Jennifer Rizzo

Two little piggies....

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Now that oldest has her own room; it's just Middle and Little in the other room. Oldest is a bit OCD and everything in her drawers is organized and neat; but let's just say Middle and Little are complete opposites. After kissing them goodnight, I tripped across their room trying to escape and almost never surfaced. Their room is basically in shut-the-door status. Between clothing that who knows at this pont if is dirty or clean, drawers that appear to be throwing up their contents, naked Barbies, ripped paper and cardboard boxes, and itty-bitty pieces that hurt when you step on them, they've managed to completely raise the bar to hoarder status in the week and a half since it had been cleaned. It's almost impressive.The amount if destruction they cause is amazing. I am contemplating bunk beds for them, but I am afraid it would just give them more empty floor space to crap-up.

In the mean time I was surfing Pinterest for some ideas as their room is almost ready for a complete overhaul.... and a dumpster.

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Jen

The truth in your decorating voice....

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

I cringe when I look back at pictures of my home from when I first started blogging. It was dark and cluttered and mismatched, and not in a good way.

Before blogging, all of my decorating influences had been either magazines, the shows on HGTV (which I now refer to as "the real estate channel".), or the Pottery Barn catalog. Not really trusting in what I wanted, it ended up being a mish-mosh as I waffled between what I thought,- I wanted, what was popular and what I thought other people would think.

And even though my home was decorated in the reds, golds and greens of the early 2000's, which are perfect for some people; I kept ripping out pictures of these light, airy rooms. Yet, somehow when I made a change such as painting a wall or getting new drapes, I might change it a shade or two an think it was a huge, bright change, but to be perfectly honest, if somebody walked in, they would never even notice it was a different shade. Even though I wanted.. no craved....change, I was truly afraid of changing, so it was almost easier to do almost nothing.

At one point I listened to a friend who helped me pick out a bunch of things for my home. Even though I wasn't really feeling what was picked out, I went with the flow because I loved her home and I thought that I should do what she said, and what I liked I hadn't really seen anywhere else. The fact of the matter is, I waffled. I knew I didn't like anything she picked out, but I was too afraid to listen to my own voice, and I needed up spending a lot of money on things I didn't like at a time when there was really no disposable income. It was money I basically threw away. I had spent too many years listening to someone else about how things should be in my home.

I think what was the turning point for me was when we were forced to do our kitchen the October before last. I wasn't really prepared, but I knew this was probably the only chance we would be doing our kitchen for along time and with our budget; this was it. There were no second chances, so I better make sure I loved it. After lots of looking and ripping out magazine pages, and book marking blogs, I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted and instead of falling back into the same old, "what are they going to think?" mode and worrying about what other people though, I finally trusted my own gut instinct and went for it. My hand was forced, I was cornered and I decided to rise to the challenge and trust my decorating voice.

I have never regretted trusting that voice. I was so happy with how it had turned out that I finally realized that it was okay to believe in what I liked. It doesn't matter if no one else has it in their house, or I hadn't seen it anywhere else. I realized my home should be a reflection of us. What I and my family loved, and what we needed to do in the space we have. The bookcase we just built... I would never have dreamed of trusting myself to actually go with it two years go. Now I am so happy I took that chance, the space is already proving be be so useful... I am wondering how it would be to do one on the other side and make it more of a room.....

I've had some people criticize that I change my house around all of the time, and they joke that it's never the same place twice, but sometimes I don't think it's in a nice way. Maybe almost critical. While part of that, I admit, is a love of decorating for me, another part of that is that our lives and needs as a family are constantly changing, so of course our home will change! And how do you find out what you really like if you don't ever try to find out? And it doesn't cost a lot to make some of those changes, sometimes adversity in the money department can bring out the best creativity.

While homes are just places to keep our "stuff" , they are important to our lives, and when you have a home that works for you, no matter what's it's size, it makes life much easier to live.

*I think we all have that voice and need to learn to trust it.

*We need to believe what we see. If a room is blue, but we keep ripping out pages of red walls, even if it's not popular, we need to trust what we want where we put our heads down at night.

* Our homes are reflections of us.. and you know what, it's all okay.

*We need to let it be okay to change things to how we like it, even if it's not what popular in magazines or on blogs.

*We need to not listen to people who say shouldn't or can't. Why can't we, it's our homes.

*Our homes should have function for how we live. Form follows function. And this lady it right, it does not have to be perfect to be beautiful.

*There shouldn't be decorating "rules" or "what's in and out", just guidelines. I read once that a group of designers made a list and toilet rugs were out. I admit they are gross. You know what's grosser? Kids who pee on your floor when they miss the toilet and now the grout is permanently stained... instead of a $12 toilet rug. That's gross.

* And freedom. We should have the freedom to not measure our selves or our homes up to anyone else; "because as many people there are in the world, is as many ways there are to live."

I didn't say that, but I wish I did.

It's brilliant.

I hope when we have our refreshing our room's link party February 6th, you are ready to take some risks, trust yourself, and make your home a place you truly love.

Jen

stories...

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

One thing that I love about blogging besides all of the creative people and projects are the stories people share. I admire how they open their hearts. I wish I could be brave enough to do that more. I think it's a hard things to do and to do honestly.

Here are some stories I read this week from some amazing bloggers.

Beth's Blogiversary story

Chatting at the Sky's faith

Miss Mustard Seed's inspiration

Little blue boo's cancer journey and her amazing spirit

Paige's awesome vision

Every week I read what these incredible women write and am in awe of their spirit and I am humbled. These women feed my soul with their openness and remind me it's not all paint and pillows. I hope this weekend they will feed your soul as well.

Jen

Santos doll kits...

2012-01-19T07:24:00.002-06:00

In Jeanne Oliver's Creatively Made e-course, I am teaching a class on how to make Santos Cage Dolls next week. I have armature's available for anyone that's interested in my Etsy store.

And a few people asked to see some examples of what the cage dolls looked like, and what we would be making... Here are some that I have made.

I think that there is always a mixes reaction to dolls like this. People either love them or they think dolls are creepy. And that's okay. There's something for everyone. :)

I wanted to say a big thank you all for your comments about my bookshelf wall, we are super happy with it too. We haven't built a ton of things like that before, so if we can do it, you can too. :)

And thank you for the Stylist.com from the Huntington Post mentioning my little blog this weekend.It was a nice surprise.

Jen

built- in bookcase reveal....

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to share this with you! It sounds so funny, but to finally have small space of my own dedicated to creating is like a dream come true. And it's something that I have thought about doing for so long that I can't believe that we actually did it! My hubby was such a good sport too and quite the hunky handyman.:)

Here are two shots of the space before. We are in a split level and are lucky enough that our dining room area is a bit more elongated than the other homes in our area. I was never quite sure what to do with the back area as you can tell by the two photos.

Before

After

What do you think of my bookcases?

let's get closer...

and peek around the corner...

Ta-da! Isn't it exciting!!!

My daughter even made me a sign.We still have to move the clock over the mantel and I still have lots of fussing to do. I want to put a magnetic cork board up among other things, but I couldn't wait to finish to show you.

it was so nice to pull stuff out of plastic tubs and have space to put it!

We made the shelves adjustable so that I could get bigger things on there if I needed to.

There's even a space for my sewing machine and canvases and tall stuff too.

I wanted the back to blend in with the rest of the house and serve a purpose.

...And hide the incredible mess I am capable of making. And this way if I need to spread out past my desk, the table isn't too far away, and I don't have to be constantly cleaning up my space.

And if for some reason I am not using the space any more, we now have a little home office or even a place to put a reading nook. I feel like that area has more purpose.I am so glad we finally took those first steps and just did it!

Jen

P.S. For those of you that have asked; my drapes were sewn from a Thomas Paul fabric called Aviary.
*Linking to Thrifty Decor Chick
Creations by Kara

Almost there!

2012-01-15T23:00:00.000-06:00

Just a few finishing touches and I'll be back tomorrow(Tuesday) with the bookcase reveal!

Jen

Built-in progress....

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a sneaky peek of the shelving going in for a much needed mini-office/studio. Even though we were deluged with snow today, Wednesday was 51 degrees! A perfect day for construction!

