Positive Vintage Vibes

It's Shameless Commerce Tuesday, and today I'm sharing some NEW LISTINGS from my vintage shop, Aunt Pheba's Vintage.

My son Tim is a huge Mark Twain fan, so I thought of him when I came upon this wonderful Currier & Ives steamboat saucer plate.  It's just 6 inches (15.24 cm) across.

And here's a lovely little Royal Chelsea bone china teacup and saucer - all hand decorated.

I'll be heading off to Arizona tomorrow, and I'll be "unplugged" most of the week.  So have a great week!

TTFN
LeAnn

Treasury Thanks: Better Late than Never

Each week I devote  my Sunday blog post to saying THANK YOU to the curators of Etsy treasuries who have featured items from my shops, Pasque Flower Creations and Aunt Pheba's Vintage, in treasuries over the past week.  As some of you know, I've had computer "issues" during the past week.  If I've missed anyone in this week's post, I apologize.  Pease let me know, and I'll try to feature your shop in a future week.

It was another banner week for treasuries.  You'll get to see even more marvelous works by artist Mike Kraus, who was curating DAILY treasuries!   Thank you, Mike!  And you'll see an array of artistry from makers around the globe.  So sit back and enjoy!  If you see something you like, please click and promote, if time permits.

Mike Kraus started his week of treasury making with his treasury, SUPER SUNDAY!  He included my pencil-shaped pencil pouches in that treasury.  This whimsical artist's trading card would be perfect for that person who can't seem to function in the morning without his/her cup of coffee.  I can think of a few!   It's called The Morning Cup of Coffee #52.

Mike's next treasury, Bear Necessities , included my gray and yellow uptown oven mitt.  Here is a wonderful acrylic, Vision Quest XVIII - part of another great series featuring birch trees.

Mike included my patriotic mini-bunting (I sold three this week!)  in his treasury, MAGNIFICENT MONDAY!   (If he weren't such a talented artist, I'd begin to suspect he's a treasury-making robot!  But I am VERY grateful for the features, and he always comes up with truly unique collections!)Hubby and I were eating stuffed green peppers on Monday night when I saw this treasury, so I was inspired to feature one of Mike's artist trading cards from his "My Favorite Foods" series -- this one is a green pepper. 

Nancy C. Eckert of mysticneedle featured my pastel owl plush toy in her treasury, Dreamin'  These little girls' crochet embellished socks are just SO adorable! 

Mike Kraus of MikeKrausArt is back again with his TERRIFIC TUESDAY! treasury, which included my patriotic mini-bunting.  My husband and I both grew up around lakes, so I was drawn to this new acrylic painting, Canandaigua Lake 24 x 11.5 . 

Francie of Insideredo featured my aqua zig zag key fob in her treasury, Spring Beauties...Stop in the TEMPT Team Shops .  Father's Day is coming soon. This vintage silk tie would be a unique gift.

Susan McAnany of McAnany featured my yellow linen bow clutch in her treasury, Primary Colors .
Susan must be an artist of many moods.  This whimsical school bus piece showcases primary colors.  Can you find the dog?

Carol of ModernClassicbyCarol featured my yellow and white chevron oven mitt (I also shipped one of them to England this week - thank you, Carol!) in her sunny yellow-themed treasury, Happy Days .  I'm afraid I may have missed one of Carol's later treasuries during my computer blackout, so I'll show you TWO items from her shop.  First, these lovely yellow and white wedding napkin rings:

And here are some gorgeous napkin rings in silver, that would also be appropriate for a silver wedding anniversary celebration, should the yellow and white couple be so lucky.

Vickie Wade of VickieWadeArt featured my pastel pink floral oven mitt in her treasury, Pink on Parade.  (This one's for you, Edi!)  This lovely Mother and Daughter art print makes me miss my little girl, whose all grown up now and 27 years old. 

Osnat Soffer of ShmulikStudio in Russia featured my pencil-shaped pencil pouches in her treasury, My Rainbow Love .  I love these adorable newborn booties in blue and green -- one of the wonderful handmade items you will find in Osnat's shop. 

