Jennifer's Junky Life ~

Jeanne Oliver :: The Journey of Letting Go {creating beauty from ashes} Art E-Course

I started working on art again last year after not doing much of anything (other than painting furniture and the occasional small craft) for many years. The kids and I don't work on art nearly enough! I took two years of art while in high school my junior and senior years (that was 18 years ago. eep.) and wished so badly at the time I'd taken it all four years! It was my absolute favorite subject in school and through it I discovered a new passion.

{Source}

I have always wanted to paint and I finally started painting last year. But I didn't get very far. It seems like the days just fly by and I just don't take the time to do it.

Granted, things are busy with homeschool and working on the shop but art is important to me. It's relaxing, inspiring, motivating, therapeutic. All around us. And I really want to take more time to work on it. So I was absolutely thrilled to have the honor of winning a coveted spot in Jeanne Oliver's new online e-course, The Journey of Letting Go {creating beauty from ashes}! I've been grinning from ear to ear about this.

I've wanted to take art classes over the years but haven't known where to even begin and worry about finding the right one locally that feels compatible. Everyone's style of art can be so different and you really need to feel that connection in order to truly benefit from a class. I'm a visual person, by nature, too, so it's really difficult to read a description (in a flyer) of an art class and feel connected to it without any photos to go on.

{Source}

When my mom encouraged me to enter the drawing for this one, I took one look and knew it was something I would enjoy and it really spoke to me, the whole 'letting go' part. I just felt it was right up my alley! With everything life has thrown our way and all of this crazy skin stuff, this will be such a therapeutic endeavor, I've no doubt. And I'm so excited for it to begin.

Ah!! I get to work on art again! To learn some new things and see where it leads me!

{And who am I kidding? This is the perfect excuse to pick up some more art supplies! As if there needs to be an excuse...}

Adding icing to the cake, I was given the opportunity to gift this e-course to a friend so I emailed my family and my sister, Kaitlin, is going to take it, too!

Everyone deals with stressful, hard things. And everyone has things that they may benefit from 'letting go' of. If you enjoy art or are interested in simply beginning(!), come join the class so you can join in on the fun, too! Class begins April 8 and is self-paced. Click here for details.

{As a fun little aside, my mom recently took the Creatively Made Home E-Course from Jeanne Oliver and absolutely enjoyed it. I can't wait to go 'home' next to see all the things she was inspired to do in the class. She happened to win hers as well in a drawing on Post Road Vintage! What are the odds?} (:

Drawing the World. But Only in My Mind.

Frustration is...

Not drawing for nearly 15 years and trying to pick it up again.

{I wrote this below the drawing that I'm not going to show you.}

I found a vintage scrapbook with a pretty olive green hardcover at a garage sale this summer and decided to turn it into a family art journal. It's sitting on the coffee table (an old black chest that I would like to paint eventually). I was inspired to do so after reading so many posts of family shared art on one of my favorite blogs, Cakies. I feel so inspired to include the kids in art projects and to foster their creativity whenever I read Ruby Ellen's blog. I love that. (P.S. Love my vintage couch but not the worn upholstery. It's my dream to slipcover it. some year.)

Going back to the sketchbook, I picked it up the other day during the heat wave we had and tried to do some sketching. It didn't take long to become increasingly frustrated with my lack of remembrance of techniques and the various pencils used in the trade!

No sooner had I pulled out all of my old tools, tools with which I was once intimately familiar with, that I felt ready to give up. Colored pencils and various drawing pencils all appeared overwhelmingly mysterious after so many years of abandonment. I couldn't remember what a single ones purpose was. Not.one.

I think also the perfectionist in me flared up and threw a fit because I couldn't just fall back into it.

I haven't touched the book but for that one day.

{Above, this is the first still life I ever did. I think I was 16. I drew it my first year of art in high school when I was a junior. I had the.best art teacher ever, Mr. Fisher. I credit him for my lifelong love of art. When we walked into the class that first day, he told us anyone can learn to draw so long as they had the will. I tell my kids that same thing every time they say they want to draw. And I tell them to draw every day.}

{Another still life from my first year of art. Sadly, I don't even remember what medium this is...?? Charcoal pencil?? maybe. But what is the white?? It's drawn on some kind of blue paper. I'm clueless and frustrated by all that's been forgotten.}

I'm totally crazy over the art journals I've been seeing out there for the past year or so -- they're so incredibly inspiring. And I want to learn how to do all of the beautiful layers using vintage components and sketches. I love the idea of doodling for art.

