Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Valentine's Mantle

See the post right before this to read about the challenge I gave myself.

Here is the finished product... a pink, green, and white Valentine's mantle.

It has been so grey here in Minnesota lately, that the pinks and greens really spoke to me.  So did this little bird.  Little Birdie keeps me happy when I am missing all the little critters that have flown south for the winter.  I picked him up at a craft store about a year ago.

My cute little banner cost about $3 to make.  It took about an hour of time.  About half-an-hour to select the paper and punch the di-cuts at Archiver's.  I bought ribbon on Clearance at Michael's for 99 cents.  I know- get out of town- that is cheap!  Then it took about a half-hour to design it and tape it together.  I used double-sided tape on the parts touching the ribbon, and a glue stick when it was time to glue paper to paper.

I like the idea of switching things out with a little color.  You'll notice from my Christmas pictures below that I used a lot of the same things, just with a different twist: instead of ornaments hanging from frames, I used hearts.  The red berries are awesome for Christmas, but also Valentine's. 


Serve up a little love with a heart on a pedestal... decorating with pedestal stands is the best!


I have these frames and this beautiful antique mirror and a lot more available for rent if you live in the Twin Cities. The possibilities are endless!




















Monday, January 28, 2013

Mantle Mental

I am currently undertaking a mantle challenge (which I suppose it somewhat of a mental challenge)!

This was my mantle at Christmas (I was going to choose one of these pictures for our Christmas cards, which never got written this year -- sigh, ho hum).


With that kind of history, I obviously need to keep this venture somewhat simple.  But I do think it sounds relaxing and fun to do a little something for Valentine's Day.  Wouldn't it be fun to carry over this idea to wedding or party decor?  You could make some garlands to put over the dessert bar or other walls.

I headed to Pinterest, and these are the pictures I found there that I am using for my inspiration pieces (just enter "valentine's ideas" in your search bar on Pinterest.com and I'm sure you'll find these and more).  Should I use paper, fabric, cut-outs, or a little free-handing it?  It will be fun to see what I can come up with this week.



Saturday, January 19, 2013

Vintage Goodies

I put together an order today for a customer who wanted to buy some vintage napkins for a wedding.  So pretty!


I love looking at the colors and textures of these beautiful linens.
 

I've got serene napkins, colorful doilies, and sweet old fashioned hankies.  They are romantic for weddings, and charming for everyday use as well.  I've had customers buy the doilies for holidays- they switch them out with their holiday decor at each season.  Very fun!

If you are interested in any, leave a comment, or e-mail me at: info@ritamarieweddings.com.  

I can send them or we can arrange a pick-up if you live in the Twin Cities.  I also have some posted on Etsy, you can look there by clicking here http://www.etsy.com/shop/RitaMarieWeddings, although I don't have all of my inventory posted.

Doilies: Every color under the sun!  And every shape….



I've even got hand-stitched table runners, dish towels, and dish rags/pot holders.




Vintage Batten Burg Lace Napkins and Runners (Downton Abby fans, you gotta love these!)




And beautiful "Pure Irish Linen, double damask."  Cool labels, huh?  These have never been used.


Sweet little "hankies".  A great gift for brides, grooms, wedding lines, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, etc.

(ed. note: I'm still in the process of changing over all of the labels from our new name change, so these tags are outdated.)







Friday, November 9, 2012

Keep It or Toss It...

.... the age old question?  Or in my case, do I keep it, or sell it?

We've spent the last year, going through lots and lots and lots of stuff.

As in-- everything we own.  Every box, every corner of the house, every closet-- every THING!

We had several garage sales.  And I couldn't even count how many trips we took to donate stuff to charity.  And I gave stuff away to friends as well.  I thought I was done, but then I would find more.  I was brave and even got rid of some things that I didn't know if I could part with.  Don't get me wrong- I did save super special things.  But I am sentimental and tend to want to save everything.

And I can say I have not regretted anything I got rid of.  It was quite liberating.

In all of my perging, I did find this treasure I forgot I had.  My grandmother was an amazing artist and she had her own porcelian doll studio she ran from our home.  She made this plate, and on the back is etched her name "Rita 1977".

I love it and it reminds me of her.  Especially since it is so cheery.

I decided to make a cake stand out of it.  Didn't it turn out so cute and sweet?

I feel attached because it reminds me of her.  But at the same time, I know that all will be well and life will march on if I don't keep it, so for that reason I feel completely unattached to it.


So I still don't know, do I keep it or not?  I think I am still somewhat attached if I can't decide...But there were a few things I got rid of that I couldn't decide on before, and I am just fine with the decision I made to get rid of those things.  

Oh bother... I don't think I am any closer to a decision even after writing all of this down!

Wouldn't this look cute in a boutique... no I like it on my counter.... 

This picture would look great in my Etsy shop.... no I could put candy on this for when my kids get home from school..... 

This would be perfect at a wedding.... no this reminds me of Grandma.... 

This would be the perfect gift for someone to purchase from me and give to someone special... no wouldn't my Aunt just love this, I could send it to her for Christmas?!

And so goes my thought process.  Am I alone out there or does anyone else go through this?




Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Cake Stands!

I am getting back into the swing of things after some big life events have now been completed.  Whew!  It is great to focus on JL Plates and Platters again!

Speaking of which, here is a link to my Etsy shop where you can order cake stands, vintage linens, doilies, home decor, etc., any time-- day or night!

To get there, just click the picture of me in the green shirt on the Side Bar.