I have collected these vintage elves for the past twelve years. They are just cute and make me smile. So why not? I have also sold quite a few of them. Now I wish I would have kept them for my own.
Vintage Elf on the Shelf
Yes, every year they get into mischief. Well, they get into the liquor cabinet.
I need coffee!
And then…..they need coffee!
Stayed tuned for more shenanigans from this crew of vintage elves.
Hello 2022! 2021 was a year of res and recovery for me. On December 17, 2020 I was carrying laundry down to the laundry room and my feet became tangled on the second step. Those thirteen {13} steps head first into the concrete floor was a eye opening experience. Numerous broken bones, bumps, bruises, severe concussion and brain fog would lead to two {2} different surgeries and three and a half months {3 1/2 } off work. Very little painting and not a whole lot of creating.
Me, ouch! This pic still makes me nauseous.
I’m not going to let this fall or any fall set me back. I’ve already lost a whole year, yet I have the rest of my life. So, what’s next?
My top nine posts from Instagram.
I want to fill 2022 Top Nine with gorgeous furniture pics, memory making trips and Harvey our rescue dog.
Harvey the rescue dog
Harvey had a difficult 2020 into 2021 too. We rescued him out of Flint, Michigan where he had been left in a motel for homeless familial and couples. The motel knew he was there, but didn’t realize the couple had left. He was starving and so matted he had to be shoved to his bare bones to help him move. You could feel his ribs and every bone in his spine.
No worries now, he is fed, groomed, feels right at home and loved beyond words. We are so lucky to have him in our lives and to be his parents.
So 2021, really does have happy endings. A creator ready to create, a happy and well fed rescue dog and a strawberry Margarita to end the year.
December is so gorgeous in the country. Our first measurable snowfall of the season happened this week, two inches of the pretty white stuff. The first snow is always the prettiest. It glistens, no paths, everything looks so perfect. Quite often it looks like a Christmas card. The barn always stands out in the snow.
Vintage elf’s always visit in December.
Another sign of December is our vintage elf’s. Yes, our naughty elf’s are back and looking for mischief. Every year they appear for a good time, enjoy!
Vintage bobbin trees
Vintage bobbins make the perfect stand for small cream sisal trees. I purchased the vintage bobbins on Etsy at a fabulous price. After using them for the quilt trees I had several left and they are perfect for tiny sisel trees.
Vintage bobbins
Enjoy your week, I’m getting back to more crafting and need to finish decorating the Christmas tree.
Cutter quilts are collectible and can be used for so many creations to keep that cozy quilt feeling. I have collected cutter quilts and vintage quilts for over 35 years to create with and to decorate with. The work that goes into a quilt is amazing, long hours and lots of love. Can you imagine the number of stitches that goes into a full size quilt?
Vintage quilts and blue ticking fabric
So from these lovingly stitched cutter quilts come cozy creations. Check them out. With some vintage spools, old lace and fabric these quilted trees, mittens and hearts are made.
Vintage spools
I ordered the vintage spools on Facebook Marketplace and it was a deal. I ordered another package yesterday and can’t wait for them to come in! Happy mail is on its way!
Cutter quilt Christmas trees
The red and white quilt pieces were picked up this year from an antique shop in west Texas on our cross country picking trip to visit the kids. Someone started this beautiful quilt and then quit. All the fabric is in the bag waiting for someone to finish or to create with. I’m the “to create with” person. I have made a hand stitched quilt from start to finish and hand stitched a quilt top. The work, oh my! Quilters are to be admired!
Quilted trees
Hearts are a favorite of mine. Who doesn’t like hearts? Pocket hearts are perfect for gift giving. Just place your gift card in the pocket, no wrapping necessary. So sweet.
Quilted pocket heart
These we all be going to our spaces at the Maumee Antique Mall, Maumee, Ohio. I have more to make, let the sewing begin.
Our big red barn, Monclova, Ohio
On this Sunday morning we have our first snow fall and it’s sticking to the ground. Enjoy your Sunday and drop me a note.
Thank you so much for stopping by my place in the Country.
My original door knob Christmas tree, created Dec. 2007
Are getting that holiday decor itch? That need to decorate for Christmas, as soon as Halloween is over? 12:01 am on November 1st? I wait to find out if my sister is hosting Thanksgiving or am I. With the past two years being a global pandemic we have not had any visitors for the holidays. So should we go big or just a cozy Christmas in the country?
Vintage elf found in a boutique in Arizona.
If you are like me, we look for vintage Christmas defor all year long. When you see it and it’s in your budget, pick it up. Chances are it won’t be there at the holidays! The above vintage Elf is now a part of my personal collection. I couldn’t resist when I seen him peeking out of a corner in a vintage shop in Arizona. Seriously, I couldn’t pick this little guy up fast enough.
