what happens. Hopefully you'll be seeing frequent blog posts and lots of new listings!

Now, I'm off to go over and spend some much needed quality time with my family. Here's hoping you're getting to enjoy yours too.

Carry On

2010-12-31T14:04:00.005-06:00

I will probably be less present on Etsy and here on my blog due to some family health issues. Just so no one thinks I've abandoned Etsy and disappeared into the night. Things are tough right now, but we'll get through it somehow.

Print by Please Be Still

Front Door: Before & After

2010-12-12T15:27:00.007-06:00

When we first moved here 6 years ago, the front door was always a special part of the house. It was one of the few original peices left (almost) intact. The beauty was there, but it needed some help. The bottom panel was cracked, as well as some of the glass.. and I don't have to mention the terrible paint job.

I went back and forth on wether or not to keep the wood detailing on the front of the door. While it wasn't my style, part of me wanted to keep it unchanged, in honor of all the things I wish had never been changed by family's past. Once I saw it stripped down, the choice was obvious to me. It fits us so much better this way. Bradley did an amazing job on it, and learned how to do stained glass so he could create the address panel in the bottom, and fix the cracks on top. He added the hardware for the transom window on top, and gave her other fixtures a shiny new makeover. One of my favorite parts is how it revealed all of the old nail holes where curtains would have been from generations of people before us. It's a very visual reminder of the history that it's been through.

New Wreath!

2010-12-02T17:00:00.000-06:00

This one is so fresh out of the crafty oven.. it's still warm! I wasn't in a wreathy mood until I crusied down the yarn isle at the store and spotted this super thick yarn in these gorgeous colors.. that's all it took! I kind of want to keep it for myself, but I must resist!

JJ's Faves

2010-12-02T13:13:00.002-06:00

Meet Jennifer! We met in third grade and have been bff's ever since. She runs the Etsy shop Craftstatic where she sells handmade and vintage goods. Not only is she a great friend, and just generally awesome, she has great taste too so I am digging through her Etsy favorites to share with you!

Victoraian style keyhole necklace from Grigio Design

Zombie Golden Girls from Chuck Hodi

Trailer Birdhouse from Jumahl

Leather Wristband from Art of Spirit Leatherworks

Traffic Light Light from Primary Redux

Plaid Cameo Necklace from the Mix Shop

Dangers of Wearing a Corset Embroidery from Thread of Consciousness

My Favorite Bike Print from Juxtaposed Design

Patchwork Cloud Brooch by Handmade Pretties

Holiday Discount

2010-11-26T18:32:00.000-06:00

Scrooge Gets Festive

2010-11-21T13:33:00.001-06:00

I'm normally not much of a holiday person for some reason. I tend to just keep making what I normally make regardless of the season or approaching holidays, but these textile trees are definitely an exception! They almost get me in a christmassy mood... almost! They are so much fun to make, and I'm really loving the creamy white ones this year.

What goodies do you make around christmas time?

Hidden Treasures

2010-11-15T21:27:00.006-06:00

Any time we start tearing into the house, a rush comes over us, excited about what finds might be hidding in the next wall, or under the next board. Brad has become very good at careful demolition, as to not destory any fragile secrets to the past that might hiding out. A perfect example of his careful hand is the first find of our master bathroom remodel. He slowly took down a part of the ceiling, and right there were newspapers from 1898!

I'm most excited about finding some beading that was underneath the 100 year old newspaper! I am going to assume it belonged to my O'Sullivan girls. I'm having a friend restring it into a bracelet for me!

You can't read much of the writing on this postcard, but you can make out one name: Margaret O'Sullivan! She is one of the daughters of the family that lived here from 1904-1917 that I'm kind of obsessed with.

Then we spent an afternoon up in the attic, pulling up boards that probably haven't been moved in a century, digging through insulation (which was probably a bad idea, in hindsight) and remains of mouse bedding, looking for any little treasure. It was a game of "one more board" that went on and on.

We found lots of pieces of wallpaper that have hung in the house over the years, and many newspapers crumbs. There was an awesome wax envelope that was postmarked 1907, an old doll leg, buttons, laces, children's school papers, and a neat piece of glass that I haven't quite figured out yet.

To be continued.. when we start digging again!

Demolition, Continued

2010-11-15T19:14:00.001-06:00

My upstairs currently resembles tornado aftermath, but as I've learned.. it can't get pretty without getting really ugly first. Bradley has been gutting our master bedroom and bath, and getting things ready for the remodel. It seemed like the best plan was to knock them both out at once, but looking at the rooms in their current state has me a little overwhelmed.

View from the bedroom into the bathroom

The house used to have a back staircase, which is apparently right under my toilet!

My cats have been very interested in the process, and are currently very dark shades of grey.

