BelleCosette

Zeroing in your Goals

2012-03-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

Robin Hood Statue, Nottingham source

Happy weekend! I haven't been posting lately, but I've been busy! Day job is crazy busy and full of exciting projects, and I'm really zeroing in on the direction I want to take my Etsy store and this blog. More on this in the future, but I will say, I think just jumping out there and starting even when you are not sure where it will lead you is a wonderful thing. I love the way things seem to be falling into place this year. Are you experiencing this as well?
Today I'm going to be spending time creating some unique Art Deco designs (hint), but I do want to take a moment to say thank you to Canadian artist Meghann at Little Studio for a very generous feature of BelleCosette on her blog. To see the feature, click here, and be sure to browse the rest of her blog and her Etsy store, I know you will enjoy meeting her!
Thank you also to Etsy member Anna Herrmann for including my Leopard Cuff Bracelet in her most recent Treasury. She's a college student with an amazing eye for vintage and retro finds. Be sure to get in her circle!

Free Ephemera, Pure and Sweet

2012-02-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

I have a sweet little bit of advertising ephemera for you today, and also some exciting news to share. My Etsy store was featured on wonderful blog called SouthernScraps! See the feature here. SouthernScraps is written by Fonda, a fellow blogger and Etsian. Be sure to check out her shop here, she makes beautiful cards, jewelry and other gifts. Thanks so much Fonda, I've had some great sales this weekend, including one of the items featured, and an order all the way from Norway!

There's nothing on the back of this card. I'm thinking that it is for starch for clothing (I do remember my Mom starching my Dad's uniform!), I guess "pure & sweet" would be a way to advertise starch?? What do you think?
To download, just left click on the image, and when it appears in a new window, right click on the image and choose 'Save Image As' and it will save it to your computer.
Have a great Holiday weekend!
~ BelleCosette

Colbalt Blues

2012-02-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

What's on my radar this week? Colbalt Blue! I still don't have any blue in my home decor, but at least I can appreciate it elsewhere...and someday I will do some blues. Now, in clothes, nature, and anyplace else I'm loving these deep blues. Here's a sample of some of my favorites from my:
Colbalt Pinterest Board
Doors

Belize

Gotta have some Blue Suede Shoes (and snakeskin)!

An BelleCosette Cuff to match...

Are you thinking of trying a new color outside of your usual comfort zone? Let me know, let's be brave together!

Are you going to do something about this?

2012-02-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

I love photos that beg for a caption! Van took this with his telephone.

Finally, some rain! This has been such a non-winter so far. It usually snows on Valentine's Day...we'll see.

Project Happiness

2012-02-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

“Find a happy person, and you will find a project,” says Sonja Lyubomirsky, positive psychologist and author of The How of Happiness.

source

....Then I am delirious! DH surprised me with another trip to the craft store yesterday. So much to do! I have several new jewelry designs I can't wait to get to. I'm currently obsessed with deep bright peacock colors and I'm going to be doing some metal stamping.

What is your favorite current project?

DIY Family Calendar Tutorial

2012-01-31T21:30:00.000-08:00

I have a nice and easy tutorial for you today! I was inspired by a DIY Calendar I saw on Pinterest a while ago. (source ~ Please visit this Etsy shop if you want to purchase a great calendar!) This is a little different than most tutorials I like, because it is made with new items, but that is because my DH gave me Michael's spending money for Christmas (awesome, right?). I know you can get creative and make something similar with found items! Here we go!

Here's what I started with: A framed cork board, stick on letters, stamp & ink, calligraphy pen, wedding bookmark thingies, hole punch, thumbtacks, drill, screw in hooks. I never used the scrapbook page that is pictured, I originally thought I would modge podge the paper over a piece of wood until I found the framed cork board, remember, I was splurging!

I stuck the letters for each month on the frame--I made sure there were enough J's, and that they would fit on the frame, but as far as spacing, I just free handed(gasp!) putting them on!

The letters have just a hint of sparkle ♥

I had to drill pilot holes for the screw in hooks because the frame was super hard. I set the board aside and started work on the cards. I think this is where you can really personalize this project with your own design style. First I punched the holes on top, then stamped each with a pretty fleur~de~lis, and then wrote the dates and names with a calligraphy pen. You can include anniversaries, holidays, any special date. I made plenty of blanks for each month.