I am in the middle of painting and adding molding. I hope I can have it done on Monday to show you!

Jen

Crochet.. more than just for scarves....

2012-01-11T08:38:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I am a huge crocheter. I started learning from my Gram when I was about 9. After all ,we are Polish; it's like a national sport. I rememember reading in the paper a few years ago that there was this dying village in Poland with no work and all of the young people were leaving to look for jobs. Someone there had the brilliant idea to start selling crocheted lace underwear on the internet and it saved the town. There's Lifetime movie for you. I'd love to see in person all those 80-year-old Busia's making crotchless panties.

I learned by example and have a hard time following patterns and only now am learning the names of stitches. It makes me happy that crochet is becoming so hot and gives me a ton of ideas...

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Jen

Ready to build....

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

Well, here is the "before" of our space! That blue desk tucked back in the corner has been my work area for the last few months. I've been finding that as my wholesaling has been increasing; I need a spot to have everything constantly out, and way more storage.

The width between the end of the sliding door and the back wall is actually 7 extra feet. We were blessed with a small bump out in our small split level as you can see here. If we had a bigger house (someday!) I would turn an extra dining room or living room into a studio/work space, but alas, even though it's not big, we at least have the blessing of a nice home. Though, one thing I have learned about living in a little house is you really have to make your space work for you. Right now we don't need a sitting area as much as I need a place to work . It's all about creative cramming. :)

Plenty of room for a small office or studio space! The book case part is actually going to come out about 5-6 feet from the wall, like a small divider, and the shelving part is going to be on my side for storage and the other side will look like a wall... And as I am getting geared up for my spring line, I am going to need it! Right now I have planned to take it up just past the top of the top of the slider; but not all the way to the ceiling to block the light we do get from the window. I would love to find a skinny, vintage window panel to hang in the ceiling above it. How cool would that look? Because even though we are building bookshelves, well, they have to be pretty. My Mother-in-law told me when they needed bookshelves in the 60's they would take cinder blocks and put planked boards across them and then stack them. You gotta give props for creativity. I am not even dreading the building part. It's actually the painting. I hate painting bookshelves, but it will be well worth it.

Hopefully all will go as planned and I'll have some new shelving to show you next week! Can you tell I am really, really excited??

Jen

P.S. Jeanne Oliver's class Creatively Made starts today. You can still sign up!

Come take a jewelry class with me!

2012-01-06T12:55:00.002-06:00

If you live near the Naperville, IL area, I am excited to announce that I'll be teaching a rediscovered jewelry class at one of the places I sell from!

It will cover wire wrapping, modifying vintage pieces and even a little bit of the business of selling your jewelry and where to find supplies.

The cost is $49 and it will include a kit of supplies and your finished piece plus refreshments.

You can e-mail me at the above address on the flyer for information or to sign up. :)

Jen

P.S. Blog readers get a discount ( $44) ! Just let me know in your paypal notes.

What are the 2012 trends???

2012-01-06T00:40:00.001-06:00

I know there was a collective gasp of disbelief when Pantone announced their color pick for 2012....
Tangerine Tango...aaccck!

I can't even imagine putting that color in my house.. then again...

I learned at a conference that home decor is 6 months to a year behind fashion, and I know for a fact that blogland is about 1 to 2 years ahead of the rest of the world, and even farther out till I can afford it at Homegoods :) So, I am not super concerned about it. After all, 2010 was turquoise and look how popular blue is now.

And 2009 was Mimosa which I have to admit I was seeing a lot the last year in pops of color on accessories.

And I am now noticing shades of the 2011 pick creeping slowly into the view.....

Though fuschia does pair really well with both blue and grey, and pops so prettily against the neutral trend of whites and ivories.

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So, with all of that in mind, maybe tangerine tango has it's place?

So what do you think about the trends? What do you think is coming up, even if it's not your style?
Here are my 6 top picks... please chime in with any others, and feel free to disagree... :)

1. Crochet accessories
2. Natural stones
3. Natural Paper
4. Danish Modern resurgence
5. Dark blue denim
6. More color, but brights not jewel tones

And What do you think the Pantone color will be for 2013?? I have my guesses and I am guessing a very saturated kelly green ....I would love to hear your opinion. :)

Jen

Are you ready to refresh your rooms???

2012-01-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

Mark you calender for the second Annual Refresh your Room Party!!!!

Monday, February 6th

We did this party last year and it was a blast.

It's all about shaking off the winter blah's, putting away the holiday decor and giving everything a fresh new look! It doesn't have to be expensive, shop your home first. Move lamps or pillows, add flowers, change up the furniture arrangement like I did here in my living room from last year. I have the new mantel in there this year, so I can change it up even more!

Before

After

I didn't buy anything except the flowers. Everything was from either another room or something I had shoved in a dark closet. Scrounge your basements and attics. You never know what you might find to refresh you room!

Last year we did it in March; but I am feeling an itch to pull out some paint cans and recover some pillows. Are you ready to make comes changes now that the decorations are down?

Jen

Built-in dreaming...

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

I think we are finally going to take the step and build a built in bookcase in our dining area one of our first projects of the year. We are going to use it as a room divider and I am excited because it's actually going to give me a bit of studio/office space on our main floor in our little house. I've been looking around for ideas and these were a few I just loved on Pinterest. I was going to buy bookshelves to use, but I think it would be much cheaper to build them ourselves, and we can really make them fit our space the way we need. Mine won't be as elaborate as any of these, but they are great for inspiration!

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Now we just have to work up the guts to start it :)

Jen

Little etsy store sale....

2011-12-31T10:08:00.002-06:00

I am running a little sale in my Etsy store through next Wednesday.

15% off everything in stock.

Just use the coupon code

newyearsale

to get the discount.

Happy New Year!!!

Jen

I still love my wood countertops and other questions answered....

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, with the holidays, I've been really bad at getting back to people who have asked me some questions. I promise I am not that rude in real life.

I thought I would answer them all here....

1. You did your remodel last year, how are your wood counter tops holding up?

I still love them. They are holding up beautifully. Most of the main counter top I've only sealed twice. Right around the sink has probably been about 4 -5 times, but it is constantly getting wet there and being wiped down. It's easy to reseal them, its just a matter of wiping the sealer on before bed and they are ready to go the next morning! A year later I would do them all over again.

2. What is that color on your walls in your kitchen?

The kitchen and dining room are Benjamin Moore Bennington Grey.

3. How did Country Living find you to feature your kitchen?

They actually saw my post on facebook when we did the big reveal and e-mailed me. Now I did already have a working relationship with them; but I got that by putting myself out there (I literally ambushed the editor at a conference...that's a whole 'nother story.).

4.What is that fabric on your burlap tablecloth? Where did you get it?

Joann Fabrics, I think it was $6.99 a yard.

5. How did you start wholesaling?

To be honest, it all started with me schlepping my stuff to stores and showing it to them. Some places were hits, some were misses. It's easiest to call a store you think you would fit into, ask if they take local artists and then schedule an appointment. Sometimes they love your stuff and sometimes they don't. It's about finding the right store with the right fit.

6. Do you ever teach any classes?

Yes! I am actually teaching in Jeanne Oliver's e-course and I am going to be teaching a jewelry class just outside of Naperville, IL at the end in January (which I'll be officially announcing soon.). I am going to start teaching more local classes on furniture re-do's and home projects. I used to teach CPR and Public Education classes when I was a firefighter/paramedic. I was pretty good at stop, drop and roll. In fact, I think that's how I ended up with 3 kids.

7. Were you really a firefighter?

(in case you are wondering, I am the guy in the middle.)

Yes I was. Even though that's not who I am any more, I am so proud of who it made me. There's a whole book behind that one some day. Even though I have finally settled back in to who I am supposed to be as an artist, my hubby does say "You can take the girl out of the firehouse, but not the firehouse out of the girl." I don't know if that's a complement or an insult.

9. Do you ever stop?

NO. :)

10. Are you going to be stocking any more texting/fingerless gloves?

I am going to do one more restock at the end of January and then I'll be getting ready for my spring line. I'll also be putting in some Santos dolls and some other goodies.