Speaking of babies -- Susan McAnany of McAnany featured my Spit Happens bib in her treasury, Summer Green Trends .  A HUGE part of summer in my family is baseball.  Although the Huskers bombed out of the Big 10 tourney, my Minnesota Twins and Jerry's KC Royals will keep slugging it out until baseball season gives way to football this Fall.  My brother has a VERY IMPRESSIVE collection of baseball memorabilia that fills two rooms of his house.  (He has a very tolerant wife.) 
So--I couldn't resist featuring this Sports Fan baseball art photo by McAnany.   

Mike (who by now needs no introduction) was back with a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY! treasury, which included my orange and white bunting.  Another one of my favorite new pieces from MikeKrausArt is this painting, Life on the American Plains .  This reminds me SO much of the small farm where I grew up in Lake County, South Dakota.  The young woman in the photo reminds me of my friend JoAnn, who lived three miles away.  She was my only same-grade classmate in our one-room country schoolhouse, and we have remained lifelong friends to this day. 

Eli Rolandova of PillowsRollanda featured my aqua and tan oven mitts in her treasury, Melody Cheerful Cook .  Eli's shop is filled with unique pillows. I chose to feature this FACE pillow . 

Vickie Wade of VickieWadeFineArt curated a stunningly beautiful treasury in red and black, WONDERFUL WORK .  I love this painting of a mom and two daughters -- it captures the girls' personalities. 

Jessica and Bryan of FeathandKee featured my earthy key fob in their treasury, Inspired by BuyKC's ... To Blast Off!  This salvaged would key chain would be a nice Father's Day gift, graduation gift, or teacher gift.

Holly Bean of HollyoftheEarth featured my colorful birds oven mitt (also sold two of those this week!) in her treasury, Wind Beneath Her Wings.  Every frame includes a bird or feather.  This unique aromatherapy necklace is a way to carry your soothing (or energizing) scents with you via a beautiful boho necklace. 

Valerie of NandysNook included my red and white chevron oven mitt in her Memorial Day-themed treasury, Pay Tribute .  This coffee mug cozy in red is one of MANY beautifully-crafted hand crocheted items you will find in Valerie's shop.  I just spied some new red white and blue mason jar covers, too!  Wouldn't those be fun for a 4th of July BBQ! 

MJsFlowerfield featured my colorful birds oven mitt in her treasury, Love Is Like a Bird Song TEMPT Treasury Blast Off .  I just LOVE this lace flower necklace from her shop! 

Cassie of CassieVision curated a patriotic-themed treasury, Red White and Blue .  She's added some new red white and blue bobby pins to her shop.  Wouldn't those be fun to wear on the 4th of July?

Mike of MikeKrausArt is back!  This time he featured my pastel owl soft toy and rattle in his treasury, TERRIFIC THURSDAY!   Here's another fun artist's trading card from his favorite foods series.  This one is called Pizza Time . 

Osnat Soffer of ShmulikStudio is also making a repeat appearance.  She included my patriotic mini-bunting in her treasury, Black & Red Dreamy Gifts .  I love this little light blue amurugumi doll -- and the sleeping baby is SO precious!!

Back to Mike of MikeKrausArt and his SUPER SATURDAY! treasury, which included my pencil-shaped pencil pouches.  I think this next piece has to be me favorite in Mike's favorite foods series -- and it is SO seasonally appropriate!  It's called Have S'More.   A gift for a Scout leader, perhaps?

 

 

Fatima Sismantar of SESIMTAKI featured my pastel blue houndstooth foldover clutch in her treasury, Summer Shopping 2015 - 63 . This freeform crochet necklace is truly a statement piece-- a perfect boho accent for summer. 

 

Carol of ModernClassicbyCarol featured my winter trees baby bib in her treasury, Birds & the Bees & the Flowers & the Trees.  I'm old enough to remember those lyrics, which I sang along to my transistor radio back in the day.  This burlap and lace wedding napkin ring would be fun for a reception after a barn wedding (a big deal in the Midwest) or a country chic wedding. 

And if you're looking for vintage lace -- might I suggest AuntPhebasVintage, or a host of other vintage sellers on Etsy.

Holly Bean of HollyoftheEarth is also back for an encore, this time with her treasury, Caramels and Chocolate -- two if MY favorite foods, for sure!  I was honored to have my brown and white chevron oven mitt included in this beautiful treasury.  This beautiful primitive natural materials necklace includes mahogany pods.  