Call your Mother!

Those are old pics of me and my Mom...Yes we look exactly the same today!! I love these photo corner "thumbtacks", because they: A) look cool, and B) don't put a hole in the picture!!

If you are inspired to make a calendar of your own, I'd love to see it!
~ BelleCosette

These are a few of my favorite things...

2012-01-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

,,,and you are of a certain age if you are singing the song from The Sound of Music. I want to share a few special things from home every now and then for Home & Family Day. I only took a few pictures today because it was really dark and cloudy, but I hope you enjoy these. Most of my home 'decor' is made up things that have meaning. I think of the style as Arts & Crafts, but I'll certainly break that rule for something I love.

This is a vintage, possibly antique checkerboard passed down from family in Pennsylvania. I love the colors, and the way each square is a separate piece of wood, but most of all, the authentic worn patina. So many things are faux distressed (which I'm NOT turning my nose up at!), but I really appreciate the beauty of an item that is worn from real use!

A beautiful handcrafted clock, this is definitely arts & crafts, one of the few things I purposely bought just for the style of it, but I like that is made in America by an artist.

I love this Ansel Adams photograph not just for it's content, but because Kevin and I went here for a weekend and Yosemite Valley actually looked exactly like this that day. We went into the little museum store, bought the poster and had it framed.

A couple of rustic signs from a local gift shop. I love decorating with photographs and words.

I really do like many different styles. If I had a house with lots of rooms I would decorate each one in a completely different way. What is your favorite decor and how do you decide how you will decorate...by color or time period, or?
~BelleCosette

What to do when you don't have enough time

2012-01-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying the new challenges, opportunities and knowledge that I've been given this year. The one thing I'm not enjoying is a constant undercurrent feeling in my mind of never having enough time. Time to read, study, do, create, share and enjoy. And don't forget time for all of the things I have to do, and not resenting the time it takes to meet my responsibilities.
Have you seen those wall stickers of quotes? I could use one of those with the quote below.

source

“Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Theresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.”
–Life’s Little Instruction Book
Oh, and they didn't have Google. What is your most effective time management trick?
~BelleCosette

Middle Aged Love Letters & A Cure for the Monday Blues

2012-01-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

It's Glitter Pile Sunday, time to relax and enjoy a few things I can across this week. There's this great site called Retronaut that has cool "time capsules" in history. It's a place to visit more than once, there's just so much to see. Here are a couple of things that caught my eye, along with a great post from 'hey amber rae' about defining why you do what you do, and how to make sure you are doing what you love.

Middle Aged Women of the Sixties: Lots of great photos. What I don't like: They look waaaay older than me (I think), and I am certainly "middle aged". what I like: they are all so perfectly put together, and they all seem to have some sort of cocktail next to them. How civilized.

http://www.retronaut.co/2012/01/middle-aged-women-1960s/

With Valentine's Day coming up, here's a story about a 100 year old love letter found in a chair cushion. Who cares what the letter says, this makes me me feel much better about my housekeeping!

http://www.retronaut.co/2011/03/200-year-old-love-letter-found-in-chair/

Check yourself with this post, a great way to start off the work week:

http://tumblr.heyamberrae.com/

Have a fabulous Monday, there are rumours of snow coming our way!

~ BelleCosette

Mixing Business with Pleasure

2012-01-21T22:51:00.000-08:00

Today's free ephemera is an unusual postcard. Unusual because on the back, it is a postcard, but it's also a business advert. And rather odd one at that.....

Big news for BelleCosette on Etsy! I'm now shipping internationally!

So, I'm curious, do you still send Valentine's?

~ BelleCosette

Pretty & Pink

2012-01-20T23:08:00.000-08:00

Well it's Friday again already! Whew, I had a very productive week, how about you? For ~~today's~~ tonight's post of TGIP (Thank Goodness It's Pretty), I'm going public with something....shhhhh, I think my Mom might read this....Lately, I just can't get enough ♥PINK♥! You see, I had a hard spot regarding pink for about, oh, 40 years I guess. My parents spent a lot of time and $ to make over my bedroom when I was little, and they let me pick the color. Not! I wanted HOT PINK. And I got.....baby pastel pink. Um, I'm getting better at letting go of grudges these days.
Now I love ALL shades of pink. Here's a few pretty things from my Pinterest Boards. Enjoy, have a rosy weekend and let me know what your favorite color is these days.
~ BelleCosette

Obviously....

