Friday, December 30

Winding down, looking up

As the year is drawing to an end, I am in a way relieved to be soon able to turn a page. 2011 has not been the best of years by any means. Two surgeries, my father-in-law's cancer, many frustrations with work and the constant worry about Bug: all this was pretty taxing. Crafting and blogging have been my escape and my sanity check through this roller coaster. 

Things are definitely looking up for 2012: Bug has been finally properly diagnosed, the treatment is working wonders. She is doing great in school, beyond all our most optimistic expectations really. My father-in-law is in remission, with some mild adjustments he is back to a normal life.  I finally was able to transfer to the job I was hoping for and in a couple of weeks I will know whether I need another surgery... fingers crossed.

I want to thank all of you, readers, friends, for all your words of support and wish you a peaceful, happy and prosperous year 2012. For myself and my family, I hope for health and to be able find joy in every day.

Saturday, December 24

Merry Christmas

I've been MIA this past week and probably will be until the new year. I decided I needed a bloggy break but I will be back soon .

After all the most important things I have to do are all about Bug

Merry Christmas !!

Thursday, December 15

Black rose kimono scarf

Last year I made a myriad of satin and chiffon scarves for Christmas. I perfected the technique and style of the "Kimono" scarf but I had a harder time finding fabrics that I liked. Until I found this black and white roses print. I could not resist.  And there is the result: Very retro-chic isn;t it ?  So much so that it is currently on  display in a local vintage jewelry/clothing store  where it enhances an adorable  1960's cocktail dress.  The store owner asked me to make a couple more things to put in display  and we'll see if that sells. 

If not, no worries, I will wear this one!
  



Monday, December 12

Satin flowers ear warmers

 In case you were wondering... Yes,  I still make satin flower any occasion I get but you would probably get tired of seeing them all the time. With winter right around the corner, I figured a different way to use the unending supply: Instead of headbands, brooches and barrettes I made some cosy and chic ear warmers! I made quite a few but I still have some many fabric flowers I'm going to need other ideas ... Since I can't stop making them :)




Bug really liked the one with the pink flowers... the color is perfect for her



And Amie picked out the grey and yellow ... What a surprise...
Merry (early) Christmas Amie!


Friday, December 9

Trading Posts - Christmas Bunting


 Another Trading Post... this time Amie (Kitty Cats and Airplanes and myself were joined by a third crafter, Megan. The 3 of us whipped together something festive and simple to put Megan at ease with her brand new sewing machine: Bunting. We were able to finish one for each of us all the while, Megan learned some sewing tips, how to use a cutting matt and a rotary cutter safely and how to make custom binding. I think she left with a new sense of confidence on her new sewing skills and we definitely had a good time


I still have to find a good spot to hang the finished product...



After Megan left, and while waiting for a pizza (and Amie's husband), I helped Amie putting together a cutie little pincushion in shades of green. She did a great job !

Thursday, December 8

Hanukkah table runner

The workshop is also gearing up for Hanukkah. We have a sweet friend that really helped us greatly when were were struggling to get Bug all the help she needed before she was diagnosed with ADHD. She also gave me a set of vintage glasses that are to die for: green with a gilded embossed rim. This is only a small token of gratitude. And hopefully something that will embellish her table during the Festival of Lights that is starting today




Monday, December 5

Rustic terra cotta and pearls necklace

Santa's workshop entails a lot of sewing of course but for the past year I have enjoyed creating jewelry. For this necklace, I mixed some Swarovski crystal pearls and more rustic glazed terra cotta beads. I wish I had taken more pictures because it looks fabulous on a rustic sweater as much as on a blouse. I love it. Too bad Santa has to deliver it somewhere...






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Wednesday, November 30

Ruby Lou rag dolls quadruplets

A couple of month ago I was lucky enough to win a Ruby Lou doll pattern. Ruby Lou is totally adorable and I knew immediately I would sew a couple for Christmas to make some little girls happy. Last weekend, the Ruby Lou quadruplets were born. I was driven to get them finished quickly so I could send them overseas to their future little 'mommies'. I even enlisted my mother-in-law to help with the "stuffing". Of course I had to put my own twist on this set of quadruplets: they have yarn hair rather than felt and they shoes are made out of flannel.

Here they are looking happy and relaxed


They had to have pretty names: 


Ruby (of course), Rena
Rachel and Rebecca


Here they are sharing one last big hug before they are going their separate ways. I think they are going to be happy in their new homes!