Mike Kraus returns with a delightful visual story poem treasury, Nice Day for a White Weddin' .  I can almost hear the heavy metal bass in the background.  Here's one of my favorite in Mike's whimsical elephant series -- purple elephant.

And Osnat Soffer is making an encore as well!  She included my daisies on blue oven mitt in her treasury, Blue & Gold .  Here is a blue amigurumi doll from ShmulikStudio.  I just think this little guy is SO cute!!

Ekaterina Syromyatnikova of KaterinaMenthe included my patriotic mini-bunting in her treasury, Summer Dreams #36 .  This adorable artist bear made me smile! 

Nole of LoopyChicCrochet featured my colorful bird oven mitt in her treasury, A BIG Thank You to TEMPT Team Members!   If you'll be having guests over the 4th of July -- or going camping, check out these great red white and blue handmade washcloths!   They'd be a cute hostess gift, too.

Kathy and Wayne of Rocks2Gems2Wire included my autumn leaves oven mitts in their treasury, Back to Basics . Love this arrowhead necklace!

Eli Rolandova of PillowsRollanda featured my crocus oven mitt in her treasury, Purple Shopping Under $50 .  This cute purple smiley face pillow would be fun for a tween's room. 

Carol of ModernClassicbyCarol featured my gray and yellow uptown oven mitt in her treasury, Shades of Gray.  Gray and aqua is a lovely color combo -- so have a look at these festive aqua wedding napkin rings. 

Susan McAnany of McAnany featured my lavender floral oven mitt in her treasury, Plum Delicious .  So many purple pretties.  This lovely lavender orchid art photo would fit right in.

Mandala Svetlana Barba featured my uptown yellow and gray oven mitt in her treasury, Handmade Accessories 11 . This Ishvara Mandala is so colorful.  Stunning! 

Karen Lange of borntolovebruce (as in Bruce Springsteen) featured my azalea oven mitt in her treasury, Enticing . This guitar bracelet would be fun to sport at a rock concert. 

MandalaSvetlanaBarba also featured my lavender floral oven mitt in her treasury, June Trends.  As we segue into June, I'll leave you with this breathtakingly beautiful painting called Birth of New Life .

Next week's post will also be late. We are going to Arizona to visit our three grandsons May 27-31.  We will not return until VERY late next Sunday night. 

For my followers in the USA, enjoy the rest of your Memorial Day weekend!  Have a great week!

TTFN
LeAnn

May Book of the Month: Blessed by Less by Susan V. Vogt

One of my resolutions this year was to read at least one good book each month and blog about it.
This month I chose a thin one on the topic of simplifying one's life!

The book is Blessed by Less by Susan V. Vogt, published by Loyola Press in 2013.

 

 

 

It's a tiny tome that recounts the author's attempts to de-clutter her life by giving up physical and emotional "things" that were weighing her down spiritually. 

 

It began one Lent.  She decided to give away one item for each of the 40 days of Lent.  As she cleaned out closets, found long-forgotten stuff under beds, and made some difficult choices about what to keep and what to toss, she found that she was inspired to continue the discipline beyond Lent.  So for an entire year, she gave away something each day.  The exercise was sometimes difficult, but overall, it freed up time, space and energy -- and she especially enjoyed the occasions when she knew her items went to a "good home" -- to someone who truly appreciated something she no longer needed.

 

The book was inspiring. 

 

As some of you know, I hope someday to retire to a tiny house by a babbling brook. 

 

 

 

My Pinterest  Tiny Houses page keeps growing!  But in order to make that move from a split-foyer full of 60+ years of accumulated "stuff,"  I'll need to do some serious simplifying!

 

The book offers practical advice, with separate end-of-chapter suggestions for those in the first half of life and those in the last half of life.  I clearly fall into the second category, and the old phrase, "You can't take it with you!" certainly rings true.  We're attending yet another funeral today -- one of Jerry's coffee buddies from church.

 

Although I thought the "emotional baggage" sections were a little fuzzy, this little book was a treasure trove  -- common sense advice and a plan of action!  It's an easy read, written in a conversational style.  I would highly recommend it to any Baby Boomer.  But younger readers who seek to SIMPLIFY may also find it helpful.

 

Wishing you all a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.  Please take a moment to pause and remember the reason for the holiday. 