{An unfinished collage I started near the end of my second year. I was 17. It's a bit smudged after being in storage all these years. Although, I had a super great art teacher, I always feel a bit disappointed that I don't have my sketchbook from my second year, my senior year of school. He lost it and I wish so badly that I had it.}

I know the only way to get anywhere is with practice. Lots and lots of practice. And perseverance.

And probably YouTube. I bet YouTube has some great videos on drawing and creating art journals. I want to make pretty things. But for the moment, I'm still throwing an internal temper tantrum so it's holding me back from trying again. But I will eventually. Drawing was one of my favorite things to do ever. Wish I'd kept up on it all these years!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Happy MLK Day!

I love Sundays, and yesterday was no exception. Sunday afternoons are the best for guilt-free lounging and on-line inspiration hunting. I spent the entire afternoon and evening searching over new blogs and perusing so many wonderful flickr accounts as viewed in my favorites.

Source.

I'm trying to stay on track with the purging and organizing I've got going on around here and I knew that seeing other people's beautiful homes and decor would keep me motivated. Even other people's beautiful miniature homes and decor. I want to be able to decorate and share those images here -- but I can't until I get a whole lot more done around here. (Our house is far messier than you can imagine.)

Today, being Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we had the day off school and I spent some time uploading images to my own flickr account (mostly food/recipes). That was after I remembered that the schools are closed today! We'd already done some schooling (discussions about MLK, and others, who have helped to change our world (we have many to be thankful for!), and some of the book work for their other subjects) before I'd remembered.

Source.

I want a dollhouse or three. I've wanted one for some years now, and in fact, found a cute one with a red roof while garage sailing a couple of years ago (not pictured) that has been since stashed in the basement waiting for a cleaning and some repairs. Yesterday, I came across some really cool images on flickr (as seen here) and it renewed my spark for a dollhouse. I think vintage dollhouses look amazing when they're also used as shelving as I've seen in various magazines and blogs but I also love them used traditionally as they are here. Happy Martin Luther King Monday!

Etsy Favorites :: Little Red Mushrooms

eta: I've updated the shop! I have about 3-5 more listings of little red German mushrooms that will be up on Saturday.

I have a little box full of vintage German mushrooms, the cute little red ones with the white dots, that I spent time photographing today for the junk shop. They're a living estate sale treasure. The woman was just parting ways with a huge lot of her stuff! I love these little red mushrooms and it got me thinking about what other kinds of fun vintage mushrooms I could find on Etsy. Here are a few of my favorite finds... Be sure to check out the rest of these shops for more great gift ideas!

Vintage Mushroom Serving Tray from Confetti Garden.

2 Vintage Spun Cotton Mushroom Ornaments from efinegifts. Be sure to check out all of the beautiful vintage Christmas items in their shop right now!

 A Child's Vintage Mushroom Terrarium from Wee Green Spot.

6 Vintage Christmas Coasters from Pretty + Simple Shoppe. Check out the other great vintage Christmas items in the shoppe!

Alice in Wonderland Vintage Ring (size 6) from Decades of Baltimore.

Vintage Mushroom Candles (set of 3) from The Gingham Owl. I love all of the little owls used as props in this shop! Such a fabulous collection.

Pair of Retro Ceramic Mushrooms from Ugly Santa.

I'm working on getting my tiny mushrooms in the shop. They should be up sometime tonight, or tomorrow at the latest! I will have quite a few listings with little clusters of them.

I'm planning to make gingerbread cookies tomorrow. The kids want to make gingerbread houses -- I still have to find a recipe. The one I tried last year wasn't real great. We've got our candy ready and they're excited. I started the tradition a couple of years back.

I was planning to make pasties today (beef and pork combined) but ended up not getting to them due to taking pictures for the junk shop, so I'll be working on those on Saturday, too. I love making individual pasties but I'm going the easy route and filling pans and pie plates this time. Too much going on with the holidays here!

