Queens of Art Weekend cont.

We began our second day of "Queens of Art" with a delicious breakfast (prepared by our fabulous hostess Karen Hillman) and a champagne toast! Our first workshop of the day was "On the Wings of Love" crown taught by lovely and talented Judy Stafford. She altered and embellished cigar boxes to hold our supplies for the project. Aren't they adorable?

The crowns were constructed with chicken wire and then embellished with vintage lace, ribbons, beads and bling. Here is my finished crown..

All the crowns looked amazing displayed on Karen's kitchen table...

Speaking of amazing and kitchen tables, her gorgeous kitchen table was made by artist Sharon Hershkowitz. Sharon uses vintage china to cover vintage furniture and accessories with mosaics. Her work is so beautiful! We were fortunate enough to have her share some of her tricks of the trade in our next workshop of the day when she helped us create a heart wall pocket. (my wall pocket, photo by Heather Coronel)

After spending the morning creating, we enjoyed some yummy cake pops, cupcakes and chocolate dipped strawberries...yes, we were VERY spoiled!

Saturday night we all went out to Cappricio's Italian restaurant. We had a blast and the food was SO delicious!

me and the gorgeous and hillarious Becky Becky Rourk at Cappricio's

sweethearts Heather and Cassandra, how adorable are these two?

Me and the FABULOUS hostess! I love this lady dearly!

Back From "Queens of Art"!

Last weekend was one of the most amazing weekends of my life! Words cannot describe what it was like to attend and to teach at Karen Hillman's "Queens of Art" event. The event was over the top! Prepare yourself for several picture packed posts in the coming days ;) I have so much I want to share!

The gorgeous and gracious hostess!

the stunning table where art and memories were made!

Everywhere you looked there was valentine beauty to behold!

Karen had the idea of having a "suitcase showcase". We could bring an altered vintage suitcase filled with our art to sell. It was so much fun going shopping in the other artist's suitcases!

here is my suitcase... Karen bought one of my hearts to hang on her mirror :)

Cassandra's amazing suitcase!

Karen's breathtaking bejeweled creations...

Cassandra and me

On the first day Cassandra taught us how to make a beautiful embellished messenger style hand bag. I loved this project! Here is my bag...

After Cassandra's class, we capped off the evening with wine and hors d'oeuvres prepared by Karen...she is not only a talented artist and photographer but she also is an unbelievable chef! The food was out of this world!

These beauties were made with love by Cassandra "the macaron queen" ;)

I will be back in the next day or two to share more of my artistic adventure so check back soon! xoxo

Embellished Napkin Rings

This year for Christmas I wanted to make something special for my friend and artist Cassandra but I was having the hardest time deciding what to create. Cassandra is so talented and makes everything and makes it so beautifully that I thought what on earth could I give her that she hasn't already made or doesn't already have a bazillion of. Well one day recently while scouring a thrift store I came across a set of napkin rings. They were cheap looking avocado green straw rings but I saw some potential. I knew I could make them into something special for Cassandra to use for her tea parties. I brought them home and began the transformation. I wrapped them in strips of white cotton fabric then embellished them with lace, seam binding ribbon, silk roses, and vintage millinery.

I picked up a set of lace edged, embroidered vintage napkins at an antique store to give her with the napkin rings.

Today I gave the napkin rings and napkins to Cassandra and I was overjoyed that she loved them...they are pretty sweet, in fact, I think I need a set now ;) xoxo, Molly

Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child!

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace!

Sleep in heavenly peace!

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight!

Glories stream from heaven afar,

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born!

Christ, the Saviour is born!

Silent night, holy night!

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth !"

(our tree)

Christmas Blessings!

Love, Molly

Here it is, Christmas Eve and I am finally getting around to sharing my Christmas decor. Get ready for picture overload. I haven't crammed like this since the night before a big exam in college!

This is my kitchen window, the focal point of the room. Can you believe that doll house?! While I was visiting my Great Aunt Sarah this past spring I went on a treasure hunt in her attic. My cousin Cynthia and I found her doll house from the 1940's and she gave it to Lilly! I also came across a box of felt sequin and embroidered ornaments and light switch covers Cynthia had handmade in the 70's. I fell in love with them. I hung them on the garland all around the window. (Cynthia, if you are reading this, thank you for all of your pretties, love you) The large bottle brush candy canes are from Marshalls this year.

A favorite corner in my kitchen

This wreath was my grandmothers and means so much to me. She hung it in her home every Christmas that I can remember. The fruit was originally on a foam wreath form but through the years so much of the fruit had crumbled that this year I finally carefully removed all of the fruit and attached it to a green wreath. I hope this will help preserve it for many more years to come. I love this guy vintage handmade frosty found at a thrift store years ago Anthropologie cupcake ornaments backed with a vintage tin plate my vintage Christmas apron collection makes me smile :) vintage Christmas pin cushions even my terrarium is decked out with a cute little vintage deer and pine trees This little tree sits by my side of the couch where I read and watch television. I love the little stockings crocheted by my husband's grandmother! I made the little skiers a couple of years ago based on these. you can find the tutorial for the aged chenille stem candy canes here some of my favorite vintage Christmas cards I adore this onewould you believe I bought this awesome Santa at Walmart 4 years ago! I love how he looks framed by my book page wreath. This is definitely one of my favorite spots in the house right now. I made the "Merry Christmas" garland years ago. I modeled it after one I saw at Anthropologie but put my own twist on it. Those cute pink mittens were a recent garage sale find. My vintage nativity looks so pretty with candles lit in mercury glass votives at night. Perhaps my all time favorite Anthropologie ornament a winter wonderland on my vintage plant stand This is such a cozy spot and look at these two faces!! LOVEI think I could leave these decorations up all year and never tire of them. I'm sad I have to pack them all away soon :( Tomorrow I will reveal our tree. We put up a real tree this year and I have enjoyed it so much! There is nothing like a live tree at Christmas.

I hope you all enjoy your Christmas Eve! May it be a magical one. xoxo, Molly