The ultimate princess phone..

I'd like to do tis with a garage sale find.

A park...In Heaven?

'Cuz that's how I roll...oh no nevermind, that's the Kardashians.

'Cuz that's how I walk (and twist an ankle).

'Cuz I live in a home with all guys...

Just because. Isn't this the best?

Oh, BTW, DJ Boss says we can produce a PINK Beanie for October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hmmmmm, what shade???

Do you choose to be creative?

2012-01-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

In a conversation with my boss recently we were talking about setting new goals in our (multiple) businesses, and I said that I am sure I would always be creating something even if a was a bazillionaire. Being creative isn't something you do, it's something you are.

Here's what I made this past week. Share a link to a favorite item you've made recently in the comment section below, and I will feature 5 (randomly selected) each week.

Vintage Peacock Crystal Earrings ~ click here to see these on Etsy.

Key to My Heart Swarovski Necklace ~ click here to see it on Etsy.

Sparrow Earrings ~ click here to see them on Etsy.

Faux Opal & Aquamarine Crystal Earrings ~ click here to see them on Etsy.

Vintage Aquamarine Stone Earrings (March Birthstone) ~ click here to see them on Etsy.

Do you feel like you have to be creative? What motivates you to do what you do?
~ BelleCosette

Just plain cute.

2012-01-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

I've been pretty busy trying to polish my Etsy shop and, well, you know, just life..So just a quick little dose of baby goat cuteness for Home Farm & Family day. Enjoy!
Rowdy...he's mama's boy.

We should all take a nap in the sun!

I love this! They made up their own game! They take turns jumping over this old trough. Sometimes they make it. Sometimes they don't...

Snuggling in the shelter. It was 27 degrees when I took the boys to school this morning!

Send me something cute from your world and I might share it next week!
~BelleCosette

What's New Thursday

2012-01-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

In the past week I've listed 8 new handmade items and 1 vintage item. Aaaand, the UNdecorated tree will go outside tomorrow morning....and then it will come back in as firewood. Ah, the circle of life.
I am so happy to show you some awesome items and links to their stores from my fellow Etsians today as well. If you are an Etsy seller, submit a link to a favorite item in the comment section below, and I will feature 5 (randomly selected) each week.

Extra Wide Cuff ~ Click here to see this item on Etsy

Cobalt & Gold Leaf Cuff ~ Click here to see this item on Etsy

Ruby red stones, hearts, infinity symbols & a bow ~ what's not to love?

Click here to see this item on Etsy.

Emerald City ~ Click here to see this item on Etsy.

Purple love ~ Click here to see this item on Etsy.

J'adore Art Deco! Click here to see this item on Etsy.

Dragonfly Earrings ~ Click here to see this item on Etsy.

I had to make an extra pair of these for myself! Empire State Vintage Jonquil Glass Earrings.

Click here to see this item on Etsy.

Vintage Cobalt & Purple Hat ~ Click here to see this item on Etsy.

Upcycled denim turned into chenille scarflette, so cool! Click here to see this and other great items from Savagechenille on Etsy.

I'm just loving blue this year! Click here to check out this Swarovski bracelet and more from Tazzmck!

Glitter dipped feathers ~ yes please! Click here to see lots more at PurrdyInPinkDesigns.

Click here to see this sweet little tote with cuuute button flowers at bobloveseleanor!

Need one of these for every room in the house...and the office! Check out LeMaisonBelle by clicking here.

Thank you to the above shop owners, keep creating!