Have a great weekend!

Etsy Favorites :: Random Jewelry

Looking for fun and unique jewelry gifts this holiday season? Here are a bunch of my favorite handmade finds from Etsy. Be sure to check out the other items in their shops for more one-of-a-kind items!

Beaded Crocheted Necklace/Bracelet/Belt from Alejandra Jacoby.

Patina Owl and Pink Filigree Necklace from Violet Bella.

Blue Bangle from Gold Tennis Shoes.

Doily Bambi Necklace from WannaBE.

Ribbon Bow Bracelet from Slight Touch.

Vintage Trinket Necklace from Vicki Sheehan.

Antique Flower Ring from Jealousy Jewels.

Lollipop Adjustable Ring from Yifatiii's Sweets & Treats.

Wrapped Bangle Bracelet (kid size/small adult) from Storybook Theater.

Vintage Button Necklace (kid size) eta: I mistakenly identified the size incorrectly on this one -- it's an adult size necklace. There are kid size ones in the shop as well, so be sure to check them out! from The Little Button.

I can't believe Christmas is only about two weeks away. The time is flying!

Etsy Favorites :: Cool & Unusual Gifts

Looking for truly one of a kind gifts this Christmas? Etsy has loads of cool and unique finds! I can get lost 'window shopping' for hours when I start looking. Here are some of my favorite finds this week...

Floating by - Doily Bloom Set from My Haley Girl.

Hand dyed Itty Bitty Doilies (bag of 20) from The Chip Chop Shop.

 Rosemary Felt Flower Headband from Giddy Up and Grow.

Eek a Mouse Pillow from Olive Handmade.

Crepe Paper Flower Hanging Lantern from Treasured Editions.

Vintage Mushroom Illustration on Paper Lamp from czechpub.

Rose Garden Wrist Band from Needlebone.

Circus Stripe 4 inch Origami Star Ornament from Rigmarole.

Reversible Posy Pillow from Looking Glass House.

Set of 3 Vintage Red Poinsettia Doilies from Scarlet's Divine Vintage.

My two favorite searches on Etsy are under the 'handmade' category when you type in 'vintage fabric' or 'doilies'. Try doing a search and see what you come up with! Have a great Monday!

Etsy Favorites :: Handmade for the guys

I got my hair cut today and love the change. But I can't wait for a few weeks so it outgrows that 'just got a new hair cut' look.

As promised, here are a bunch of great things for the guys from Etsy. It was so much fun looking for them.

Custom Bearded Beanie from Taraduff. This hat rocks. I love the humor behind it (check out her shop for many more styles).

Men's Espresso Brown Cowl Neck Scarf from Bessette Art. This chunky cowl scarf is perfect for winter. I'm loving all the cowl scarves I've been seeing lately.

Two Trees Graphic Tee in Olive from Critter Jitters. I love trees and this tee is fantastic. Check out the shop for more color options and styles.

Keep Calm and Carry Guns Print from Earmark Invitations. (Other colors available.) This is so great!

 

Custom Handprinted Small Leather Journal from in blue. Check out the other great graphics in the shop.

The Little Old Trailer Bank (no. 4BB) from rpfeikgraphics. I have such a weakness for vintage campers. Isn't this bank so cool?

Tangerine Red Juniper Spice Handmade Soap from Rose & Root. I haven't had the good fortune to smell this soap but boy does it sound like it smells good! And, the graphics on the packages are awesome.

Camera Bottle Opener Keyring from Cut Copy Create. Love the camera image and the bright red color.

Magnetic Chalkboard Weekly Calendar (navy) from Name Drop. This is such a great idea and what a cool gift it would make.

Upcycled Avocado Green Suitcase (buck) from Blue Bernice Upcycled Vintage. I'm such a sucker for vintage suitcases. I have them all over the house. Including a ton in the basement I need to clean up and haul up here to use for storage. I love this cool upcycled one with a buck image.

Some random things for altered art projects...perfect for more masculine handmade gifts!

38 Metal Acro Window Tacks from Altered Art Supplies.

Watch Parts (1/2 oz.) from Time and Materials.

