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.

as for rediscovering my creative spirit....

Made some pendants and a few pieces of jewelry for the first time in quite awhile about a week ago...I'm happy to be on break from school for the next few months. The whole experience has drained me and stolen my creative, hopeful spirit it seems like...I took the TEAS (Nursing school entrance exams) today at SDSU in the pouring rain, and said to myself, "Never a dull moment!"

I'm excited to spend time with our new foster during the holiday season but this joy doesn't come without tears for missing our old placement who I came to love as much as my real brother. I hope to post more, read more blogs....sell more things so I can buy more treasures. I feel like my purpose for creating is to inspire others, and always has been. It would be nice if it was also to make some money!

I hope everyone reading this has a great holiday season.
<3

Pasadena Estate

I have been busy washing, repairing, and ironing carfulls of amazing 1950's outfits from a Pasadena Estate. I am remembering that vintage is what makes me feel alive, and when I take long breaks from creating or estate saling I get physically ill or depressed. My friend Marina (Bedroom Blogger) is absolutely gorgeous and is nice to model for me. I think we make a pretty good team..wish I had time to take up photography too so my pictures could be better! The items are on etsy, most on ebay:

http://shop.ebay.com/farewelxophelia/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340

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!

suitcase of treasures

I found this lovely suitcase that will serve as good storage for anything (god knows I always need storage), and all of these beautiful vintage linens, purse, and beautiful wall hangings as well. It has been awhile since I found this much good stuff at one sale! Thank you thrifting angels...

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!