Coupon Code #91

Our last coupon code for the week is from Liz of Elizabeth Thomas Photo. Use code 1CupOfTea for 10% off and be sure to visit her blog and facebook page.

Open Monday: Photo Madness

Once again, I have quite a few photos to share with you today, some of them are from my beach trip and the others are of a very simple, easy creation of mine.

Look! One of them is purple! PURPLE!!

This is a little blurry, I know.  I took this under the Avila pier, where you can walk down some stairs down to the water underneath. There were plenty more star fish on the other pillars. I had never seen a live star fish before; personally I think they look like strange creatures from another world that crash landed on Earth and are now living in our oceans. Sounds like a science fiction novel, doesn't it?

Sea biscuits? Where's the butter?

I'm very proud of this photo. This was taken in a souvenir shop in Avila beach; it's a close up of a bucket filled with sea biscuits. I thought the soft lighting and texture of these little guys were beautiful.

In black and white

Yeah, this is the same photo only in black and white, I think it makes the lighting even more dramatic, but which is your favorite version?

Sea urchins?

This too was taken in Avila beach, same shop, different bucket.

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My Chalkboard

So here is my simple creation I mentioned at the beginning of this post. I'd been wanting a chalkboard, something I can put goals on that will be visible every time I walk into the room to keep me motivated and inspired. Ideally, I wanted to paint one of my sliding closet doors in chalkboard paint but I wasn't sure how my landlord would have taken to that, so, I improvised. I had taken an art class and one of the required tools for the class was an artist's board just like this one:

 

I covered the parts I didn't want painted with blue painter's tape and then covered it with two coats of chalkboard paint. On the back and on the wall, I attached the command strips that are for picture hanging, so that I didn't have to do any drilling into my chalkboard or wall (lord knows there's enough holes in my walls)

These work great

And voila! My chalk board. I love it, and since I already had the paint and the artist board it didn't cost me anything extra to make. It's perfect for brain storming, keeping to do lists and ideas on it. I also love the clippies because I use them to hold the rag I use to erase with and my design sketches. Some day though, when I have an entire room to use as a studio, I want to paint an entire wall in chalk board paint with magnetic paint underneath, so I can brainstorm to my hearts content.

What do you use for an inspiration board? A chalk board similar to mine? A dry erase board or bulletin board? Or do you have an entire wall (So jealous!)?

A few of my favorite things: Friday's Faves

This Fridays Faves theme is... Well, literally my faves. Today's post is based on my most treasured items that you can find on Etsy

Coral Desk/vanity

My most favorite thing at the moment is the desk I just refinished. I absolutely adore it. True, this desk from Poppyseedliving looks nothing like mine, but isn't it adorable? I really love the brightness of it and love how it can be a desk and vanity, just add a cute mirror and there you go! $425

Kodak Duaflex Collection- 620 cameras

I love my vintage camera collection, unlike this collection from CraftBangBoom, I only have one of these babies with the original box. Also, just a little decorating tip, vintage cameras make GREAT bookends. $130

Vintage Oshkosh Striped Suitcase

Sadly, I couldn't find a vintage suitcase that matched the one I have that I bought from an antique store a couple of years back to store my craft stuff. But this one is really cool and I wouldn't mind having it to use as a keepsake box for Tessa's things. You can find this at BrightWallVintage for $56

Vintage Wooden Pie Picnic Basket

There's just something about picnic baskets that make me all warm and cozy inside. Perhaps its the representation of simpler times and pleasures? Perhaps. The basket I originally bought for a dollar at a yard sale for my bike is bigger and different than this one from RustBeltThreads, but this is exactly what I envision when I think "picnic basket," filled with fried chicken and home baked bread with some chocolate chip cookies... mmm... $30

Vintage 1958 Cruiser Bicycle

Speaking of bicycles, look at this beauty! My bike isn't as old or as beautiful as this one but I do adore it! You can find this at sickandthrifted for $400

Vintage Painted Cottage Chic Shabby White Pine Trunk

I had spent about a year searching for the perfect chest at the perfect price at antique stores to keep treasures in for when I enter into my own home. But nothing stood out. During that year my uncle who had been ill came to stay with us until his last day on this Earth. But he did have good days and on those day's he worked on building a chest for me, which I hope to pass on to my daughter some day. This one is different from the one my Uncle hand crafted just for me but it is lovely. $225 at paintedcottages.

Fine Art Photograph Jug of Tulips

Ahhh...Tulips. My favorite flower. They're so sweet and elegant in their simple design and beautiful colors. They are the epitome of Spring, don't you think? You can find this print at JudyStalus for $17

Vintage 70's Floral Platform Wedge

Nothing makes me feel more hot than a pair of fabulous wedges. By the way, I wouldn't be showing these to you if they were my size, I'd be hoarding them all to myself. But, if you can fit into these you can find them at BLEUOWL for $19.99

Joyful Summer Fedora Hat

Okay, so maybe there is something else that makes me feel hotter than wearing a pair of wedges, and that's wearing a pair of wedges with an equally cute fedora. You can buy this beauty at dantiehandmade for $38

Vintage Itallian Design Sunglasses

Since we're on the subject of accessories, my #1 must have year round is sunglasses, my dream is to have a giant collection of wedges, fedoras and sunglasses, yep.  If you dream of a large sunglass collection why not start it with these from LuciaMaeVintage for $14

Thursday's Faves

I'm switching days here, but only for this week. Today, I'm doing Faves instead of tomorrow because this week's week theme is

The Royal Wedding

and since the wedding is tomorrow I wanted to get this weeks theme up before everyone could witness Will and Kates nuptials.