 

TTFN

LeAnn

 

 



Shamelessly Exhausted

It's Shameless Commerce Tuesday, and I should be promoting, promoting, promoting --- but I don't have any new listings -- just lists of ideas for new listings and lots of fabric and scraps.

The road to Etsy oblivion is paved with good intentions.

I could give you a behind-the-scenes look at 4 works-in-progress (oven mitts heading to London and three patriotic buntings staying here in the USA). I'm grateful for those sales, but they are still in the cutting stage.

SO here's the honest truth ---

I'M TIRED.

I mean REALLY tired. 

As in -- I haven't been this tired since I was last pregnant and anemic ... 27 years ago.
As in -- teetering on the brink of EXHAUSTION tired. 

I'm too tired to promote anything right now.
I'm too tired to make anything more tonight / this morning.

Overtime Image by Panda Clipart - 2014

I've gone from the holiday rush to a crazy stressful tax season + a full-time job + Etsy + free-lance legal research. Yup -- you counted right -- FOUR jobs during tax season, but only THREE now.
Some days I feel like a chubby old gray gerbil running on a wheel that just keeps spinning faster and faster.

Even though tax season is over for this year, I'm still feeling TAXED on an emotional and physical level.

I'm tired physically because I'm sleep-deprived and don't get enough exercise--and I work all day in a chilly, windowless basement. 

I'm tired emotionally because all work and no play take a toll.  (And, I'm sad to say, even sewing -- once my creative escape -- has become work.)

End of whine.

This grumpy old lady is signing off and heading to bed. 
But the alarm is set for 4:30 am so I can sew for 2.5 hours before heading off to my day job.


TTFN
LeAnn

Treasury Thanks: The Mike Kraus Art Gallery Edition

Good Sunday morning!  Each week Sunday  I devote my Sunday blog post to extending a huge THANK YOU to the curators of Etsy treasuries who featured items from my Etsy shops, Pasque Flower Creations and Aunt Pheba's Vintage, over the past week.   This week, special thanks goes to Mike Kraus of Mike Kraus Art.  You'll find Mike's wonderful artwork throughout the post.

Marion S of couva12 featured a vintage lace doily from Aunt Pheba's Vintage in her treasury, TEMPT Team Whites .  I love this handmade crochet baby blanket and matching hat -- a little white delight, and a perfect baby shower gift!

Father's Day is coming!  And Susan from SToNZ created an awesome treasury, Rad Like My Dad , which included my BBQ oven mitt.  These spoken for rings from Susan's shop could be the modern version of  a trend from "back in the day."  A guy's high school class ring would be wrapped with tape or yarn to fit his girlfriend's finger, or worn on a chain around said girlfriend's neck, to tell the world they were "going steady."  These rings could also be a nontraditional engagement ring option -- or a sign of a committed relationship. 

Susan McAnany of McAnany featured my yellow linen bow clutch in her sunny yellow-themed treasury, Mellow Yellow .  This Quietly Setting art photo from Susan's shop is one of dozens of amazing art photos you will find at McAnany.  Mellow yellow.  Sweet tranquility.

Nole of LoopyChicCrochet featured my aqua and brown oven mitts in her treasury, Motivation TEMPTation 5-11 to 5-17 .  Love this handmade stadium blanket from Nole's shop!

YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MIKE KRAUS ART GALLERY. 

Mike Kraus of MikeKrausArt featured my studs and chains key fob in one of MANY treasuries he curated last week, Terrific Tuesday.  As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of Mike's Twilight Woods series, and here is stunning acrylic painting from that series,  Twilight Woods in purple and yellow.

My Blogging Business Artisans teammate, Duni, of PeriDotbyDuni, featured my pastel pink oven mitt in her oh so pretty treasury, May Flowers .  Duni's beautiful fabrics and superb craftsmanship have turned this functional laundry bag into a thing of beauty.  This would be a great graduation gift for a grad heading off to college.

Leanna Hawkins of TheGoldDaisy featured my BBQ oven mitt in her treasury, Happy Father's Day! 100 Likes Team Blitz .  This vintage black silk tie would be a unique Father's Day gift. 

Linda Pruitt of PruittSupply featured my lavender floral oven mitt in her treasury, Lavender Summer .  These beautiful seed beads would be embellishments -- or a pretty craft room decoration.
(They are like some of my fabric stash -- almost too pretty to use!)