We spend lots of time carefully checking every crevice for any hidden artifacts.. anything that will teach us more about the history of our home. We found some cool stuff so far, but that deserves it's own post!

Featured Shop: Leah Duncan

2010-11-14T21:08:00.001-06:00

Have you ever stumbled upon a shop that's so perfecly you, and has been around for a while, that you can't figure out why you hadn't found it before? That's how I felt when I laid my eyes on the shop of Leah Duncan. She is an illustrator and designer based in Austin, TX and her shop includes fabrics, tea towels, prints, calanders.. and much more. I'll share some of my favorites, but make sure to spend some time in the shop and check out her blog, Freshly Chopped for more!

Fresh Finds

2010-11-12T23:30:00.001-06:00

Time for some shop props! Take a second to visit all of the amazing shops I've included in my newest treasury! It was inspired by the beautiful afghan in the corner and our cozy 70 degrees mid-November weather. Oh, Missouri, you are so confusing sometimes.

Procrastablog

2010-11-10T23:14:00.000-06:00

I have a stockpile of things I want to share with you, and the list just keeps growing! I need to get myself re-motivated, but the time change sucks out my will to do anything and I'm still pouting about it. Hopefully I'll get used to it in a week or so and I'll be back on my game. For now I'd at least like to share some new stuff I finished last week. I found some great plaid fabric while thrifing and I'm loving it so much. So far Four brooches and a cuff, watch Peach Parlor for the listings coming soon!

Introducing Peach Parlor!

2010-11-04T23:28:00.001-05:00

I finally took the plunge and made a new shop! I've been talking myself out of it for about a year, so I figured I'd never be satisfied until I gave it a shot. Peach Parlor is now home to my handmade and vintage goods, and my photography will stay at The Little Prints. I'm so excited to get to work and have them both stocked full! I'd love it if you'd all favorite my new shop.

I had been brainstorming for the perfect name for months, and I knew once I had the right one, I would know it.. and that's what happened with Peach Parlor. I named it after the room I do my creating in. I feel freshly focused and ready to make!

Bedroom Renovation: Step One

2010-11-02T19:42:00.000-05:00

It's that time again.. time to start tearing our house apart in preparation for a freshly remodeled master bedroom and bathroom! I can't tell you how excited I am about this project. It's only been on my mind since we moved here about 5 years ago. Now that it's time to start actually making design decisions, it's very overwhelming, but I'll save that for another post.

Step one is to gut the bedroom. Walls are gone, ceiling is gone.. the wood floor that was hiding underneath is the only thing that's staying put. That process looked like this:

Throughout any renovation project we're always careful to watch for any hidden treasures, and this time around Bradley found a bank deposit ticket from 1907, two records under the floor, some old Top Value trading stamps, a Sherwin-Williams paint tag, and one of the more exciting finds was a tag on the back of one of the rosette trim pieces. We've never been able to find out anything about who built the house, and I always want to know where the materials came from, and this helps a little bit. It reads "D.J. Doughty, Farmington" so we looked him up on an old census and it said he was a carpenter. Doesn't mean he built the house, but at least he ordered the trim, and that's something we didn't know before!

The next step was to haul off a huge trailer full of the bedrooms innards, which was oh so glamorous! I'm happy that part is finished, and now we get to start the fun stuff. I'll keep you posted!

It's Pumpkin Time!

2010-10-21T10:58:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite parts of Halloween is getting to carve pumpkins! We loaded up a pile of pumpkins from Sprottfest, and carved them with some friends in the back yard. The weather has been so perfect, and all of the trees are so beautiful right now.. I'd really like to stay right here in this season, but unfortunately it doesn't work like that. Now I must go finish getting the house ready for our costume party on Saturday! So excited! What are your plans for Halloween?

Sprottfest 2010

2010-10-21T10:50:00.001-05:00

Saturday was the 2nd annual Sprottfest, which is like a local farm party meets little craft fair. There was a handful of craft vendors (me included!) and lots of antiques to scour through. I really like the atmosphere of Sprottfest, with dogs and donkies hanging around, and the smell of kettlecorn in the air. Their was a blacksmith in action, a local muscian, delicious baked goodies, and a horse drawn wagon taking people for rides. It was definitely a fun day, and I'll keep participating as long as they keep having it!

I tried a few new things with my booth set up this time. I made a headband display out of a large pvc pipe covered in fabric, mounted to an old peice of trim. It worked so well, and made it so easy to see all the headbands. I think the set up gets a little better with every fair, so next year I'll totally be a pro :)

new listings

2010-10-13T14:00:00.005-05:00

I haven't made any new yarn wreaths in a long time, but something about this time of year puts me in a wreath making mood. here are two new ones:

I also just put up a bunch of new prints in the photography section, so check them out!