11.What are your next projects?

A living room re-paint, and a pretty cool project in our dining room that I am not going to talk about yet :)

Is there anything I missed that you were wondering? Ask away! Leave a question in your comment and I'll answer it right underneath. :)

I hope you have a Happy New Year! I'll see you in 2012!!!!!

Jen

Learn to make Santos dolls....

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-06:00

I am excited to announce that I am going to be one of the teaching artists in Jeanne Oliver's e-course, Creatively Made! I've gotten quite a few e-mails about my Santos dolls, and it's just been so crazy busy with the holidays that I haven't had a chance to make any, let alone list them. But, as a part of Jeanne's class; I am going to be showing you the entire process, top to bottom, and all of my secrets in making these beautiful and soulful girls.

Jeanne also has many other amazing artist's featured in her 4 week class.

Here are a few things Jeanne has to say about her class:

"We will cover mixed media, journal making, journal techniques, collage, leather and metal stamping, charcoal drawing, image transfers and much more.

I even have a special guest artist that will teach how to make Santos dolls (hee hee... me!). All of the art techniques taught will go along with the course and will make the whole experience even more meaningful and fun!

There will also be fun studio tours to encourage you to make space for yourself and your gifts.

There will also be inspiring videos from many of the creative women in my life that share bits of their heart and their journey to embracing the gifts that they have."

Some of the projects covered in the course

Santos dolls

Vintage Journal with old books

Image Transfers

Mixed Media Vintage Girls

Leather and metal Stamping

Journaling

Mixed Media Collage and Tips

How to use photography in your art

“Painting” with Stabilo pencils

Reflections from other artists about their own creative journey and embracing the gifts they were given,

as well as

Some of my favorite art supplies and how to use them

*Mixed Media collaging and techniques

*Creating Mixed Media Vintage Girls with Templates

* Leather and Metal Stamping

*Creating Your Own Mixed Media Collage with Templates

*Vintage Art Journals from old books

*Creating Your Own Dream Journal

*Journaling techniques

*Incorporating Old Photos into your art

*Incorporating Vintage Hardware into your art

*Creating your own Santos Doll (guest artist)

* Self Photography

To see more on Jeanne's class you can go here.

It's such a great way to start the New year. Maybe it's even a resolution to finally start on your creative path this year... this would be a great push for you in the right direction. And, the best part is you can see me be a total dork on camera.:)

Jen

top 10...

2011-12-26T23:26:00.000-06:00

There are a lot of posts going around, showing their 10 favorite posts of the year. I think this is a great idea and I would love to share mine with you!

1. My first was actually one of my first posts of the New Year last year, The My Style Evolution Party,

I loved seeing how people's style had evolved and changed over the years, including my own ( and I should add how it keeps changing...).

2. Debuting my Urban Journey Spring Collection. I have to admit. It wasn't the biggest financial success for me, but it gave me that push to really start creating what I wanted to and not what I thought everyone wanted me to create. Sometimes things that seem like failures at the time end up being successes because of the experience.

3.Having Fifi O'Neill and Mark Lohman come out and shoot my house for publication. This year was a cloud nine for me in that aspect because it was right after my Country Living photo shoot. Here's the thing you need to know. I love my house, I think it's nice. I think that there are a lot of nice houses out there. If I can get published, or have a shot at my house, YOU can too.

4. Work Bench to potting bench. This was my Grandfathers' work bench and I love having it to use in the garden. Oh how I dream of spring already.

5.Summer. Strawberries. Sugar. Jam. need I say more?

6. My daughter's bedroom makeover. She loves it. It's very her. At 9 years old, she moves her furniture around every week. I wonder where she gets that from?

7. An August night garden dinner. I cook about 85-90% of our dinners from scratch. It's not that I am a super woman, it's just that I like to cook, and when you are trying to make gluten-free for one child, and eat organic and local, and try to control borderline high cholesterol, you cook a lot. I know I don't post a lot of recipes, because I think what I make are a lot of very basic foods, but I did love this dinner.

8. My friend ,Jeanne's, house. It's even prettier and more welcoming in person.

9.My mantel. I LOVE it. It makes me happy to see it everyday.

10. And finally. Changes and someone's listening. I am so happy with how my faith has changed and grown this last year. And the possibilities that have opening up for me. I finally feel like I am on the right path after years of wandering aimlessly. It's amazing what faith can do.

I am looking forward to spending this next year with you and having new adventures and opportunities. There have been some rough spots around here too; but I know the new year can bring amazing things. :)

Jen

to see more top 10's stop over ay Beth's top 10 linky party.

The posts of Christmas past....

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

Today, I plan on baking cookies with my kids, and then eating them till I am sick the rest of the weekend, all while I drink eggnog, eat pierogi's, sausage and sauerkraut, and not check my cholesterol until February :). Merry Fatmas.

I thought you might want to visit some old holiday posts, and to be honest, I just liked the title in my own dorky-way :)

You can visit my memories of a white tree covered in plastic fruit here.

Or some of my favorite past Christmas crafts here.

or some simple holiday decorations from outside my kitchen window.

or my vintage inspired Christmas tree from 2009.

or hop in Mr. Peabody's Qayback machine to 2008 when my neighbors and I had a holiday sign painting party (Which we all still put up every year.).

I hope you enjoy these posts down memory lane and have a very special and blessed holiday weekend.

Jen

P.S. Thank you Dallasnews.com for mentioning my blog!

Pops of red....a mini-kitchen tour....

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

Even though it has been a few years since I have had red in my house, I wanted to add a bit to my kitchen. It just seemed so festive.

I found this awesome table runner at Tar-jay... it makes my kitchen feel just a little Swedish.

I love pomegranates. My kids love them too and beg for them every day.

It's not so bad peeling them under water in a bowl. I think they are so pretty and add just a pop of color. There is nothing like a dash of juice and some seeds in some champagne. :)

I found this plate at Anthropologie on sale for $7. I thought the deer was perfect and I liked the little red dots.

A couple of candy canes in a jar are perfect for bribery. We buy the ones from Whole Foods that are colored with natural beet dye. My little one is allergic to some red dyes. While they aren't a bright red, they still taste yummy. That's why there are only about 6 left and I just opened them about 5 days ago.

a mug from Goodwill holds a little holiday nest.

And I had to show you this little, red chair I picked up this last fall.

I bought it at The Kane County Flea Market. I had intended to sell it, but now I just can't part with it, it's so darn cute; and the kids love sitting on it. Maybe I should make it the new time out chair ;)

Jen

Some Housewalk highlights...

2011-12-19T08:49:00.003-06:00

I am still making my way through all of the homes on last week's holiday house walk; There are such beautiful homes and amazing decorations. Here are just a few I'd noticed, but there are so many more...

A Vintage Vine

Family Room Design Studio

Are you ready for Christmas yet? Are you set for Hannukah? It seems like the holidays just rushed up this year. I am almost done shopping, but I need to go through everything first. It seems like it all comes up so fast, I am wrapping , and then I've shorted some one on a gift and have to rush out last minute.

Lat night we got some hot cocoa and drove around and looked at lights. It's amazing what some people come up with. We might have to upgrade from our icicle lights next year. I am going to see what's on sale after the holidays. I love me a good after X-mas sale. :)

Jen

The sparkle, doily, snowflake banner....

2011-12-16T09:59:00.000-06:00

I've been banner crazy this holiday season, and I had seen a few on Pinterest that I just adored. One had doilies hanging with ornaments. I loved the idea of doilies, but I wanted mine to have kind of a vintagey, collected feel.

My Jo-Ann fabrics has a bin they have all different sizes of doilies for a dollar or two each.

I picked up 6 in different sizes.

The I grabbed my crystal glitter, white craft glue and a brush.

I just brushed the glue on the doily, covering the entire surface.

Then right away sprinkled glitter over the whole thing. I shook off the extra and put it aside to dry. I did this with each of the doilies.

I put a small crease in the end of the paper I was glittering over and poured back the extra glitter for a future project.

Once they were dry, I just stung twine in the holes at the top of each "snowflake", The craft glue makes them a little stiff so they are easy to string on and they hold their shape really well.