Monday, November 28

MIA - Kinda

I have been MIA lately. Not because I was sick, in outer space or that there was nothing to show. None of that. I have been in Santa's workshop mode the past 2 weeks: dolls, scarves, table runner, headbands, barrettes, jewelry. I've been a busy bee, took a ton of pictures but I've had zero time to put posts together because I'm working against the clock! With most of my family in Europe I have to mail all my Christmas presents very soon. So far it looks like I'm going to make the deadline so please forgive the hiatus. There will be plenty to see very soon. And maybe a giveaway to celebrate almost 700 subscribers. What do you think?

Tuesday, November 22

Shabby Apple winner!


I am very happy to announce the winner of this gorgeous necklace



is 

*drumroll*



Congratulations Nancy please contact me as soon as possible !


Sunday, November 20

Cancan ruffled satin scarf


The studio is in overdrive. Only a few weeks until Christmas and still so much to do. I had started this scarf several weeks ago but it was kind of bland, just the chocolate satin with a crushed raspberry border. 
Finally I figured out how to bring a bit of pizzaz to my creation: Ruffles. Out came the ruffler foot. And soon a completely different look:





Now not only does it have fun colors, it also has a feminine vintage feel. I decided to call it the Cancan scarf.

 


Don't forget to check out my Shabby Apple Giveaway
You can win this awesome necklace !!
Ends TOMORROW November 21st

Thursday, November 17

DIY Mantel reveal

This is a picture of my fireplace last year just before Christmas

And this is the same fireplace today
Notice the difference ? Yes ! I have a mantel!!

Uncle John and I worked together a saturday morning and put this together while the hubby was taking care of Bug. First we measured and had to do a little bit of math, then we tacked 1x2 strips of wood to the the studs.

Added some L brackets

Then measured some more and installed the ledge

 And after more measuring and more math, the crown moulding came under the ledge.


I'm terrified of using a circular saw so Uncle John did all the cutting but I was a champ using the drill and mail gun. Then came sanding, caulking, painting. But it's finished now. And the result is way beyond what I had hoped for. I can't wait to decorate for Christmas this year. It's a bit early for it though. So I did decorate for fall and of course Thanksgiving.



I'm just happy, really happy about my new mantel.





Don't forget to check out my Shabby Apple Giveaway
You can win this awesome necklace !!
Ends 11/21

Monday, November 14

Christmas before Christmas giveaway with Shabby Apple

Only 6 weeks until Christmas? 6 Weeks !! What is on your list ? How about adding one of the absolutely gorgeous  Shabby Apple creations. Yes just for you! Are you excited yet ? 

Shabby Apple has wonderful and timeless designs, stylish women's dresses that will make you look fabulous for every occasions. They also have an extensive selection of vintage inspired jewelry and accessories, dresses for little girls, and so much more.

CLOSED


 
I can see myself in any of these wonderfully designed dresses 
How about this classy red number ? Or a navy everyday look?
   
Classic lines oh so feminine  in taupe?
Or  the quintessential little black dress in retro chic ?

Don't you think my little Bug would be adorable in one of these?

And how fabulous would you look with this stylish bauble around you neck ?

Yes that's right, you may be the lucky recipient of this 

"Antique brass filigree pocket watch with etched detail on back suspended on 24” long chain.
Pocket watch face opens up to reveal working clock."

How lucky do you feel? Well you are even luckier than you think because SHABBY APPLE is also offering a 10%  discount to all Artfully Caroline's readers with the code artfully10off for any purchases until December 9th!

HOW TO ENTER ?

MANDATORY
- You must be a follower of Artfully Caroline (new or current) 
- Go to the SHABBY APPLE page and leave a comment telling me which of their dress design you prefer or your favorite accessory

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES 
- Like SHABBY APPLE  on facebook and leave a comment you did so  (new or existing) 
- Like Artfully Caroline on facebook and leave a comment you did so  (new or existing) 
- Blog about this giveaway an leave a comment with the link to your blog post


Giveaway details

- You are entering to win Shabby Apple's Mad Hatter's Time Keeper - A $66 value 
- No exchanges
- US residents only
- This giveaway is open until Monday, November 21st, 2011 11PM (Eastern)
- The winner will be selected using random.org and will be announced on November 22nd, 2011
- Make sure to either include your email address in your comments or that your email is linked to your profile so you can be contacted







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