~BelleCosette

Wisdom in Humor

2012-01-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

A rich man is nothing but a poor man with money.
- W. C. Fields

I'm looking around at quotes, and I went into the humor section thinking a little levity would be a good way to start the week. But when I came across this quote it made me reflect a bit. During these last few years we've seen and experienced a lot of economic hardships. And one really interesting observation is that people's "true colors" show up rather quickly when it comes to money, especially the lack of it. But the good thing is, this can go in either direction. I feel blessed that I have some really wonderful people in my life who's "true colors" are quite beautiful, rich or poor.
Don't get me wrong, I really dislike this economy, but I have seen some good things come out of it. Simple things, like, my husband bakes our bread, and I think he enjoys it so much (and so do we), that no matter what our income is he will probably always continue to make homemade bread. I'd love to hear what positive things have come from your challenges.

BelleCosette

The Glitter Pile

2012-01-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

Here are a few links of items that caught my eye this past week, I'm planning on expanding the Glitter Pile over time.

1. Secretly wishing you were a queen? Try this "Queen Name Generator". Mine is: Amilia the Brave. Well, Amilia the Lost-as in Erhardt, would probably be more appropriate!

2. Bug jewelry. It looks a lot better than it sounds. Check out this article and beautiful pictures from Refinery 29. Dragonflys, Scarabs, Beetles and more. I'd much rather wear them than find one in my bathtub!

Here's to a great week ahead, don't loose momentum on those New Year's Resis.....

Kitschiness Run Amok

2012-01-07T23:47:00.000-08:00

How is your weekend going? I'm sitting here at 10:30 PM looking at a fully decorated Christmas tree...but I did make 3 bracelets and travel over 1 hour to get a new printer/scanner/fax for $49.99...I know! I also cooked, not one but two meals and started a whole new organization project for jewelry making-this gets out of control waaaay too fast.
Here are a couple of great downloads for you. To download, just left click on the image, and when it appears in a new window, right click on the image and choose 'Save Image As' and it will save it to your computer.

I really, really like this postcard. It's kitschiness run amok. Look closely at the details. Everything is obviously carefully chosen. Wwwow.

And the back, you have to read it:

Here's a business card for a carriage repair company. 'Cuz this is what Trenton looks like.

Notice the name Valentine!

Does anyone know what a Phaeton is??

I'll try to limit my gushing over our new baby goat triplets to one picture a day. I panicked today when I didn't see them right away. Until I found them napping inside this giant tree trunk. Just try not to say awww.

Thanks for stopping by!

TGIP Friday

2012-01-06T22:09:00.000-08:00

TGIF....obviously! Today I'm starting a new Friday post called TGIP: Thank Goodness It's Pretty! I love all things fashion, beauty, food & diet, mental, spiritual & physical health. Love a good magazine and a good blog! I realize one could write an entire blog on just one of these subjects, but on Fridays I'll just highlight one or a few things in this part of the world that catches my eye.
I am always looking forward to the future seasons and holidays, which I have to do not only for successful marketing of my work, but in my day job as well. And, it is a challenge to not get so caught up in that mindset that I forget to enjoy the present. But, especially in fashion, what's new is what's next. So not surprisingly, these cuffed jeans featured on WHOWHATWEAR have me looking forward to Spring.

I really like the idea of a super easy AND economical way to transition into warmer weather....no commitment, no digging out your capris only to have it snow again the next week....just roll 'em up to your choice of length! That's how I'm gonna roll this year!
How do you manage to plan for the future while staying in the present?

What's New Thursday

2012-01-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Here's what's new in my shop this week. Leave me a link to your favorite new creation in my comments at the end of this post, and I'll feature 3 favorites next week!

Newly listed this week in my Etsy shop:

                                     Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                          Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                                     Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                                  Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                               Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                         Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                     Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                          Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                               Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                        Click here to see this item in my shop.

                                                   Click here to see this item in my shop.

~ Create something you love every day.
                                         BelleCosette

Life is Good, X 3

2012-01-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

Well, Mama Olive does it again! Three healthy babies were born this morning! These photos are when they are just a couple of minutes old.

Cuteness overload: Introducing a girl...finally! Here's Opal below.

And then when I got home from work, Van pointed out that one of them has a heart on his back...awww.

So naturally this early Valentine's name is.....Chopper. Did I mention we have teenage boys? The third one, the predicted alpha noisy one is named Rowdy. At least I got to name Opal!

On my radar this week: Cherry Blossoms!

Wall Decal from NouWall

Black and white Luminaries from MinksPaperie
I'm a sucker for pink & black!