I then tied a loop in each end and hung it up on my mantle.

It's super cute and so pretty when it catches the light. It was a pretty quick project to do too. I think it would be an easy project for the kids during winter break too.

I wanted to mention
My friend Christie at Carter's Cottage is having a big chalk paint giveaway for Annie Sloan's American Tour, so stop on over to enter!

Jen

Holiday Banner love...

2011-12-14T23:37:00.000-06:00

I have been really into holiday banners this season;banners and glitter. :) In fact I have a project coming up that features both!

I found all of these lovely images of different banners on Pinterest, giving me even more inspiration!

Source: missmustardseed.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: weddingchicks.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: hgtv.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: katiedid.squarespace.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: crazyagnus.wordpress.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: iroonie.com via Jen on Pinterest

I am still enjoying the tour. I hope to get through all of them this weekend and have a nice recap next week for you! There are so many great homes with so much inspiration!

Jen

Simply Christmas...

2011-12-13T08:48:00.001-06:00

My brilliantly creative friend Anne Marie from Nada Farm has released a new e-book!

Simply Christmas

It's filled with all kinds of wonderful things about how they celebrate a simple holiday on the farm. It has craft projects, decorating and recipes. It's only $2.99!

You can tell she really has put her heart and soul into it (just like everything else she does. :) ).

They also have a lovely shop of hand-made items and hand-carved spoons.

If you're interested you can click here to go to their shop.

You can still join in on the Holiday houeswalk party! There are so many beautiful and festive entries I am still making rounds!!!

Are you in the holiday spirit yet?

Jen

Welcome to the holiday housewalk party!!!!

2011-12-11T22:45:00.001-06:00

Last week was so much fun with all of the beautiful homes! There was so much wonderful inspiration! Now is your chance to show off your holiday home!

Link up! The only rules are:

1. You MUST link to your specific post, not your general blog.

2. You MUST link back directly to the part some where in the post. That's the only way that other people can find it....And you can get traffic back to your blog. You can use and old post as long as you amend it.

Here is a button you can paste, copy and hyperlink to if you like for your blog.

I can't wait to see all of the wonderful things you've done!

Holiday housewalk day 5!!!!

2011-12-09T05:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the last day of the Holiday Housewalk 2011! It's been such a great tour so far with all of the gorgeous homes! Yesterday we saw Traci Thorson photography, Nada farm, Blondie'n'sc, and a special surprise house, French Larkspur.If you missed any of the your you can go to my right side bar and click on the house you missed, or click here to start from the beginning.

We are so excited to have you here today for our final line up! I'll show you 3 preview pictures and then you can click on the numbered tour button to go to that house.

Don't forget about the holiday linky party Monday! You can join in and show us how you decorate your holiday home!

Today's final line up includes My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Dreams Intertwined, Simple Thoughts and Flea Market Trixie. These beautiful homes are a great way to end a wonderful tour!

First, let's stop in the lovely home of My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Then over to Heidi's beautiful house at Dreams Intertwined

Next is Paige's lovely space.. Oh how I love Paige. :) She's such a sweetheart.

And finally the fabulous Flea Market Trixie!

I really hope you enjoyed the tours! Make sure you say hi and leave a comment for the hosts of each home for all of the hard work they did in getting ready for the tour. I am so thankful to each and everyone of them for taking the time out to participate, and for all of you for taking the time to stop over!

Jen

Holiday housewalk day 4!!!

2011-12-08T05:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Day 4! We've seen some amazing houses and there are even more.
Today we have Traci Thorson, Nada Farm, Blondiensc and Surprise.... another Surprise house!!!!
I have 2 -3 sneak peek pictures to show you and then you can click on their buttons to take the entire tour of their home. Get your Pinterest buttons ready, there are a lot of click worthy pictures coming!
If you are just joining us, or missed the first few days, you can click back to my first day post here and then blog hop from house to house.

Let's start the tour with my sweet friend Traci.

and I know many of you know Anne Marie from the Bi-annual Nada farm sale.

And my good girly friend,Tara, who was on Romantic Country Magazine earlier in the year.

And can you guess the last house by the pictures??

Enjoy the tour! We'll have more homes featured tomorrow and remember to join in on Monday for the Linky Holiday house party where you can show us your homes!

Jen

Holiday housewalk day 3!

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

Every day just keeps getting better! We visited with both Dear Lillie and Jeanne Oliver yesterday. I know you thought there were only 2 houses for today, but there really are 3! Today we get to see the gorgeous homes of Holly Mathis interiors, Susie Harris and a special surprise house... ! I've posted some preview pictures, click on the buttons to take each tour! You can also click through on each blog to the next. Make sure you stop back tomorrow for more new homes!

First, the talented Holly Mathis interiors...

Then the wonderful Susie Harris!

and now for a special stop at our surprise house...

Stop on over and visit!

Se you tomorrow with more gorgeous holiday homes!

Jen

Holiday housewalk day 2....

2011-12-06T05:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was such a fun day! The homes were beautiful and it is really starting to get me in the holiday mood!

Today I have two more beautiful homes for you; Dear Lillie and Jeanne Oliver Designs!

Here is a sneak peek! Click on the button to take the complete tour of each home! They have so much more to share! If you missed yesterday, you can click here to start at the beginning!

Both of these ladies have amazing style and gorgeous shops! I have a few of Dear Lillie's t-shirts myself, and Jeanne just released her beautiful Coming Home Collection.

Tomorrow I have 2 more fantastic bloggers homes to share!

Jen

Welcome to the virtual holiday house walk!

2011-12-05T05:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome to those of you who have stopped over from The Inspired Room and The Nesting Place!

I am so excited to have you here today and to share the first of the lovely homes on our week long house walk! No fees, no bad weather, and no real walking!

I'll kick off the tour with my house and then the next two stops on the tour will follow! Funky Junk Interiors and Morning T!

So grab a cup of coffee,put your feet up, and enjoy all of the holiday prettiness and inspiration!!!

Welcome to my front entry. Please come in!

I am enjoying having a mantle to dress up.

I filled the opening with greenery and flameless candles for a pretty glow.

I love me my chalkboard and these little plants from Home Depot.

My daughters and I spent a crafting afternoon and re-purposed all of the old salsa and pickle jars I've saved and made the min-snow globes that are so hot right now.

I think these are the cutest things ever. I think we are going to make some for the teachers.

Yes that is kosher salt in my still non- functioning globe light. I thought it looked kind of cute and snowy.

I made a hanging wreath candelabra for the holidays. Just something to brighten over my table. I do love the crystals and glitter for the holidays!

Thank you so much for coming by my place! I hope you enjoyed the tour!

Here is a sneak peek at stops 2 and 3! Click on the button to take the full tour of these amazing homes!

I'll have new houses every day this week and next week Monday is our big holiday link up party! I'll also have it on my sidebar for the entire month until the new year so you can go back and visit any ideas or houses you loved!

Enjoy!

Jen

The coming home collection.....

2011-12-02T14:30:00.001-06:00

What do you do when you have a friend that is so amazingly talented? Do you get jealous? Envious? Do you wish you were her?

No.

You lift her up. You let your heart swell with amazing joy for her.

I am so proud of my Friend, Jeanne's, new collection. It's beautiful, focused and a work of art.

I love her fabrics, her artwork, her vintage and her design choices.

I am so impressed. I wanted to share with you some of that she's accomplished.

She is also having a $500 giveaway on her blog to shop her collection!!
Just in time for the holidays!

Head over to Jeanne's to enter. Make sure you look around her shop too.

I am also excited because she is going to share her beautiful home with us as a part of the Holiday housewalk next week.

Head on over to Jeanne's to see all of her beautiful things and amazing lookbook!

Jen

Special Holiday open house sale at Stella...

2011-12-01T17:08:00.001-06:00

One of the stores I sell out of in Evanston , IL is having a special sale this weekend! It's the first store I started wholesaling at and it holds a special place in my heart! They carry some of my handmade and much of my jewelry. The owner and staff are amazing people and all of the artisan goods are just beautiful, not to mention the amazing clothing lines.

