my babies

When times get rough (who isn't going through tough times lately?), I turn to my animals. I'm not afraid to admit I like animals much more than people, and would prefer an animal pal over a person any day.
At all times, at least one animal is at my side. When I start creating, or when the vintage comes out all of our pets appear to join in the fun. While it is probably a mix of the many years of smells vintage items carry, I'd like to think they just appreciate vintage and handmade as much as I do.

Our cats nap on the vintage clothes before they go into the wash. They also like to sit around and play by my sewing machine (while I'm sewing), which is dangerous. The chihuahuas run off with pretty colored beads or jewelry pieces. And my one eyed rescue rat has chewed up many a vintage clothing when I make the mistake of leaving it near her cage.

After everything is washed, pictured, and measured I box it up in plastic containers so it is safe from everyone...I'd like to also think "my babies" instill extra good energy and love into all of the items I sell, but I can't exactly send out items with teeth marks or pet hair.

Below is a picture of my one eyed rescue rat Ione...whose favorite past time is running around in a vintage dresser I refinished, and had to resort to emptying (also in picture).

In conclusion....Animals have a special appreciation for many things people just don't understand.

fabric roses

This week I decided to get back into creating with these fabric floral necklaces. They make use of scraps and are fun to make while watching the Bravo shows I'm addicted to...
This morning, by accident, I discovered a little Barn Sale of women down the street who create and sell vintage! It was a message from my angels saying, "Erika...do what you love!" It was fun talking to some nice artists and I got inspired that maybe it is a possibility to make money off of my love of creating/collecting again. *crossing my fingers*
In the meantime I am going to continue to create as much as possible, and network!
I am putting the desire out into the universe for someone who can network for me....in time more of my dreams will come true.
I need to have faith to go with my ideas right away and follow my heart because ALWAYS months or a year later someone has done the exact thing I wanted to do!

vintage buttons

made a huge batch of vintage rings and bobby pins!!
hoping they bring people to my etsy shoppe.

school bag totes

Even though I make bags, I rarely wear them! I decided it was time to make a sturdy school bag for myself and liked it so much I am going to make some more just like it!

It is made out of a vintage comforter, and curtains so it is SUPER strong...and soft!