Christmas Shopping

Mary Gulbrantson (aka Urban Farmgirl) recently opened a new shop in Rockford, IL. Mary usually sells vintage furniture pieces at various markets around the area. But she wanted a place where she could sell the "smalls" she loves as well, so when the opportunity to rent this awesome store front presented itself, Mary jumped right in.

I simply had to make the trek out to visit this shop for myself. Urban Farmgirl has already had two sales and I've been to both of them! The merchandise is ever changing so the shop always stays fresh.

The interior of the shop is amazing to look at. You can see more photos of it on Mary's blog here.

While I was at Urban Farmgirl last week, they were putting together this "Merry Christmas" banner by using some cards they sell from a vintage child's game. So simple and yet such a great idea.

I bought some of the cards to create my own banner which says "Merry Everything" so I can keep it all all year long.

All you do is punch two tiny holes at the top of each card and string the cards on baker's twine and it's ready to hang. Easy-peasy!

Halloween Banner

~ Photo by Cindy Gilstrap ~

It's time to continue the festivities over at Joli Paquet with this adorable Halloween Boo Banner that Cindy made. I love how this project uses items that you probably already have at home. And it's really easy, so you'll be able to whip this up in no time at all!

Day 2:Joli Paquet

Photo Courtesy of Beth Quinn

Hi everyone! It's Day 2 over at Joli Paquet and Beth Quinn is teaching us how to make this special Boo Banner! If you've ever seen her soldered jewelry creations, you know what a talented artist Beth is. It's such a "treat" to have her as one of the Joli Paquet girls!

Spring Banner

Recently I participated in the "One String At A Time" banner swap that Kari hosted on her A Year of Color Blog. My partner was Susie (who doesn't yet have a blog) and through emailing back and forth we discovered that we both like the same colors and vintage-looking things. (Isn't it fun when that happens?) Susie just wrote and told me she just received the banner I made her, so it is now safe to post a picture of it for you all to see. As soon as my banner arrives from her, I'll share that with you too. Happy Spring! (Our blanket of snow that fell on Saturday night should be all gone by tomorrow when the temperature is supposed to go up to 54 degrees ~ woo-hoo!)