If you get a chance, stop in this weekend for some holiday cheer and tell them I sent you! :)

CENTRAL STREET
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Sunday Dec. 4th

11:00 - 5:00
(Stella will have extended hours this day)

Please Join Us For

A 20% Discount, Raffle,
Goodies & Holiday Cheer!!!

2116 Central Street

Evanston, IL

847-864-5565

-Jen

2011-11-29T22:36:00.001-06:00

I am so excited to announce the line-up for the holiday house walk next week!

I can't wait to see all of the magic these ladies have done to their homes.

And make sure you mark your calender's for the following Monday, December 12th for the linky party where you can share your holiday home!!

I am so excited! I've been pulling out all of my decorations. I hope you'll join us!

Jen

Make a MERRY banner....

2011-11-28T04:30:00.000-06:00

I had so many questions about how I made my banner for 3 French Hens, That I thought I would show you by doing a really cute, holiday banner project, it's super easy too.

You'll need white cardstock. Your letters printed on your printer (The templates are at the end of the post.), a hole punch, a paper edger, eyelets, scissors, a grommet tool and twine.

These little buggers are officially called eyelets. I want to call them grommets. You can find the brass ones at Micheal's. But I know Joann's and Hobby Lobby also carry the gold and silver and in the scrap booking section I've seen multi-colored and shapes. Go crazy! :) They also carry the grommet-squeezer thing. I don't know the official name for it. If you don't have eyelets you can skip this step, the paper might be more likely to tear.

After printing your letters to size, trim them till you have about an inch around each letter. Sometimes it helps to line up all of the letters and trim them at the same time as long as the paper isn't too thick.

Punch with your shape puncher around the edges. I bought mine at Joann's with a 40% off coupon. I think it's by EK. I like this one because you can line up your previous punches.

I found out that if you also sign up your husband at Joann's, you get two coupons in the mail each month.

Punch all the way around. If you get a funky edge like this, no sweat, just give it a little trim; no one will notice.

punch your holes in about the same place on each letter sheet.

Then it's time to do your eyelets. Place one in the hole and then like up your tool.

press firmly together like a hole punch.

and viola! You have eyelet magic! I will tell you, one you figure it out, it is addicting!

Then you are ready to add your twine, or ribbon.

String it through the last card first, into the first hole and then behind to come out the other hole, so that your string is behind the letter. Do the same thing for each letter.

Once they are all strung, tie a loop in each end, and hang! If you wanted you could totally glitterazi it up!

And you have a cute Merry, banner! You can double click each letter below and then right click it to save it as a picture. Depending on your computer, you might have to play with the size to get what you want . My letters all measure about 4-5 inches across, but you can make them any size you like.

Happy eyeleting!

You can see more projects at Home stories A to Z!

Jen

Small Business Saturday....

2011-11-26T15:25:00.001-06:00

Today is Small Business Saturday! It's a great way to shop local. I want to take a minute to thank all of the retailer's who have been carrying my items. If you are out by them please take a minute to stop by and peek around!

Stella 2116 Central Avenue, Evanston, IL

Denise's Adornment's 221 S. Third St. Geneva, IL

The Vintage Nest 1891 Tower Drive, Glenview, IL

The Antique Shoppe, Fairbury, IL

The Resale Connection 1719 Ogden Avenue, Lisle, IL

Lucy and Louise Atelier

Promenade shops at Briargate, Colorado Springs, CO

A mantel for Christmas...

2011-11-25T04:30:00.000-06:00

My hubby wanted me to name this post "If you build it, he will come."

I thought that was quite clever, and I was so excited to finally have a mantel.

I've dreamt of having a fireplace with a mantel from the minute we went house shopping.

When we bought this house(sans fireplace)I hoped that my next house would have one. Well, 11 years later we are still on our "starter" house and I was still mantel dreaming.

I knew even a fake one wasn't currently in the budget.

However, a few weeks ago, I was headed to the store and lo and behold, one of my neighbors had put this one out to the curb for the trash. They were even kind enough to tape the screws to it. Thank you thoughtful neighbors.

It was a golden oak color and made of press-board, but I didn't even care. A coat or two of paint, some sand paper and a fake backer, and she was ready to go. It's not perfect, there a hole cut in one side of the base, but she's all mine.

I used her in my booth at Morris and had quite a few offers, but I knew it was coming home with me.

I was so excited when we finally got it put together in my living room, I was bursting. I am looking forward to decorating it this holiday season, and when the kids saw it, they were so excited that we had a real place to hang the stockings this year.

Best. Roadside.Find. Ever.

Yes Virgina, there is a Santa Claus.... and he likes to leave stuff in the trash.

And it's awesome.

Jen

P.S.Make sure you stop over at Fishtail cottage for all of her amazing giveaways! I am giving away some earrings!

3 French Hens pt. 2..

2011-11-23T23:33:00.001-06:00

There were such amazing vendors there and the best part is, I got to see some old friends too...

I met both Kathy and Mindy , who were so sweet and purchased things from me for their own shops,

There were the girls from the Past Present shoppes.

And the fun girls from Ruffles and Rust design.

And Jeanine from Chippy Shabby always has a fabulous display and amazing things. I wish I had had more time to shop! And Mark who braved a ladder for me in a display emergency, and sweet Janice who was across from me.

It was beautiful how everything was set up and I am really looking forward to next year!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Jen

PS. Diana56 you left me a message, but there is no e-mail back! E-mail me!!!!

Virtual Chirstmas house walk 2011...

2011-11-22T04:00:00.000-06:00

I have some exciting news! December 5th through 9th I'll be hosting a virtual Christmas house walk featuring some of your favorite blogs!

Then the following Monday the 12th, you can join in with your own home for a housewalk linky party!

If you think you are going to join in, here's a button for you to put on your sidebar! Just right mouse click, save as a picture and you can then link it as a widget.

I hope to see you all there!

Jen

3 French Hens pt. 1...

2011-11-21T08:09:00.001-06:00

I want to thank all of my blog readers who braved the cold and came out to 3 French Hens. I was so excited to meet all of you and it really meant a lot to me! Especially those of you who drove from so far away....

My wonderful hubby and Father in law helped me set up the first day. I couldn't have done it with out them.

and my booth was right next to Polly and her gorgeous things...

I hope you had a great weekend!
I have more vendor pictures tomorrow.....

Jen

Hope to see you this weekend!

2011-11-18T07:20:00.001-06:00

See you Monday with lots of pictures and some fun news!!

I am headed to 3 French Hens!!!

Hope to see you there!!!

Jen

Impromptu Linky party! I painted my kitchen cabinets!

2011-11-15T22:39:00.001-06:00

I've seen some many great kitchen redo's lately, I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to show it off while I mire in glitter. :)

I am sure you remember our unplanned kitchen renovation.

Here's a peek at our before and after

I found this really, really old, super-gacky picture from about 8 years ago. What was I thinking? It's almost painful to look at.

Tada...it's so much brighter! And no boob light!

Link up and let's see your kitchen transformation!

-The only rules are you must link to a specific post on your blog, not just your blog... and you can use an old post, but you have to fix it so it links back here, so it's easy for every one to click around!

Glitter birds....

2011-11-14T22:59:00.001-06:00

In case you are wondering where all of the glitter went to at Micheal's and Hobby Lobby, it's at my house. And when I say at my house, I mean in my hair, on my pants and in the cracks of our wood floor.

Dang glitter.

I am getting ready to sell at the 3 French Hens Holiday market in Morris, IL (hope to see you there!) this weekend and have been creating up a storm.

I have to admit my house is a bit of a hot mess.... a crazy, can't barely walk mess, a sparkly-someone-turned-it-upside-down-and-shook-it-and-then-put-it-back-right-side-up-mess. Like Hoarder's.. with glitter.

I've been working on some crocheted wreaths with paper bird ephemera that I've just fallen in love with and the sparkles are the best part.

and I am having a blast with the glitter as you can tell.

Though there is nothing like a bit of glimmer to get you in the holiday mood!

I hope to see you this weekend! I am temporarily closing my Etsy store on Wednesday and when I reopen it next week, it will be full of all kinds of new goodies!