Lemp Brewery Continued

2010-10-10T19:57:00.002-05:00

In my previous post, I wrote about the shop called Junque inside one of the buildings in the Lemp Brewery Complex in Saint Louis, but we also got to explore some of the other old buildings and I feel like I made up for my lack of photo taking all summer in just one day. The guy who ran the salvage shop took us to this giant open space that just stunned us when we saw it.. I don't think I could use words to describe how amazing it was, so maybe the photos will do the job. If you want more, see the whole set on flickr.

We were already blown away, and then the guy asked if we wanted to see the basement. I couldn't even imagine what the basement of a place like this could possibly look like. He leads us down a creepy set of stairs into a cold, pitch black basement.. then he opens this huge door to let the light in and it illuminates these beautiful, giant colums and then we can really see the size of the place we were in. It was by far the coolest place I've ever got to explore.

Junque Shop

2010-10-10T04:32:00.001-05:00

Today we hit Saint Louis to visit a salvage shop inside one of the buildings inside the old Lemp Brewery Complex. It's a 13 acre spread made up of 27 amazing, old, brick buildings.. one of them containing a place called Junque. It's what my dreams are made of.

Right from the start it was an overwhelming experience, each item fighting harder for your attention than the last. From old architectural details, doors, and wrought iron pieces to antique fixtures and jars of old hardware.. it was the collection of a lifetime and I've never wanted to leave with everything so badly.

It was ran by a very friendly couple who were so willing to show us around and open to letting us explore whatever we wanted, taking pictures of every step as we went along. It's been hard to not overload this post with photos, so I'm going to save one of the buildings for it's own post. Consider this part one!

Enjoy the photo tour, and if you live near STL and love old rusty salvaged finds.. put Junque on the top of your must visit list.

Fall Favorites

2010-10-08T01:06:00.000-05:00

I made a new treasury inspired by cold fall mornings and hot oatmeal cookies! Clicks and comments are very appreciated.

Furry Family

2010-10-02T16:52:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week I had enjoyed a wonderful lazy day at home and spent some quality time with my furry children outside. We like to fetch tennis balls and hang out under the weeping willow tree. I'm forever taking pictures of them, so I figured I'd share and introduce you! Jeebus is the feline star of the show, and Frankenstein and Olive are my doggy girls.

Shop Props!

2010-10-01T14:31:00.000-05:00

Today some shop props goes out to Lauren from Crooked Sister! I sent her one of my brooches in trade for a super cute hair clip and I had to show it off! Firstly, it came packaged with so much care and charm, which personally, I think is the first sign of a great seller. The clip itself is well-made and adorable and I want to wear it every day. I love that it's suede too, and not felt as you might expect.. it makes it extra soft and special.

I love all the variety Lauren offers in her shop. From brooches, necklaces and earrings, to embroidered greeting cards.. there's something for everyone! Here are some of my faves. Click to see the listings:

The Kedyro

2010-09-28T18:06:00.005-05:00

Our local history collection just doubled, and now contains TWO items! First was the old newspapers I posted about already, and Brad recently scored an old yearbook from our town's highschool from 1915. There is one family from our home's past that has had us on the hunt for their old family photographs (see some back story here and here) and the timeline of this yearbook matched the time that they lived here, so we figured there was at least a tiny chance that maybe one of the 5 O'Sullivan kids would be in it. The only photo we have ever seen is this one with the four daughters holding a kitten. The Kedyro arrived and we quickly spotted William O'Sullivan Jr. in the Senior class! Not only that, but he was even on the yearbook staff! This doesn't bring us any closer to the goal of finding old pictures of our home, but it keeps me excited about the search. It's amazing how small the world can seem, even after almost one hundred years have gone by.

From finding their obituaries, we knew the family was in a cemetery here in town, but we had never went to find them until today. It was the most beautiful day, so Brad and I grabbed some lunch and had a little cemetery picnic. After some searching, we found the O'Sullivan family headstone, along with the graves of the mother, father, and all four girls.

I'm hot on your trail, O'Sullivans! Oh if only I had one time travelling Delorian..

Shop Update!

2010-09-28T14:00:00.000-05:00

Just finished a huge shop update! 14 new peices up right now, with more coming soon. Take a look!

Sweater Weather!

2010-09-26T20:47:00.000-05:00

You sure did show up fast, without any warning. I'm thrilled to be wearing my new favorite sweater for the first time, but I'm not in any hurry to upgrade to coat weather, so no rush.. okay?

cable-knit fingerless gloves by Homelab
argyle yarn wreath by ItzFitz
grey caplet by Silvia66
knitted pillow sham by PreciousKnits

Fall Fest!