3 Metal Number Strike Plates from Hilltop Times.

Tiny Glass Vials with Wristwatch Parts from Creative ARTifacts.

I can't believe it's Thursday already. Although, I feel like it's Saturday. I've been feeling like that every day for the past few weeks with Mark home. I'm still trying to get my days straight because normally he's only home all day on Saturdays (and Sundays).

I'm making Spaghetti for supper. He's been asking for it for quite a while. Wish I had some bread on hand to make garlic toast to go with it! The kids are asking for bread again now that the mixer's fixed. I'm planning to make caramel rolls tonight. (I use that recipe in the link, but do it all by hand, mixing the dough in the Kitchen Aid ever since my bread machine gave up the ghost last year.) Let the baking begin!

Etsy Favorites :: A Colorful Handmade Christmas

I enjoyed a nice hot bowl of soup for lunch (Cheesy Chicken Chowder - in the Magnolia Lane Cookbook, but revamped with white cheddar, because it's all I had, and parmesan, bacon and garlic (I add garlic to just about everything, and I can't help but play with every recipe that lands in my hands.)) as I listened to Christmas music. I love this time of year and all of the heartfelt holiday cheer but I'm starting to feel a little less than thrilled at the fact that a lot of my CD's are skipping and glitching thanks to my three darling children over the years. It's my fault, really... I've always let them listen to them and they don't always remember to put them back in their cases or handle them with the greatest of care in spite of instructions to do so. I want them to enjoy Christmas, too! But it's disappointing just the same.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is Josh Groban's 'Believe' and it's skipping...we won't even go there.

 

So to take my mind off that minor frustration...we'll move on to finer things (finer, since funner isn't a word)! How about a little handmade Christmas cheer? Here are some things I love on Etsy for a handmade Christmas. And, don't forget to check out the following shops for other great treasures, as well!

Looking for supplies for altered art projects or for handmade gifts  or handmade gifts made by other talented people? How about...

Retro Foil Christmas Tree Light Reflectors from Yellow Barn Finds. I love these things! They're perfect for making pretty projects year round. The possibilities are endless. And, they look amazing when paired with glass ornaments in bowls and displays at Christmas time.

Red and White Chenille Stems from Paper Tales. I don't know what it is about Chenille Stems but I love them. (Check out this little guy and these candy canes, too!)

100 Miniature Glass Christmas Balls from Vintage Val Company. Perfect for projects or displays!

Vintage Fabric Messenger Bag from Little Tea Wagon. A great mix and match of colors and patterns!

Rainbow Camper Van Stripe Contemporary Needlepoint Craft Kit from Granny Knits. Aren't the colors fantastic?

Bonjour Blue and Green Yarn Wreath from knock.knocking. I adore these colorful felt and yarn wreaths!

Little Color Wheel Necklace from Nest Pretty Things by Tamar. So pretty and so colorful!

Teal Blooming Headband from Emily Sparks Handmade. I'm planning to cut my hair pretty short this week -- and now I want some big fun headbands and flowers so I've been looking at a lot of them lately. I love this one!

Antique Light Insulator Picture Holder from Post Road Vintage. A fun repurpose of an old aqua insulator!

Ornaments Hanging Round Painting from bluedoor by Cookstah. I adore these little paintings. Check out the others in her shop!

Rosy Posy Hair Clip in Fiery Fuschia from Cakies. So bright and colorful! I love this clip. Perfect for a little girl.

Crochet Bright Yellow, Double Bow Headband from KM Little Somethings. And, what have we here? Yellow? I keep saying I don't like yellow but then I see something like this and *love* it. It's so bright and sunshiny.

Turkish Rose Crochet Neck Warmer from Ayca. The mix of turquoise and aqua on this neck warmer is so, so pretty! Check out the other beautiful scarves and neck warmers in her shop, as well.

There are so many beautiful, colorful handmade things to find on Etsy! Take a look and you'll find something for everyone on your list. (I know -- I neglected the guys in this post! I'll do one soon dedicated to the men in your life.) Etsy is the perfect place to look for those one-of-a-kind items for everyone! Happy Hunting!

Etsy Favorites :: Sweaters

Sweaters are so comfy and cozy and they're perfect for dressing up your outfit during the holidays. Some of my favorites on Etsy...