Jen

Creatively made...by Jeanne Oliver and a giveaway...

2011-11-13T23:29:00.001-06:00

My good friend, Jeanne Oliver , is offering an amazing e-course which I am so excited about!

You can hear Jeanne talking a little about it here:

Creatively Made E-Course from Jeanne Oliver on Vimeo.

It will feature lots of art and great projects! It's the perfect way to start off the new year! Especially if your New Year's resolution is to finally get focused and really rediscover those talents you've been pushing aside for years.

Jeanne has generously agreed to give away 2 spots to my readers! So leave a comment on this post to win a free space in Jeanne's e-course!

Jen

Remembrance....

2011-11-11T09:09:00.001-06:00

My father was a veteran from the Vietnam war.

Veteran's Day always has a different meaning for me.

My father served in the army, survived a helicopter crash, won an award for saving the life another solider form a rice paddy, and then returned home to start a family and live his life; he passed away on Veteran's Day 13 years ago during surgery.

While we are reflective and thankful for the service they've given, they truly have made a sacrifice. Any one who has grown up with a veteran in their home knows that nothing is the same for them after they go home and live the rest of their lives. War is a traumatic thing that changes people forever.

In saying that I truly say thank you to our Veteran's for keeping us safe. For all of the war controversy, those men and women are making huge sacrifices of their entire lives.

Thank you.

Jen

I am finally real....

2011-11-08T04:30:00.000-06:00

I should clarify that.. I am finally a real business. I havea tax exempt number and a FEIN number and everything. This is a big step for me. I’ve been sellingwhole sale for a few years now, but I’ve always just gone to Jo-ann’s or Micheal’sor where ever I needed supplies and bought what I needed, sales tax included . Notthinking much about it. ..So basically every item was getting double taxed.Once when I bought it and another time from my retailer selling it. So whydidn’t I go tax exempt before?

Well, I have a problem. I have what I refer to as “stupidmath brain” This also goes along with “really stupid history brain” . What didthis mean for me in my educational years? It meant ruining 2… count ‘em, twosummers in summer school to REPEAT BASIC ALGERBA… And almost not graduatingbecause it took me 3 TIMES to passthe U.S. constitution test.

TheLord obviously gave me many more “creative” gifts than "smart" gifts.

Now lest you think I am a complete idiot (Which I know mylittle one’s preschool teacher does because I’ve gone to the wrong school TWICEon the wrong day to pick her up .), I graduated with a 3.8 GPA from college, graduated at the topof my medic class, and actually manage to get the food in my mouth once in awhile using a fork. However, it never dawned on me to add up the amount ofmoney that was going out the door every time I paid sales tax with everypurchase for resale. I didn’t think it really mattered and was really all that much.When I actually sat down and added it up, what I was throwing away was astounding.

Let me tell you, in the course of a few months getting readyfor a show, it added up to quite a bit, which could be a lot of extra supplies,or in the very least, some math tutoring.

So my brave sister-in law-came over last night and helped meset up everything I needed, and answered every one of my patience-tryingquestions. She’s a saint... While this means I have to start charging sales taxat my shows, and paying sales tax to the government; it also means that I am notthrowing money away, because when you are running your own business, everypenny counts.

Why didn’t I do it before? I was overwhelmed. I was stymiedat the thought of spending a couple of hundred dollars at the accountants toget it all straightened out ,and the minute I went on the IRS business page, totry and figure it out my eyes glazed over. And I just felt like maybe mybusiness wasn’t good enough to deserve it, even though it’s the right of everycreative, supply costing business owner to do what they can to grow their business.

So I am finally a real business. It’s an amazing feeling to have some control and direction. And actually, I feel a bit grown up. :)

Jen

Christmas prettiness...

2011-11-07T07:29:00.002-06:00

I told myself I was not going to start thinking about Christmas decorating yet, but I was on Pinterest the other day and my eyes kept wandering..... Is that so wrong? Last year I wasn't even excited baout it. I think it was because we had just gone through the stress of our impromtu kitchen remodel and hadn't quite recovered. This year however, as I am working on holiday items for the 3 French Hens Holiday Market, retailers,my booth and a few other places, I am getting super excited.

Source: countryliving.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Jen on Pinterest

Source: iroonie.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: homestoriesatoz.com via Jen on Pinterest

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Custom mix your own paint colors...

2011-11-03T23:31:00.000-05:00

You know how you have a certain picture of a color in your mind and you just can't seem to find it on the paint deck? You know how your grey might just need a touch of blue, but no one has that shade?

Be brave.

You can do your own custom mixes.

really.

Please excuse these pictures, they were taken way back before the kitchen remodel

...way before I had decided on a white kitchen.

It's as simple as playing around like the kids do and mixing colors. Letting it dry, and trying a bit more in tiny increments. Kind of like cooking, a pinch of this and a pinch of that. It doesn't have to be expensive either. I've used old paint, I've used art paints, I've even used craft paints. Most of the time I end up using up all of the sample cans I brought home that aren't quite right.Just make sure to mix it in small batches, so you can remix and try again if you don't like the results.

After mixing, label them clearly in a baby food or small jar while you are waiting for the paint to dry, (because paint always is different when it dries.). Mark it clearly on the surface so you remember which paint is which. There's nothing like finally getting the right color and then realizing you don't know which container it is.

when you finally have found the paint of your dreams, paint it with at least 2 -3 coats on a clean WOOD paint stick. Letting it thoroughly dry inbetween. Not paper. The color reader can't read it correctly.

Then happily take your dried, newly mixed to the paint store of choice and ask them to color match it.

Seriously. See I told you it was simple.

Now go paint!

Jen

A beautifully imperfect table ...

2011-11-02T04:00:00.000-05:00

One of the reasons I had decided to sell various plates in my Etsy store is because of my love of vintage dishware and mismatched plates.

If you ever eat at my house you will find that none of my plates or cups match.

I love to mix and match the patterns and I love that if I happen to break one, it's so easily replaced.

I get so excited when I am out thrifting and I find one with a beautiful pattern.

I don't think that even cups and saucers need to match.

I think their uniqueness makes them even more beautiful.

Vintage dishware is so well made and the patterns are so pretty.

I use vintage dessert and salad plates at all of my parties for appetizers, so I guess you could consider it eco-friendly too. :)

Jen

Scenes from a bootiful halloween....

2011-10-31T04:21:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share some pictures of last years Halloween with you. The kids have early dismissal today and we are going to spend the afternoon carving pumpkins, getting costumes ready, and dusting off the treat bags.

Happy Halloween!!

Jen

Some living room rearranging.....

2011-10-28T05:40:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when I feel creatively stuck, it helps me to do something entirely different. So on the fly two day ago I decided to rearrange my living room.

I had one corner I wasn't sure what to do with, so I decided to play a little bit with a set of vintage suitcases I use for display at shows and some picture frames.

I love old suitcases and they make such great hidden storage. When you have a small house, every inch counts. See the biggest one on the bottom? You are looking at the official shipping department of Jennifer Rizzo Designs.

I think a mismatch of frames, mirrors and pictures add interest. I have a weakness for vintage botanical and bird prints.

I love how it all kind of goes together underneath my big broken clock in a mismatchy sort of way. It was a great way to get unstuck and start the creative juices flowing again. :)

Jen

Stop over the Funky Junk Interiors to see more vintage suitcases.

Totally hot for fall/winter...

2011-10-27T04:42:00.000-05:00

I am finally getting my bearings back and I was thinking about trends...

I am guessing crochet.. And those pops of color against white...

Tarnished silver (can you just imagine an entire mantle with white candles, tarnished silver and red berries?)

Bold patterns...

and aged gold....

Any other guesses?

Jen

P.S. It was nice to meet you too the other day Lynn!

P.P.S. I was in Anthropologie the other day treating myself to my favorite candle and boy were they having an awesome sale!

And the winner is...

2011-10-25T05:47:00.000-05:00

Thank you all to everyone who entered! I couldn't believe the response!!

The winner of the Winter nesting giveaway is....

My Blessed Serendipity Life!

Congrats Danielle!