We've haven't even really had winter yet, but I'm loving anything with cherry blossoms for Spring. I've even started a Pinterest Board for them.

And now for something completely different....this is, after all, random musings day....

I picked up this little notebook on sale at Barnes & Noble last week.

It's perfect for my purse, because the bottom closes up with a tiny magnet-no ragged pages. I use it to jot down random and not so random ideas when I am away from my computer. Plus, it's just so pretty I want to use it,not forget about it. I made a Google Doc spreadsheet to organize ideas when I am online.

How do you keep track of your ideas?

New Year, New Birth, New Resolution Motto

2012-01-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

I do think New Year's resolutions can't technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve, smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally but really need to be free to consume whatever is necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second. ~Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones's Diary

I actually used this very logic with some decadent gifted chocolates! I love this movie!

Here is Olive, who has had twins and triplets, and at any moment will be birthing....quadruplets?? She's so sweet and such a good mama.

I'm birthing this blog and my Etsy store this year. What are you birthing?

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T14:10:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! This is a beautiful tall case grandfather clock built by Van's great great great great great grandfather, handed down through the generations. And yes, it keeps perfect time!!

Lobster Bisque makes everything better

2011-12-28T22:35:00.000-08:00

We just got home from a wonderful dinner hosted by my boss & his wife, what an awesome treat. They are a great fun couple--how many people can say that they really enjoy seeing their boss in the middle of a week off of work?! And we are so furtunate to have an ah-mah-zing restaurant right here in our tiny little town called Jeremy's on the Hill. The chef is a local kid who grew up here, Jeremy Manley. He's a Cordon Bleu graduate and only 24 years old! He's so nice, I once mentioned to him that my son was into cooking, and he invited him to the kitchen for a day. Blogging mistake # 2 today, I forgot to take pictures! But here is a photo from their website as well as a link. If you are within driving distance, it's so worth the drive! http://www.jeremysonthehill.com/index.htm

So, the year is almost over, wow. I've seen a lot of end-of-the-year lists in my inbox this week, but don't worry, I'm not going to write one. It's been a tough road for a lot of us, and, while I'm grateful for our countless blessings, I have to say that the best thing about 2011 is that it's OVER! Alright, sorry to be crabby, but did I mention that everyone in my house had a severe stomach flu over Christmas weekend? Bleh. But it's OK now.
Yesterday I spend hours online trying to learn more about improving my Etsy shop & blogging (rule #1-don't be such a Debbie Downer...oops). And I feel like I absorbed a lot. I've decided, among other things, to give the blog some more structure, making certain types of entries on certain days. You will see the changes come about as they come.
I'm trying to stop putting pressure on myself that isn't necessary. And I promise to break the rules and miss deadlines as life unfolds. Who else gets this?--setting rules for yourself and then breaking them--what is it? I think it gives me sense of control and organization, and a sense of freedom and independence. So, according to my new "guideline", today is "Random Musings" post day. Whew!

'Twas the week before Christmas

2011-12-18T18:08:00.000-08:00

Here is today's free ephemera, a lovely vintage postcard with Christmas Greetings.

To download, just left click on the image, and when it appears in a new window,

right click on the image and choose 'Save Image As' and it will save it to your computer.

My version of "What's wrong with this picture?":

Silly Bella!

My husband...He's tough, he's a cowboy, he's a real man's man....and he just built a door onto the goat house so that when Olive gives birth (any day now), they will be sheltered and warm. Awww.

Olive and Roscoe watch curiously

Quote for the week:

Currently on my radar:

Dragonflies & Birdcages

Birdcages from Sav on Crafts.

Here's a few pictures of our home docorations. The framed pictures behind the Snow Babies are of Van with Santa over many years....

I love this angel, it's not so easy to find a brunette angel!

My newest bracelet on Etsy, vintage blue topaz rhinestones:

Click here to buy this item.

Well, we've finished the final performance of this year's Christmas Carol Play at the Town Hall. This year (Van's 3rd), he played "Ash", the leader of the Rat Pack. I have a busy work week ahead of me and then a full 7 days off of work! I am looking forward to long quiet days at home. Reading, Christmas movies, visits with friends and a trip to the city for a movie. Will you have a moment or two for yourself this holiday season? What will you do with it?