For the wee ones:

Red and White Nordic Sweater from Piratesbooty.

Crocheted Red and White Dress from Flyingace.

Blue Corduroy Sweater from Blue Bird Lucy's.

Crocheted Blue and White Sweater from Rhubarb Vintage.

Cotton Striped Sweater from Poppy and Bean.

1950's Girl's Yellow Sweater Set from Elyse72 (Infant).

Yellow Knitted Sweater from Beca Runs.

For the Ladies:

50's Pearl Button Printed Cardigan from Crafty Crow Vintage. Love the print on this.

Burnt Sienna Cardigan Sweater from Jane's Red Shoes.

1940's Embroidered Sweater from Moxie.

Sung Sport Alfred Sung Sweater from Hunster.

White Snow Cape from Little Tuna Vintage.

For the Gentlemen:

US Army Issue Sweater from Vintage Army Navy Boutique.

Brown Striped Sweater from Cuckoo Bee Creations.

Sweater Coat Cardigan from Vera & Oslo's Bedroom.

Short Sleeved Sweater from RustBelt Threads.

Andover Weezer Sweater Cardigan from Synnove74.

I found so many awesome sweaters when I was looking for these ones. Etsy has a HUGE selection and there is something there for everyone -- it just takes a little time to find the perfect one because there are so many but I highly recommend you take a look. Happy sweater hunting!

Etsy Favorites :: Mad about Plaid (kid's edition)

With the holidays fast approaching, it's time to start thinking about festive Christmas outfits and what better thing to wear than plaid? Do you know what your kids are wearing to their church program, family get togethers or for Christmas day? I found loads of cute plaid items for the kids!

A quick word about vintage clothing... Vintage sizes can vary so much and they can be so different from modern sizes. Before you make a purchase make sure you check the measurements on the item (and compare them with items your child wears). Also, if they're not listed, email the seller to request them. Etsy sellers are more than happy to give them to you! We all want you to be happy with your purchase when it arrives.

So, without further ado...!

50's Plaid Dress from Scarlet Bird Vintage (Size 5/6). A very pretty plaid dress in my favorite color!

Sears Rough Housers from fuzzymama (Size 6). These pants are so much fun! I love these. They'd look great with a dark brown or navy blue shirt or sweater, or even a little sportcoat.

Josephine Dress from Nomi Vintage. Pair this with a pretty cardigan sweater and tights or leggings and you're good to go!

Tartan Scottish Cap from Oscar and Theodore (3T/4T). You'll have one stylish little dude this holiday season with this little cap! This is one of my favorite Etsy finds so far. eta: SOLD! One of my friends just bought this. :)

Retro Plaid Button Down from Blue Bird Lucy's. I'll be listing plenty of short sleeves in my posts because I think they're perfect for layering during the winter months. This one would look great with a solid colored long sleeve tee underneath or paired with a cute little suit coat and/or a tie!

Vintage Holiday Blazer from Mother Midnight (Size 2T-3T). This little jacket makes me weak in the knees -- it's so darn cute. Check out this green one that is also listed in the shop.

Dropwaist Frock with Ruffles from Woolly Mammoth Vintage (Size 3T). This little dress is so sweet and would look great with a little cardigan.

Pretty in Plaid Dress No. 2 from Sunflower Grace (Size 10). This one needs a very small repair -- but who cares because it's such a cute dress! Check out dress No. 1 which is equally as cute.

Plaid Peaches and Cream Jumper from The Cherry Chic (Size 4). Isn't this a beautiful jumper? The colors are fabulous. I love brown and purple together.

Red Tartan Bow Tie from funkomavintage. Not just for boys -- think outside the box with bow ties. They also look super cute in your hair. Stitch it to a headband or glue a hair clip on and you're all set!

60's Plaid Slacks from Marsden Finds. I love the color of these ones! Seriously cute pants.

Boy's Plaid Sportcoat from Blackbird Antiques. I really like the colors in this coat, as well. They're unique and understated in a very good way.

There is so much great plaid out there. Check out Etsy for more great finds. And don't forget to take a peek in each of the shops I listed for other  great gift ideas!