2010-09-26T19:50:00.000-05:00

It was such a gorgeous day for the Farmington Fall Festival yesterday! It was my second year to have a booth there, and I think I'm comfortable enough now to branch out of my little town and do some bigger events.. something where my goods fit in a little better with the crowd. Now I can get back to filling up my shop, which looks kind of like a ghost town at the moment!

Package it Pretty

2010-09-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

Sending out pretty packages makes me happy. This one has a huge wreath inside. I never send anything out without a handwritten thank you note.. I think it's really important, and people seem to appreciate it.

What do you think is most important when shipping out your goodies? Or if you're the reciever of the package, what stands out to you?

Farmington News

2010-09-13T23:42:00.000-05:00

While randomly searching ebay for the name of my town, in the hopes that some awesome peice of local history might be listed, I found a listing for 8 old newspapers from 1906 to 1938. I still can't really believe the luck. Twenty bucks later, they were ours! We carefully combed over every page, learning what life was like. The ads are probably my favorite part. It's amazing that even in 1906, people were already trying to scare women into buying shit they don't need. The phone numbers were three digits long, and rent for a house would cost you 7 bucks a month!

Also inside is the original Facebook status updates! Pages and pages of what was going on around town, like "Mary Johnson had friends over for her birthday. Cake was served and everyone had a great time." or "The Mitchells went out of town for business this week." It amazes me how some things don't change.

mug monday!

2010-09-13T23:21:00.000-05:00

It's still Monday, barely!

It's been a crazy week or two, but hopefully soon I'll be back to posting more often and getting some new stuff listed in my shop, I'm also getting ready for the Farmington Fall Festival on the 25th! I'll have a booth set up with all my goodies, so if you're local, come say hi!

Yes Please!

2010-09-04T00:41:00.001-05:00

I'm not normally pro-pink, but I instantly fell in love with everything about this dress. The little details make me so happy.. from the cutest sleeves complete with pearl buttons to the perfect scallop at the bottom.

See more of this dress here, and check out the other western beauties from Rockin 'B Clothing.

shop update!

2010-09-03T20:16:00.000-05:00

Fall means it's almost brooch time! They just aren't as much fun in the summer when you don't have a cute sweater or big comfy scarf to pin them to. Here's a batch, freshly listed. Hit the shop for details!

2010-09-01T23:36:00.004-05:00

So yeah, sometimes the process involves a fabricsplosion and one well-hidden kitty.

this old house

2010-08-31T15:08:00.001-05:00

The hunt for old photos or any information about our house is still going strong. I guess I can't say the hunt is going strong.. but my desire to hunt is. I had no idea how addictive it would be. I figured after scoring old photos from the family that lived here in the 40's and 50's that it would satisfy us for a while, but it really only made me want more. My mission is to go back even further in time.. the house was built around 1898 so we have a lot of time to cover! I want to find more photos from the O'Sullivan family, who lived here from 1904 to 1917 (see this post for some back story). We have only seen one, but there has to be more out there somewhere and i'm determined to find them.

Since I was in an old photo mood, I searched through old pictures on etsy for inspiration, and each one struck me so hard.. even though they aren't of our home, I felt the feeling I felt when we saw our old phots for the first time. They suck me in and I get lost in every detail. All of these are exactly what I hope we find one day.. little black and white portals into the past.

7 things

2010-08-29T00:44:00.001-05:00

The Beautiful Blogger Award was passed on to me from Meridith of Sheepish Knit Crochet (whose shop you need to check out, especially with fall approaching fast!) The instructions are to share 7 facts about myself, and pass it along to 7 fellow bloggers, so here we go!

1. I'm a Cancer, so I am all about being at home. I love home.

2. I always wear my socks inside out, because I think socks are designed all wrong and the seam should be on the outside of the sock. Come on people, this just makes sense!

3. I can't wear headphones or listen to music really loud because I get paranoid that I won't hear something important like a fire alarm, horns honking, or someone creeping up on me.. that sort of thing.

4. I feel like I'm one of the last people on the planet without a cell phone. lately, iphones have made it a lot harder to resist, but the last thing I need is a tiny little distraction machine! Plus, I think I'm meant to be that old lady one day who won't let go of the good old days.. reminiscing about taking pictures with film and knowing what your handwriting looks like.

5. I have been renting shitty movies to people for more than 10 years now.. and I am SO ready for a change! It has been a great job and it has fit my lazy lifestyle perfectly, but eventually I have to do something different.

6. Bradley and I got married on 6-6-06 because we thought it would be hilarious. It definitely made for an unforgetable anniverary date!

7. I hate capital letters. I've been trying hard to do it properly when I blog, but with every letter I capitalize, I throw up in my mouth a little.

I'm tagging seven of my favorite bloggers: andrea creates, crack the sky, crooked sister, knotted nest, talk2thetrees, so september, and ponder & stitch