Thanksgiving Day

We give thanks for the big things in life. We give thanks for the small things in life. We give thanks for everything we have, but most of all...

We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.

~Author Unknown~

Wishing you and your families a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Marcela & Clara

Frozen Charlotte Art

As you probably know by now, in an effort to connect and support our fellow Dealers and Artists, we have pledged to give only handmade and vintage gifts this Holiday Season. This, of course, takes a little time and preparation but beats trying to find a parking space at the mall!! So, we hope you come along the next few weeks as we share with you ideas and projects to make this a Very Merry Crafty Chritmas!

Have you heard of "Frozen Charlottes"?, sweet white porcelain dolls made in Germany with a very sad story behind them: Charlotte was going to the ball with her boyfriend in an open carriage. Didn't listen to her Mom (some things never change...) and didn't take a shawl during a very, very cold German night....she died of cold that night while her boyfriend died of a broken heart. Funny how we don't know the boy's name, the story was probably written by Charlotte's Mom....! Anyway, the cute little dolls make beautiful angels or fairies, they come in many different sizes, and many times they are missing an arm or a leg wich does not detracts at all from their charm. We used Frozen Charlottes in 3 different projects guaranteed to keep the recipient's heart warm all year long...

Our first Charlotte project was made using a wooden trinket box (Michael's $1.00) that we painted inside and out with a coat of acrylic paint. Once dried, we attached a music sheet rossette and an "Angel Charlotte". We added wings, a paper halo, some glitter and a "Love" banner. Perfect to hold jewelry or a love note....

The second project is a personalized ornament. We spray painted a styrofoam "S" (Michael's $0.95 each, they carry all the letters) and made a little frame out of carboard and paper from where our little Queen Charlotte is peeking thru. A little paper heart, a couple of rhinestones, a silver paper crown and a little message later and our ornament is ready to hang (by adding a little ribbon on the back) or sit.

Finally, we used the littlest Charlotte to make a Pop Cap Necklace. She is wrapped in a Queen sign, leaving no doubts of her place in life!

Now, if we've inspired you in any way to make some Frozen Charlotte art and you don't know where to buy them, contact us. We have them for sale at $3 and $4 each depending on their size (keep in mind that they are missing some body parts just like the ones we used on our projects)

However, if you are not feeling crafty and would like to purchase any of these finished items, they are also for sale. (Different ornament letters also available)

Remember,

this Holiday Season buy Handmade, buy Vintage.

If you enjoyed this post, don't forget to Subscribe to our blog...Love, Marcela & Clara

Just a little tease....

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air."

~W.T. Ellis~

The Holidays are almost here and we are getting ready for our

"Annual Putting on the Glitz".

Don't miss this fun night with entertainment and shopping for the whole family...

Here is a little tease....

Handmade One-of-a-Kind Ornaments

Glittery Beach Decor

Glamorous and chic gift tags

Vintage Christmas Ornaments.... and tons of items more for under $10.00

Stop by for cookies, coffee and some Holiday Cheer!

Saturday, November 29th from 5 to 10 pm.
"Nice and Easy Antiques & Gifts"

131C Ave Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 (949)492-2622

http://www.niceandeasyantiques.com/

We hope to see you there! And now....

Clara & Marcela

Displaying one step at the time....

You just never know where inspiration will come from, do you?

Reading one of our favorite blogs Blondie 'N' SC, written by Tara one of our favorite customers, Clara learnt of Tara's love for vintage ladders, and while admiring her last project: "a small but tidy linen closet" as Tara calls it, Clara had a visit from the Inspiration Fairy!

....vintage....ladder....repurpose....inexpensive....Ta da!!!! and just like that, this post and our new cards display were born!

After months and months of trying to come up with a cool display for our cards, and thanks to this picture from Tara's blog

Clara remembered the old ladder we bought at least 7 years ago in a junk sale and that we had never used (scary, I know...). The ladder was still there, in a corner of the garage just waiting... Then, finally happened... the old ladder got a makeover...The magic white paint did what it does best: turned drab into fab, satin ribbon was criss-crossed adding a little glam....

transforming our junk sale treasure in a space-saver card display....

We have to admit that the ladder was for sale for about 6 hours until we realized how much we loved it and how many more cards and tags we are selling out of it. Now the old ladder has a "Sorry, not for sale at this time" sign, after all, she was very faithful and waited a long time for us, we can't just sell it!!!

So Ladies, keep your eyes open for those old ladders that are just not safe anymore to be climbed. You can use it to display your Christmas Cards ........

and after the Holidays, your beautiful linen collection!

Another "I was going to save the world...." project

Wish: A desire, longing, or strong inclination for a specific thing.

We all have them, big wishes, small wishes, sometimes very simple wishes and many times even secret wishes! ....
From wishes that last just a few minutes to those wonderful, dreammy wishes that we carry around all our lives....Personal wishes and world-wide wishes...Pink, soft, glittery wishes...are the inspiration for our:
"I was going to save the world today, but something....small and cute caught my eye! project.

An easy, inexpensive idea (will cost you less than a Hallmark card) and a lot more memorable!

We bought these tiny jars at Michael's for less than $1.00 each. If yours come with the metal lid closure, just remove it....

The jars come in all different sizes, for this project we used the smallest ones (3" tall) because we like the idea of priceless things coming in very small packages!
We filled the jar with a fluffed cotton ball. We stamped a Raffle ticket (sold at WaltMart or Party Supplies Stores for $1.00 a roll of 100....yes! 100 "wishes"...) with the word WISH. (printing or writing it's also fine!)

We then dipped the sides of our Wish Ticket on glitter for some sparkling fun and once dried, we placed it inside the jar, between the glass and the cotton.

Using a glue gun, we glued the lid to the jar.
We decorated the top using crepe paper (velvet or lace are also great choices) and a silver star. Some trim around the neck (or ribbon) completed the fab look!

The top can also be personalized with your guest initial and the "Captured Wishes" used as place cards during a lunch or Christmas dinner. Use the Groom and Bride's initials for a shower's party favor...Small tokens of Love that guests will be happy to take home and cherish!

Election Day

November 4th, 2008

Election Day

"Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide."

~Napoleon Bonaparte~