A New Era

It's time for more vintage enthusiasm, dancing, sewing, thrifting, surface pattern designing (pictured: Bubblegum Calico), European adventures, and *wait for it* my first home, built new to my design specifications! Keep an eye on my Instagram @creativelygraceful for all the exciting, inspiring things! As always...Make Everything Beautiful!

Great Joy

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'" Luke 2:9-11

Shiny & Bright

My favourite part of Christmas decorating is the pure cheer of retro Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments!

Scheme

Tiddlyboken and I are up to some décor scheming these days! Christmas decorating, surface pattern design sketching, and that other big decorating project coming soon...no peeking! 

Surface pattern design: Retro Chalet

December Bulletin 2019

The dawn of a new era

Looker

I was recently talking with a dance friend, swooning about how another dance friend just gave her a dress, and then the following weekend I had the same blissfully benevolent fashion experience. Check out this new-to-me Stop Staring dress. It fits perfectly, is a very flattering cut, the fabric has a nice stretch to it, and its circle skirt is light and twirly. It could pass for 1940s or '50s. I am so excited to wear it!

Deco Pendant

I found this stunning Art Deco light fixture at a Tin Barn Market Flea for a mere $20. Swoon! I'm going to have it to rewire it, but oh even in the meantime using it with a battery tea light would be just fine. Look at those glam '20s details! I tell ya, this is going to be a dangerously Deco decade of thrifting finds for me!

Josephine the Spy

Wow, I am intrigued to learn that Josephine Baker, that iconic '20s Charleston queen, worked as an Allied spy in France during WWII. Fascinating! Here's a bit of info on how she strategically used her fame.

November Bulletin 2019

Design vision, snapshots, wood

On the Fringe

Here on the exhilarating brink of the '20s I am in full flapper outfit planning mode. I am browsing these stunning inspirational images on Pinterest and collecting any bits of fringe and glam textiles I can find. Charleston-friendly couture coming soon!

Pumpkin Satin

I have finally come across some pumpkin-hued satin in my second-hand perusing! The texture and colour are dreamy. My plan is to turn this scrap into a spaghetti strap shirt with a ruffle neckline. 

Mint Condition

I'm working on some interior selections for an exciting project that is near and dear to my heart! Hint...there is a lot of black and white. Keep your eyes peeled for the details as they unfold!

Thoreau-ly Pumpkin

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion."
--Henry David Thoreau

Ah, yes, Thoreau--I agree, but what about a pumpkin velvet chair all to yourself?
(I highly recommend Walden to hunker down and read in this cozy season and feel all kinds of waldeinsamkeit.)

October Bulletin 2019

Rustic discoveries, harvesting curiosities, earthy tones

Kindred

Who else is thrilled to be watching Anne with an E Season 3?! The visual beauty of the production makes my dreamer heart sing, and I appreciate their contemporary twist on the Anne series. There is clever story telling, excellent acting, and a very thoughtful eye behind the camera. In the words of Anne, "Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world."

Silky

I am so in love with this silver-backed iridescent rust and violet patterned silk shawl. It looks like it could belong to her. Vibes of layered oriental rugs, leather ottomans, precious treasures, and starry nights...

Pumpkin Spice Blazer

Latest find! Rust velvet blazer for mere cents at the local thrift! To make this even sweeter, it's Marjorie Hamilton, vintage Canadian made. I'm drooling over the fact that I get to wear this!

Textile-tastic

I'll be wandering through Almonte's Fibrefest this weekend, enjoying all the inspiring textile goodies. Feel free to swing by the MVTM gift shop to peruse or purchase some of my fat quarters and tea towels, and/or join me on Monday September 9th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm as I speak at the Ottawa Valley Quilters Guild. It will be a look into my creative process and a sneak peak of what I'm working on next!

September Bulletin 2019

Textiles and teachers

Bronze and Brass

I carried this purse at the wedding I recently attended. Finally, after a long childhood of it lurking in the dress up box, I put it to real use! It was my grandmother's, circa the '70s, though it could pass for the 1940s. I love its metallic beading and bronze satin interior.