093ct Natural Sapphire Diamond Ring in 18k white gold

I couldn't leave out the infamous engagement ring; however, I wanted it to be a different style, but just as beautiful and fit for a (future) queen. I found this beauty at honngaijewelry for $1,120

Mexico

I think Kate Middleton would look beautiful in anything, but I think I could see her in something like this. Her style is very chic, modern and she just seems like a minimalist to me. I think she would be dazzling in this. You can find this at AngelsBridalBoutique for $799

5x7 1969 Rolls Royce

It's been rumored that Kate Middleton is supposed to be going to the wedding in a Rolls Royce. All I can say is, "Good choice, Kate, good choice." You can't find an actual Rolls Royce on etsy, but you can find this 5x7 of one at marisabelfineart for $12.50

Men's Black and Tan Deco Vintage Silk Bowtie

Wouldn't it be awesome if Prince William wore a tie like this to his wedding? He'd be very dapper... And so adorable! You can get this for your man at TheSwankChap for $15

Silver Plated Rhinestone Bridal headband

I had to throw in a tiara; you can't have a royal wedding without a tiara, right? You can buy this beauty for your wedding, or if you feel like wearing it just to wear it (hey, I'm not judging!) at, NancysGem for $8.99

Royal Wedding Tea Towel

What cute tea towels! Wouldn't this make a great gift for the newly weds? I think it would make a great gift for any newly wed really. You can find this at helenacarrington for $21

So, will you be watching the wedding? I'm going to try.

Friday's Faves #3

Friday's Faves Theme: "Get on your bikes and ride!"

In honor of my new bicycle I just purchased, which I LOVE, this weeks theme is bicycles and what better way to start it off with some Queen lovin'.

Pink Dreams

This is so pretty. I love the softness of it and the vintage quality the Polaroid 660 land camera gives (Is there such a thing as a Polaroid 660 ocean camera? Sky camera?). You can find this print and others like it at GabrielleKai. this one is $15.

Ghost Rider Magnet Art

I just find this one comical, and the description for it is sure to bring a smile from your face, by rachelgertrude. $6.

Bike Bell, Red Swirly Initial

I LOVE this bike bell, I might just get one for Veronica! SpokeNWheel has lots of wonderful bike bells just as cool, if not cooler than this one. $16

Vintage Cruiser Tool Kit

This just oozes cool. This is a vintage cruiser tool kit but would look chic on any bike. Hey! I could use one of these... $195 at HideAndCyc

Vintage Schwinn Supper Deluxe Starjet Bike

This is such a beautiful bike, if I only had the money. How cool would you look though cruising down the street in this baby? You can find this at thestrikingmatch for $450

Vintage S Seat Schwinn Bike Seat

I like this seat. But it doesn't have be just used as a replacement for your old Schwinn bicycle seat. I'm picturing a bright, yellow, painted wall, with this seat and other vintage bicycle paraphernalia hanging on it, maybe some wheels, an old biking poster here, there, bicycle basket with some flowers... I'd do it. You can get this seat, or potential wall art at VintageNewHampshire for $45

Custom Bike Seat

As for my last piece, I thought I'd throw this beauty in. Its a custom bike seat by CarsonLehDesign. This would be a nice little treat for yourself or as a very special gift to a loved one. I love the coloring of it and how its darker at one end. And the great thing about leather is that the older and more worn leather gets the more beautiful. Just imagine what your butt could do to this baby. $120



Thats it for this Friday's Faves. I hope it will inspire you to get out there and explore on your bike, if you don't have, borrow a friends. Some cities even rent bikes out. Or you could just walk it!

Today I spent the better part of my morning creating some new sets of Thank you cards, much like this one. Once I have embossed them and made envelopes for the sets (and the sun comes out) I will start adding them to my shop. I also have some ideas for new birthday cards; which I am sorry to say, my site is sadly lacking.

Also, I've been working on finishing up those monogrammed note cards for The Only Best of Etsy giveaway that I'm doing, I'm very excited. I hope who ever wins will enjoy their card set immensely.

 

Rose Heart Broken China Necklace

So there's this very unique Etsy seller that's apart of an Etsy team that I created called Bloggers Unite! Distressing Delilah creates very unique, beautiful pieces of jewelry and photography as well. Her prints have a vintage quality to them. Her jewelry is made from vintage and retro items which makes them all the more fabulous. My favorite piece is the one pictured to the left here, Heart on a String and the photo just below is one of her photography prints, On a Line

The owner, who's real name is Jenn, is from Gloversville, New York. Not only is she an Etsy seller but a mother, she loves to run, people and butter cream frosting. But who doesn't like butter cream frosting? MMMmm... I want cake now. 

