Picnic by Ellie

Let the Fun Begin!

Yard sale season is here! And I've never been more ready for it. As much as I love antique malls, thrift stores, and eBay, there's nothing like getting out in the morning sun and bargaining, right?

Personally, I haven't had much luck with thrift stores in 2008, and I'm not quite sure why. My mother-in-law, meanwhile, has found several great pieces at the thrift stores in her area, from Pyrex to Cathrineholm, all in nice condition. She also found the cute oversized wooden dominoes in the picture. Aren't they sweet?

Anyway, this weekend our local orchard opens for the season and hosts a flea market as well. This always feels like the beginning of spring to me. I'll let you know what I find!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Happy Easter!

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

XOXO,
Ellie

Birdwatching

Happy March! We've had an unseasonably warm couple of days here, so spring must be just around the corner, right? Each spring, when the pink cherry blossoms appear and the tulips bloom, I wish I had a knack for nature photography. But I'm happy to leave that to the experts. In the meantime, here's a little nature scene I've had to manufacture using a vintage bird bank and an illustration from a vintage Bambi Golden Book. It will have to do for now, but I can't wait for the real thing. Maybe soon...

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Signs of Spring

Outside the sky is bright blue and the birds are starting their nests. It finally feels like spring might be on its way. I don't know about you, but I am sooo ready for it. This is the time of year when I can't stop thinking about sundresses and sandals, early morning yard sales and flea markets, and warm summer vacations. (I know...I'm rushing the season a bit.) Anyway, I found these patterns and bias tape over the weekend. The patterns remind me of the sweet pastel Easter dresses my mother used to make for us. Another sure sign of spring.

Have a great day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you a sweet and lovely day!

XOXO,
Ellie

The Runaway Pancake

Have you ever seen this book? It's a Whitman Tell-A-Tale book with pictures by Ben Williams. I found it over the weekend, and I thought the illustrations were too cute to pass up. And, since pancakes had their day this week, it seemed fitting to feature this little guy.

Can you imagine cooking in this sweet little kitchen, with its painted cupboards and scalloped curtains...not to mention the cute flowery dishes...

Or living in a blue house with a pink roof on this yummy candy-colored street? Of course, making food that comes to life and decides to run away might be a downside...  Hmmm.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

B-I-N-G-O!

I don't know if this is true where you live, but the thrifting has been a bit thin around here lately. Maybe it's just an after-holiday slump, but I've had trouble finding just the right pieces at our local shops. (Plus, as the days get colder, I'm growing more excited and antsy for the start of yard sale/flea market season. Aren't you?) Anyway, I was just about to give up when I found this sweet vintage picture bingo game. I love the little graphics. (Wouldn't a bed just like the one in the picture be delightful?) And the bright springtime colors sure do warm up these blustery winter days. It's by far my favorite vintage find of 2008...so far. What's yours?

Stay well and stay warm!

XOXO,
Ellie

A Bright, Shiny New Year

Okay, so technically this Happy New Year greeting is a little late, but I wanted to send along my sincerest wishes for a wonderful 2008, full of new beginnings, creative endeavors, and more love than you know what to do with! We rang in our new year with a furnace on the fritz, so it was a chilly greeting to 2008. But we are warm and toasty now and grateful for the many blessings we have been given over the past year. Here's looking forward to another year of getting to know all of you and being part of this fantastic blogging community. You guys are the best!

A Christmas Card

To all of my crafty, creative, lovely blog friends,

Wishing all of you the merriest of holidays, full of blessings, warmth, light, and cheer. I am so grateful to have crossed paths with each and every one of you. Merry Christmas!

XOXO,
Ellie

Holiday Roadtrip

We're heading out on a little holiday roadtrip, so I thought I'd check in before I left. I love long drives in December. Seeing other towns dressed for the holidays makes me feel all warm and Christmas-y. There's nothing like it. And speaking of roadtrips, aren't these Christmas activity books sweet? I found these (as well as the Santa clothespin) this weekend at my favorite antique mall. Santa's Fun Book comes with both crayons AND 3-D goggles! Can you imagine? What a trip to grandmother's house that must have been! Take care and I'll check in when I get back!

Love,
Ellie

P.S. Thank you for all of the clever tips and tricks for crafting with vintage wrapping paper. I can't wait to get started!