Send me your address so I can get your goodies out to you!

And I also have 2 mini-winners among all of those people that did a blog post about my giveaway and collection.

Vintage Novella

and Moonflower

ladies, send me your address so I can send you a little something...

Jen

P.S. If you missed the big giveaway, you can pop over here to Paige's for another giveaway.

Thank you...

2011-10-24T07:46:00.003-05:00

I want to truly thank everyone who made purchases from my Etsy shop during my launch for my new collection. The support was amazing and even a bit wonderfully overhwelming.

Did you know that 10% of all of your purchases from my Etsy store go to Feed My Starving Children?

It's a charity we've found through our church and have even volunteered at packing food.

You have bought over 400 meals plus so far.

Thank you.

Jen

P.S. The $500 giveaway is open until midnight tonight.

Behind the photo shoot...

2011-10-21T09:03:00.003-05:00

Even I really enjoyed doing the Vintage Tea photo shoot. I was a great chance to really flex some creative muscles.

Though I will tell you I received some strange looks form the neighbors hanging tea cups from the tree.

I've learned that good photos are all about light and location. I have a little nook in my side yard that's about 10 feet wide with a great 50 year old Maple tree that was perfect.

While I was prepping for my shoot, there was a lot of excitement.

There was the standoff between our dog and the neighbors cat.

And then through the entire shoot something kept hitting me on the head. I finally realized there was a squirrel in the tree and he was not happy is was under his house.

He even came down for a look.

An my model was a trooper, even when I made her climb a tree for some of the shots.

Doesn't she look gorgeous?

And there were some pictures that I loved, but I just couldn't use.

Thank you all for your support! There is still time to enter the $500 Winter Nesting giveaway!

Jen

Welcome to the Vintage Tea Collection and The Winter Nesting giveaway worth $500....!

2011-10-17T05:15:00.000-05:00

The Vintage Tea Collection is finally open in my Etsy store!!

I am so excited to finally show this to all of you after all of the months of planning, making and praying for focus! I can't wait to share my giveaway either!

Here is the link to my lookbook. It's everything that Vintage Tea is about.

Open publication - Free publishing - More accesories

I am so proud of the guidance and focus I've been given. And thankful to all of my friends for the help and support. I want to share a few pictures.

It's everything I love. Cool tea towels, pillows, a great vintage mug and all of those things that make a home beautiful. There's still more to come, I'll be listing all week!

And now for the good part. The Winter Nesting Giveaway.

I am giving away $400 worth of merchandise from my store plus an extra $100 gift certificate for jewelry. With the holidays coming, I know it will come in handy.
The Winter Nesting Giveaway includes
a vintage picnic basket filled to the brim with goodies. The winner will receive:
1- in flight pillow cover
1-white linen La Parisien pillow cover
3-number towels
3-french inspired tea towels
3-tea time tea towels
1-set of vintage inspired cloth napkins
1-hat and fingerless glove set
1-set (4) of tea plates
1-set(2) of vintage ironstone mugs
1-vintage book
organic tea
lavender sugar
and I'll probably tuck a few other little treats in there as well. :)

To enter you receive one entry each for :
Blogging about it
joining as a follower
facebooking it
tweeting it
and popping over to my Etsy store and coming back and telling me what you liked the most.

For people who blog about it, make sure let me know, I am going to enter you in a separate drawing for a little something extra. Even if you don't win the big prize, you could still have a shot at winning something else.

You must leave a comment on this post to enter. I'll draw the winner Next Monday night and announce it on Tuesday.

Good luck!!! And Thank you!!!

Jen
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED. THE DRAWING IS CLOSED.

Monday's sneak peek....

2011-10-14T08:35:00.003-05:00

I know a lot of you had a preview of my fall line at Nada; but I wanted to give you a little teaser for my release on Monday.

Nada attendees aren't eligible to guess since they might already know, but can you guess by my pictures what the theme is?

There's a little gift for the closest guesser....

Any guesses?

Jen

Nada Sale part 2...

2011-10-12T07:56:00.001-05:00

As well as myself, Carter's Cottage , Jill Harris and Polly inside,

There were also some amazing vendors outside...

Sweet Stacey from A sort of Fairytale girl

And a few others , I can't seem to find their cards.

and the girls from Tattered Tiques

And then the art classes.

Jeanne's classes were amazing. I wish I could have gotten some pictures of Jill's class too. OR pics of all of the sweet ladies in our business class.

Jeanne is here with the winner of the classes and night at the hotel, Lucky number 13.

I can't wait till the next sale!

Jen

Nada Farm sale part 1....

2011-10-10T08:05:00.004-05:00

Holy cow-ness.....

IT was crazy. and cool.

We knew the feature in Midwest Living Magazine might bring in some extra traffic, but we never imagined that close to 1,000 people would come through.

There was a constant line out the door. And cars parking in the field.

The barn looked beautiful. Anne Marie did an amazing job.

I was happy to have my own little space to decorate.

I filled it with all of the things I am going to be putting in my fall line, which I am excited to tell you I am launching next Monday with a big giveaway.!

lines down the street

All kinds of pretties.

Sherri and Laura were troopers working the front counter. They did an amazing job.

Anne Marie and I

More to come!!!!

Jen

Headed to Nada!!!

2011-10-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

Hope to see you there!!!

If not, see you Monday!!

Have a great weekend!

Jen

I can't believe...

2011-10-05T08:17:00.001-05:00

I can't believe that it's fall....

I can't believe the Nada Sale is Friday....

I can't believe it's been one year since the whole kitchen ordeal....

I can't believe I've waned to buy these pants for two years now and I still haven't.

But I am so excited I get to spend the weekend with these ladies....

Jen

It's almost here!!!

2011-10-03T08:32:00.001-05:00

The Nada Farm sale is this Friday and Saturday!

I thought I would share some past sale pics with you.

So far the weather is supposed to be in the 70's and sunny... who could ask for more???

You can also view some past sale posts here.

May 2011

October 2010

May 2010

and

Registration is almost over for our business blog class, Jeanne's vintage journal class and Jill's jewelry class!

Jen

Did you know your kitchen in on the front page of MSN.com?

2011-10-01T20:21:00.001-05:00

Uhhhh... what????

I've been getting phone calls and e-mails all night from my friends and family telling me that my kitchen is on the front page of MSN.com.

So I popped over there.

Holy cow. It is!

Weird. Cool. Wow.
It was from my Country Living photo shoot in the September issue.

Who would've thought?

Thanks MSN.

If you'd like to see the whole transformation from start to finish, you can click on this link here.

if you want to check out the MSN link you can click here.

I gotta give it up to God again for giving me another cool experience.

Thank you Big Guy.

What's more important.. visits or pageviews?

2011-09-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

I've been blogging for just over 4 years now, and I still have no clue...

what's the more important number to consider? Pageviews, visitors?

Not that it's a popularity contest, but this came up in discussion the other day and I am curious to know what you think. :)

Jen

Winner! and the clock is ticking and I am freaking out just a bit....

2011-09-27T09:09:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Amy from Lucky number 13 for winning the art package giveaway at The Nada Farm Event!

Speaking of.. do you ever have days when you start to freak out just a little bit when you think about everything that you have to do? I am having one of those moments today.

With the Nada Sale less than two full weeks away, and I am shooting for my fall line this Sunday, plus just normal life stuff I can feel my heart just do a bit of pitty-pat. My production line has finally crept out from the house onto the deck. I am sure my neighbors are thrilled. Of course, on the bright side,it can't be any worse than all of the plastic toys they have to look at strewn across the lawn.

But on the lighter-side I can't wait to share everything with you that I've been working on. I found this awesome settee the other day while thrifting that I am bringing and I'll have a lot of silver and ironstone for you. I'll have some cute tea towels, art, and other goodies to look at as well.

You can still register for Jill and Jeanne's classes as well. I think registration closes soon, so if you are interested, you'll need to sign up in the next few days. There is Also our Avenues to an Artful business. It's all about success in retailing your handmade items.

I have to admit, my kids are being very patient with me. I think we are going to the doing a lot of quick meals over the next week and a half, and they are going to have to entertain themselves a bit more. But it's funny how they don't seem to complain about not getting a 3 course meal or get to eat dinner a the coffee table.