If you enjoy her work you can follow her on her blogs, Shabby Accumulations and  So Distressing. Happy shopping!

Friday's Faves #2

Friday's Faves Theme: Minty Fresh 


My newest obession; mint. Its such a refreshing, cheerful color and is becoming very trendy. So, in honor of my current, favorite color, here are some very minty pretties.

Ice Mint Nuno Felt Scarf

This scarf is from AVAoriginal. And what better name? Her work is definitely one of a kind. I know many of us are anxious for Spring to start and with this scarf you could have spring year round. $63.

Mint Green Flower Headband

This headband is so pretty and whimsical. It would be fantastic for the bridesmaids to wear for a garden wedding or for yourself! You can find this gorgeous piece at mojospastyle. $28

Charming Felt Fantasy Tea Set

This is sooo cute! I wish I had one of these when I was little. Its a felt green tea set and is perfect for a special little girl. But who says kids should get to have all the fun? This would look adorable sitting on a coffee table next to a stack of vintage books. You can find this at RoyalMint for $89.

Jane

This bag is b-e-a-utiful. It is a vintage, upcycled bag with a little wear which I think just shows that its been given a lot of love through the years. Why not give it even more love? You can find this bag at VEILEDcustommade for $40.00

Pe

Photography is my first love, so when I found this I knew I just had to add it to today's fave. You can get this work of art, and others like it at honeytree. $16

Friday's Faves #1

Friday's Faves Theme: Undiscovered Talent

Buttercup Pleated Handbag

 I love this bag! It is cute and refreshing and just makes me think spring. It would look adorable with almost anything, jeans and tee, a flowing spring dress paired with matching sandals and only $30. You can find this bag and more like it here, at RockyMountainBags

Tom Thumb Pink 8x10 Fine Art Print

I found this photography print at the pinktutuphoto shop on Etsy. If you've been following me you know that I love anything vintage and I just really enjoy this photo of a pink Tom Thumb. It would look great in a matching pink frame and matted in white; for $12. 

Pastel Leather Bunting Necklace

 What a cute necklace. Bunting is becoming a very popular trend these days, not just as decoration but in fashion as well especially with spring coming up (Wouldn't this look cute paired with the Buttercup Pleated Handbag?). Coocachoo also has other equally adorable items, but unfortunately, as a personal rule I can only list one item from one shop and I could NOT pass this necklace up; available at an affordable price of $12

Ocean

I found this beautiful, handmade sweater at bschellenberg. Bschellenberk has many other hand knitted and crocheted items, each one as lovely as the next. I think the color of this is gorgeous. Available at $110

Marigolds Butterfly Wing 8x10

This print makes me want to get back into watercolor painting. The color is rich, it has clean lines, the painting itself, I would describe as whimsical. It just brings inspiration to the creative mind. How wonderful would this look in a white frame and mat in someones studio? This print is available at BeautifulMessByEmma for $25.

Hand Knit Pale Yellow Cardigan

And now, for my last item for today's Faves, is this adorable 12-18 months, hand knitted cardigan I found at SamMillyVintage for only $12! Not too shabby. SamMillyVintage has many other adorable vintage finds from clothing, to accessories to household items.

A little talk, a little reminder

New listing today!

More and more I find myself going back to my first love; photography. The more I take photos of my products the more I realize how much that part of the process is my favorite step before listing. I love making my cards, don't get me wrong, but the fun part is seeing them really come to life on my computer when I'm editing the photo's. Occasionally, I edit a single photo more than once; I'll save it, edit it again, save it... Maybe just one more time? Oh ok! Ctrl + s. I remember when I was applying to Brooks Institute of Photography I had to write an essay about why I wanted to be a photographer. I wrote, "Photography is my addiction and that finished product is my high." To this day it still is.

 Just a reminder, I am looking for someone to interview for my blog.

You must:

1. Be an etsy seller

2. Have great photos and great products

If your interested you must email me your etsy store and blog URL to littlemisscards@hotmail.com. Do no leave your information in the comments, it will not be accepted. Thankyou.

Happy Sunday and Happy Birthday!

Lovely, no?

Things change so much when you get older. When your young you have little birthday parties and invite all your friends to eat dessert and play silly games. And then when your adult you go out to dinner with friends or family or you still have a party but the celebrating is different. Last weekend my brother came up from Bakersfield and took us out to dinner for my birthday. Yesterday, to my surprise a very good friend sent a gift to me. Perhaps you've heard of it, its a silly board game called Quelf. I can't wait to play it. This morning I awoke to a very lovely, touching card and birthday money from my Mom which I used to purchase a very beautiful dress that I can't wait to wear!

My last post I said I would attempt to make a brag book for my Mom based on a project posted on Design*Sponge . It took all day yesterday and came out good, if I do say so myself  (But I know I can do better). However, I was unable to find the time to take pictures; BUT I do have this awesome photo to post for you; its my attempt at sewing a straight line.

I'm terrible at sewing