Kelsey Wylie of WylieAtHeart featured my red linen bow clutch in her date night-themed treasury, Dinner and a Movie .  I just love these deep purple fire agate dangle earrings from WylieAtHeart.

MADellingerCarving featured my colorful abstract pillow cover in his treasury, Motivation Cassie Style .  As a Baby Boomer, I couldn't help but chuckle at this old hippie hand carving.  It reminds me of my old college debate partner, a Viet Nam vet who referred to himself (at that time) as Fat Mike the Hell's Angel.  He outgrew that phase and went on to have a distinguished career as a college professor. 

YOU ARE NOW RE-ENTERING THE MIKE KRAUS ART GALLERY. 

Mike Kraus of MikeKrausArt featured my orange and white bunting (nice for graduation parties if those happen to be your school colors) in his treasury, Wonderful Wednesday .  Here's another wonderful sample from the Twilight Woods series -- this one is a small artist's trading card.

Susan McAnany of McAnany featured my red folk art key fob in her red-themed treasury, Accessorize Your Life .  Next weekend is Memorial Day in the USA, and this folded flag photo is a lovely tribute. 

Linda B of lindab142 featured my yellow linen bow clutch in her bright and cheery yellow and gold treasury, Graduation Gifts .  Linda handcrafts beautiful jewelry items.  Her specialty is judaica jewelry.  She is proud of her Jewish heritage.  This beautiful kippah in gold and white is one of her lovely creations.

Mike Kraus is back!  He featured my orange and gray floral baby bib in his treasury, Terrific Thursday .  This blue and green birch forest digital download (an affordable fine art option) is another of my many favorites in Mike's art gallery. 

Mike also featured my pink and red hearts baby bib in a treasury, Add Some Color to Your Life .  One pink and red feature deserves another -- so here is another wonderful acrylic painting from the Twilight Woods series -- this one in pink and red. 

Kim Cole of BeachDaisyJewelry featured my orange and white bunting in her cute treasury, You've Gotta Be Kitten Me!  This crochet beaded bracelet is one of the many beach-friendly casual jewelry items you will find in Kim's shop. 

Kathy and Wayne of Rocks2Gems2Wire featured my red folk art key fob in their wonderful celebration of the color red, Where Are My Ruby Slippers?  This Jasper heart bracelet is one of the beautifully crafted jewelry pieces you will find in their shop.

Sharmila of KraftynKatchy featured my pink roses oven mitt in her treasury, Assorted Beautiful Flowers .  This butterfly yellow ombre mobile could bring a little sunshine to a cloudy day. 

Valerie of Nandy's Nook featured my green and white bunting in her treasury, Green Summer Trends .  Valerie makes wonderful coffee mug cozies, and other crocheted goodies. 

Julia of Draiguna featured my pink roses oven mitt in her treasury, Rest and Relaxation .  This small crochet drawstring pouch would be perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.

Mike Kraus is back again!!  He included my colorful birds oven mitt in his treasury, Superb Saturday .  Mike's artistic talents extend beyond his Nature-inspired landscapes in vivid colors. Here is a sample of his portrait work, a piece entitled, I Can Stand a Little Rain . 

Marcia of ImagineThatBaby featured my poppies on teal oven mitts in her treasury, A Few of My Favorite Things .  This basketweave rainbow baby blanket looks so soft and pretty! 

Nancy of SugarFunOrnaments featured my spit happens bib in her treasury, Sea Green with TEMPT Team .  Nancy crafts exquisite edible ornaments -- like this amazing wedding bird ornament. 

 

 

Jessica and Bryan King of FeathandKee featured my red accent pillow in their treasury, Motivating Reds.  This Rainy Day change jar is one of the colorful handcrafted items you will find at FeathandKee.  We saved for a rainy day, but got hit with a monsoon. 

Mike Kraus is back again!  This time, he's curated a treasure trove of gift ideas for a special someone in his treasury, #ILoveYou .  So I've chosen to feature one of my first loves from Mike's shop -- white birch forest. 

YOU ARE NOW LEAVING THE MIKE KRAUS ART GALLERY.  THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY!

Hope you have a great week!

TTFN
LeAnn