Maumee Antique Mall, Maumee, Ohio Booth #16
In the vintage and antique shop business you are ready as soon as Halloween is over! Customers who decorate early are already buying and planning this year’s decorations and gifts.
Our front porch, Monclova, Ohio
When you live in N.W. Ohio when the weather is nice in late October or early November you decorate outside! Red bows will be added and all the leaves will be picked up by then. This fall has really been summer this season. An unusual year, with temps in the 80’s and tons of rain. The winter season will be a welcome change in temperature and gorgeous scenery.
Home sweet home, Monclova, Ohio
So, are you decorating early or waiting? Drop a comment and let me know! Either way, have fun and enjoy the season! Buy vintage and save a little piece of this earth.
It’s Halloween in the country. Rain has dominated our October as the farmers rush to take in the crops. Our little piece of the country {11 acres} is really soggy. The pond is up and we have a second pond in the back yard, that the deer are enjoying playing in the water.
Our front porch stairs
The mums are hanging on too, with all this rain they are still thriving. Pumpkins are getting soggy and will be upped in the back yard for the deer to enjoy.
Colors of fall in the trees Monclova, Ohio
Quite a few of our trees have not turned yet. With the above average temperatures, the leaves aren’t expected to turn until the middle of November. Making it a rush to get them picked up before the snow starts to fall.
Our big red barn, Monclova, Ohio
Enjoy Halloween with your family and friends. We are on to the holidays at the Antique Mall and looking forward to a new year! Stay safe and enjoy!
I have collected these vintage elves for the past twelve years. They are just cute and make me smile. So why not? I have also sold quite a few of them. Now I wish I would have kept them for my own. Yes, every year they get into mischief. Well, they get into the liquor … Continue reading Vintage Elf on the Shelf
Spring is a sign of everything starting anew. After a long winter the Country is showing signs of spring fading into summer. So, our dining room has needed a refresh for quite some time. But with working a full time job any my side hustle of antiques, it just hasn’t happened. Until now! Amazing what … Continue reading And summer starts…
I have been searching high and low for a antique ice cream maker. So happy to say “ I found one”. Check out that gorgeous blue color with all the parts intact. Better yet…….it works. I had a fabulous lunch date with my granddaughter and we went to an antique shop afterwards. It’s never to … Continue reading A vintage ice cream bucket
Spring is just weeks away, yet it’s not soon enough. We had our first major snow storm with 14 1/2 inches of snow, so we are ready for for warmer days and sunshine. With that said I have been craving French fabrics. Hence, my happy mail. I have been busy working on angel wings, bunnies … Continue reading Swooning over spring!
I have been watering mums, 21 pots, every evening and this is my view. Time well spent, time to unwind from the day and just enjoy the peace.
Wedding white mums
They’re named wedding white mums for a reason, we are hosting a wedding here in the country. October 2, 2021 to be exact, so we are in prep mode. I purchased these gorgeous mums from a local nursery a couple of miles away from us. My favorite garden nursery for the fall, their customer service and quality of plants is top notch!
Our big red barn, Monclova, Ohio
Even the She Shed will be decked out with mums. I spent a day sweeping and refreshing the she shed, my hubby replaced the alarm batteries so the porch lights work. Love seeing it from our deck all lit up.
Our She Shed porch, Monclova, Ohio
These views never get old. Enjoy a peaceful sunset.
It’s that time of year again, late summer getting ready for fall. Who else loves this time of year ?
Funky Junk bleached flannels
I collect flannels all year from thrift stores and garage sales to create these cozy, soft dipped flannels. My favorites are the red flannels when they turn pink and white. Perfect for your crisp mornings and late nights. Pair them with your felt hats and vintage jewelry.
Yes, it’s time to start thinking about sweater pumpkins and mums!
The leaves will start to fall and the evenings are prefect for Bon fires with friends. So get ready as we roll out of summer and into fall.
Felt squares, embroidery floss, stuffing, scissors, needle and your imagination, you too can create them!
After a horrible fall, multiple fractures and a really bad concussion I needed something to help my recovery. The Doctor told me to play with cards, I did follow her suggestion. I just couldn’t play cards for eight hours a day. So…using my hands to create was the best solution. Even with one hand in a cast and the other in a splint, I conquered keeping my fingers moving.
I will soon go back to my day job, after two and half months off work. I can’t remember my passwords and I’m already freaking out about remembering how to work all the systems at work. Yet, I’m going to give it my best shot. Wish me luck!