Okay, I am done freaking out for now, thanks for listening.

Congrats to Amy again! And I hope to see you all at the Nada Sale!

Jen

Designer's choice for charity....

2011-09-26T10:11:00.000-05:00

I was honored this weekend to be contacted and asked to be a judge at the Randolph street market in the city at the Editor's and Designer's choice for Charity.

Even though it was a little wet, my cousin, Sandy, and I took and early ride to Chicago. It was very cool to be able to go and participate. I was able to choose 5 items that I thought were amazing, award them with a ribbon, and a portion of the proceeds went to my favorite charity. Mine was for Feed my starving children. It's a charity that we pack meals at through our church. It's been a great experience for our family.

I loved these business cards. I thought they were so clever.

I got to meet Jason Loper from Apartment Therapy.

And these too gorgeous ladies, Lisa and Caren, from SimoneDreary Design group. we agreed it was dangerous to be there, we wanted to buy everything.

The ballroom was huge and full of stuff.

I tagged these awesome 1920 theatre chairs. How great would these be in a mudroom or entryway?

and I couldn't pass up a vintage chalkboard. That sold right away. It was gone by the time I did my second loop.

Loved the copper on these fans.

and I tagged this piece. If I had brought my check book it would've come home with me.

She had a great booth.

I drooled over this silver.

But I had to tag this vintage tractor seat. How perfect for under a island or desk.

I must've had a stool thing, because I tagged this one as well. I loved the patina. This was already sold too on the second pass.

I had to tag these bread bowls. They were amazing.

This vendor had some great industrial pieces as well. It was really good I didn't have my checkbook.

There were so many great things to buy, I did buy a vintage locker basket and some vintage jewelry pieces.

I am looking forward to doing some more flea market shopping next week at the Kane Country Flea Market and then the next week is the Nada Sale!

Jen

Found vintage toolbox...

2011-09-22T14:24:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how many years this toolbox sat in our garage until I looked up one day and actually noticed it.

it was from my husband's childhood home. He said it was there as long as he could remember, and he took it with him when he left.

I cleaned it up and noticed what a great green color it was . The top drawers are zinc and I keep some of my flower seeds, and seam binding in there.

I thought it looked cute with all of my vintage books on it. I loved the contrast. The books and darker colors are getting me in the mood for fall decorating.

Sometimes you never know what treasures you have just laying around!

Jen

Jeanne's beautiful house...

2011-09-21T08:58:00.000-05:00

While visiting at Jeanne's a few weeks ago, she allowed me to take pictures of her beautiful home. Jeanne's home is just gorgeous and she has an amazing eye. Her home should be in a magazine and I hope it will one day. Jeanne is coming in for the Nada Farm Event to teach art classes with me. One of the classes we are teaching, Avenues to an Artful business, is how to take your handmade items and explore how to sell them such as wholesaling, opening a web store and reaching a on-line audience.

I love how her home has a pretty "comfortable collected" look. That's my new goal in decorating. It was relaxing just being there.

Jen

P.S. There is still time to register for the Girl's weekend get away. An entire weekend of shopping, art classes and a night in the hotel.

You can enter HERE.

Win a girl's weekend art package get away to the Nada Farm sale!!! (Really!)

2011-09-19T07:19:00.003-05:00

After chatting with the other girl's teaching at the Nada Farm Event in Esmond , IL(1 hour west of Naperville, about an hour and a half from the City of Chicago.). We decided we wanted to do something very special. We got together and are offering a chance to win two full days of art classes for the winner and a friend, free admission to the sale and a free night in the hotel!!!

this includes Jill Harris's class Salvaged Treasures

Both of my classes Avenues to an Artful business and Reflections of the Prairie mixed-media

Jeanne Oliver's Vintage art journal and Vintage mixed media art

Plus a night at the Holiday Inn Express(which includes breakfast),

some extra surprises,

and if one of my reader's win they will receive a special "artful" goodie welcome bag from me.

It's an over $500 value, plus a chance to have a great weekend with your best friend. Anne Marie's farm is just outside of Dekalb, it would be a great weekend to shop, take some art classes and get away.

To enter you have to leave a comment here at Anne Marie's blog.

To receive extra chances to win you need to:

Blog about the giveaway and art classes.

Facebook it

Tweet it.

Make sure you leave a comment on Anne Marie's blog that you did those things, we don't want to miss your entries!

(If you've already registered for classes and you happen to win, your money will be refunded.)

Drawing closes Friday so the winners have time to plan their trip!

Good luck!

Jen

comments closed on this post.

A "Do" day....

2011-09-15T10:58:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I easily get over-whelmed. I think about all of the things I have to do and then all of the things I want to do and then all of the things I want to do. Then, there is so much that I get over whelemed and what do I do instead of doing those things? Instead of just starting?... Oh, I go to the computer and blog. Or reader google reader... or find something else that I am not supposed to really be doing. I am sure that I have a bit of adult ADHD because I am so very good at procrastinating.

Some days, I am great, and then other days... oh look at that pretty bird...

So I've been writing lists. It does help, I do stay on track better, but here are still times.. . I just put things off.

So today, I am cleaning the garage.

I am stocking my booth.

And I am making things for Etsy and the sale.

I am just starting.
I am making it a "Do" day.

And

I am finding focus and inspiration here.

Jen

My kitchen's new-old light fixture make over...

2011-09-13T05:32:00.000-05:00

I don't think I've ever posted the before and after of the kitchen light over my sink.

It was a $6 thrift store find with a ton of potential.

I know you've all seen the after...

but here is the before... I am sure it had been hanging in someone's love shack somewhere in 1975.

Yep, that's the same light. Thank goodness for the power of paint.

All it took was a coat of brass paint, a light spray of brown over the top to tone down the brass, a replacement globe from the hardware store, and a cool bulb is from Anthropologie. The blub from Anthro? $18. The entire light fixture with the new globe? $16. Funny huh?

Jen

P.S. and I haven't forgotten about those of you who asked for the technique I used to paint my kitchen hutch... the tutorial is coming.

Art under glass class and Nada news...

2011-09-11T23:52:00.003-05:00

The Nada Farm event is coming up fast! It's at less than a month now. I am so excited to be, selling and teaching the Art under glass class,and I am very excited to meet those of you that have already signed up!

I've had a few questions about what my class entails so I wanted to give you a little more information.

That very first sale I sold at, I was up and out early before any of the vendors or guests had arrived. I stood at the edge of the horse paddock with my warm cup of coffee, looked out into the prairie, and with a bit of a mist still hanging in the air, I realized hadn't felt that much calm peace in a long time. It was so calming yet so inspiring at the same time. It made me itch to create. I wanted to give you the same experience.

The class starts with a 15 minute Prairie walk/ sit and then we will had in the horse barn with all of our glue and paints and papers. We will work on a decoupage mixed media project on a magnifying glass. This is a great chance if you've ever wanted to learn to work on glass and love to work with paper.

We will work on both sides; one side will be about how the prairie inspires you,

the other side will give the the opportunity to add something personal, like I did on this one for my daughter's room with her picture.

We'll also work with ink, paint and crackle medium. You can use this piece as hand held art, or also a wall hanging.

I have to cap registration at 20 so everyone has enough elbow room, so please let me know if you are interested. Once you've finished the class, you can shop the sale, take one of Jeanne's classes, walk the prairie a bit more, or even head into downtown Dekalb to see some of the cute shops there.
To register, contact me at
thecraftyhomeatcomcastdotnet.

Anne Marie has also announced the theme for her sale; I can't wait to see what she cooks up! She's done an amazing job in the past of really setting the mood. I'll be vending there too, so make sure you stop by and say hi.

The entry fee (which a portion is going to charity), is waived if you are taking a class as well.

It's coming up faster than I thought it would, I don't know where the summer went. I am on full steam ahead making things for the sale and my fall collection...

But, I am playing a bit of hookie today; Mr. Rizzo and I are celebrating our anniversary. :) Then it's back to work!

Happy Anniversary honey! I love you!

Jen