Eiffel Tower Christmas Ornament Tutorial

2011-11-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Here's the tutorial I promised. I started out with the tins, and added in the Eiffel Tower along the way. I think changing direction while creating is the heart of creativity. If you don't have the exact same "ingredients", substitute something else. Often that is when the magic begins!

So, to begin, glitter and power tools ~ I could rule the world....

Vintage sheet music (scanned & reprinted), ribbon, vintage (or not) buttons (you could use anything, old earrings, gems etc.), aluminum tins, diamond dust (or glitter) & adhesive. I ended up using this triple thick, which I like better than MP, it dries clearer & shinier, craft brush and spray glue.

For this vintage tin, a drill is necessary, drilling towards the front will make it hang better...

...But one of these mini pie tins requires nothing but a pen, a screwdriver, a hole punch, whatever!

When I started cutting out the sheet music, I decided to make an Eiffel Tower ornament too. I like to try and highlight special words in the sheet music when possible. For the tins, I just cut them out free hand, because the edges will be covered with the glitter. For the Eiffel Tower, I sketched the shape on the back of the sheet music, cut it out and traced it onto a piece of poster board-cardboard would work too.

I use spray glue to attach the sheet music, but...whatever you want to use works fine!

Use a paper towel, old sheet or towel to keep your work space from getting sticky.

Next, I add the ribbon. I like French Wired ribbon, but you could use string, wire...whatever....

Tye a bow, pull the ribbon through so that the bow is on the inside of the ornament, and tie a loop for hanging.

For the Eiffel Tower, I use a hole punch and silver thread.

I glue on old buttons to the tins. I had planned on putting them in the middle, but ended up with this. I add some adhesive rhinestones to the Eiffel Tower. After I glue on the buttons, I take a 15 minute break to let them set up.

And now, the fun part...sparkles!

I use the triple thick and brush around spots on the ornaments where I want the diamond dust to stick.

I use a paper towel to catch the sparkles. Just dump them on & shake them off...gently. Then pour the extra back into the container.

Voila!

Real Coffee, Old Age & Pretty Things for Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T22:04:00.000-08:00

I discovered we were out of the "flavored creamer" that I had come to consider a necessity. But we had some half and half in the refrigerator. Guess what? It tasted soooo good! Like old fashioned real coffee. I felt like I'd discovered something new! So I filled up my favorite Damask design travel cup and headed off to work....Apparently I didn't drink enough of that great coffee, because I noticed my shoes about 2 hours later....

Oh yes I did! And to make it worse, I had a doctors appointment, where I found out I have tennis elbow, obviously from the great tennis I play in my special shoes.

Here are a couple of old Thanksgiving Postcards for free download:

I especially love the 2nd one- "Oh, how my aunt's turkey will squeal tomorrow"!!

To download, just left click on the image, and when it appears in a new window,

right click on the image and choose 'Save Image As' and it will save it to your computer.

It rained all night last night, which was great. Here's a picture of the tree tunnel I drive through every day. I am so thankful to be able to see this every day!

Here's my newest creation for Etsy, a charm bracelet with lots of repurposed vintage jewelry, chain & trinkets. I love this look.

Click here to buy this piece.

I'm thinking of what I am thankful for this year. Not the Miss America answer, but the real stuff. What are you thankful for?

Transitioning from Thanksgiving to Christmas...i.e. the crazy week

2011-11-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

Today's post promises to be a bit scattered, fitting, since it's a real reflection of how I'm feeling. Being out of balance always makes me feel out of sorts, which means, well, I'm out of sorts most of the time. But lately, it's been good. You know, the good kind of busy. It sure beats being bored. I've been working hard to pull this whole blog/facebook/twitter/eBay/Etsy thing together....nailing jello to the wall, herding cats....pick your metaphor. Even so, I do feel like I'm learning a lot and making progress. I even created the new header on Picnik!
In 6 days, on the day after Thanksgiving, we'll be getting our first "real" Christmas tree in many years (the pre-lit one finally died last year..yay!), and decorating the house. So even though there are only a few days left until Thanksgiving, here's a quick and easy fall decor idea.

Magnolia leaf garland draped around the dining room lights, extra special, since they have acorns attached to them.... We had a real magnolia tree once, amazing how powerfully one giant flower can fill the house with it's beautiful perfume. I still decorate at Christmastime with the "pine cones" I'd pick up from the magnolia and paint gold.

I managed to make a few things this week for my Etsy store, while fighting the first cold of the season. I bought these great vintage baking tins from my friend Michele's shop Julian Yesteryears.

I really like the 3-D effect, I have a whole stack of these, and I plan to post a tutorial next week.
Click here to buy this piece in ETSY.

These big statement cuffs really make a plain white shirt or black turtleneck pop!

I also found a box of my beveled glass ornaments and I'm in the process of listing them as well.

Click here to buy the above pieces on ETSY.

I have to admit, I've become addicted to a constant dose of creative overload in the form of Pinterest! I haven't even looked at facebook since I discovered it, it's so visually appealing. If you're curious, check out my "pins" here: http://pinterest.com/bellecosette/
Try it, you'll like it. And let me know, I'd love to follow your pins!

I have such an abundance of amazing ephemera and vintage photographs and I want to start sharing. I can't promise, but I'll try to include something with each new post. I hope you can use these images for your own creative projects, and if you do, let me know, I'd love to see what you've made!

For those who love Christmas and cats...A postcard mailed in 1888! I love the simplicity of the address!

To download, just left click on the image, and when it appears in a new window,
right click on the image and choose 'Save Image As' and it will save it to your computer.

In closing, I was in bed with that cold I mentioned, and came across the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. As anyone who has ever left home for a path less traveled (in my case, moving to a tiny town in the mountains...where it snows....from the suburbs of San Diego), well, I just wanted to snort at the ridiculousness of the overly romanticized notion. But, I was just feeling lousy enough to keep watching, and I was happy to be reminding of how worth it the tough things in life are. Remember this quote? Frances: "In Italian, the literal translation of 'to give birth' — 'dare alla luce' — is: 'to give to the light'."
Amen.
Do you have a favorite movie quote? Please share it!

Bella Understands Me

2011-11-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

So, how is it that my son, who was just born a few years ago.......

....just went to his first day of work at his first JOB!? I am so proud of him!!!

Just a Great Day

2011-11-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

...Yesterday, Friday, the end of a looong week, I'm driving home, and it starts to snow...

Noteworthy, since we live in San Diego County, yes, in the mountains, but weeks before Thanksgiving?! Cozy fire in the woodstove, and the whole weekend ahead!

Saturday morning, the boys go into town to be a part of the "Boot Drive" to raise money for our Voluteer Fire Department and Explorer Program. They made tons of money since there were a million tourists in town to see the snow.

Outside, a reminder that we need to start planning for Thanksgiving!

I'm working on some new bracelets as well as some Pinterest craft ideas.

Just Listed....

2011-10-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Alice in Wonderland Toggle Cuff on Etsy: Alice Toggle Cuff

Return to Paris

2011-10-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Updated version, just posted on Etsy.

"Nanette turned her gaze from the view through the narrow old window of the Eiffel Tower back towards her dressing table. She picked up the golden bracelet and slowly slipped it on. Finally, she had...returned to Paris."

Click here to purchase this piece in ETSY.

Alice In Wonderland Cuff

2011-10-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Just listed on Etsy:

'But then,' thought Alice. 'shall I never get any older than I am now? That'll be a comfort, one way--never to be an old woman--but then--always to have lessons to learn!'

Oh, to be Alice!

See the full listing here: Alice In Wonderland Cuff by BelleCosette

A Tree for all Seasons

2011-10-29T23:46:00.001-07:00

This tree lives near my house. I am lucky enough to drive by it every day. This is it's autumn look and very soon the leaves will dry and blow down the road, end over end. In the winter it is a beautiful pattern of lacy snow and frost, round, like a giant snowflake. The spring brings a burst of tiny pale pink flowers that float like feathers to the lawn. In the summer it's thick bright green leaves soak up the warmth of the sun, as it grows stronger year by year.
I live in a forest, but this tree is one of my favorites. Not just because of it's beauty, but also for it's faithfulness in marking the seasons year after year. Right on time. Just like it's Maker.