wishlist wednesday!

Time for a little window shopping! This wish list really doesn't have a specific theme or style, I just decided that I'd choose items from a few of the sellers in my etsy favorites. If you'd like to show your very own wish list, link back to me from your post and leave a link to it in the comments section. I can't wait to see what you put together!

From the top: birch bark necklace from bettula, pretties in pink from from gray to gold, barely there white stripes tunic from blue heart boutique, women's sporto vintage galoshes from capricious traveler, vintage sterling silver and bone pendant from cme scout.

Today I'm cold, I'm tired, I have a headache and I have an appetite that just won't quit. On the bright side, I watched one of my favorite shows, "How Clean is Your House?" and that put me in the mood for some cleaning. So now it's off the computer for me and on to dishes and vacuuming!

two things i love around my home

I know the title says two things, but since I'm the boss of this blog, I've decided to add three because they're all equally special! These three things were given to me by my dad and stepmom, and I just love them, especially the second one!

The first cage is metal and wood with folk art painting, and it even has a tray that slides out for handy cleaning! The second (my favorite) is brass with a swinging green parrot inside. The third is all wood, and I added the vintage feathered bird.

Last, do you remember how I had something really interesting to tell you about a chair my grandma has? Well, here's the story... A friend of my Granny Maude's (my grandma's mom) just disappeared. No one knows if he died, was murdered, etc., he was just gone. When the man's son was going through the his possessions, he decided to give this chair to Granny Maude. She thought it was the ugliest thing she'd ever seen, so she gave it to my grandma. I think we've all had our pictures taken in this chair over the years, and everyone has wondered where it came from since it's so unique. My dad and stepmom finally decided to take it to a high end antiques dealer to get more info. They discovered it came out of a castle, is from royalty (not king, but duke or count), was commissioned most likely for the children, is from England, was made from hand in the early 1800's, is one of a set of probably 10 or 12, and at first glance could be worth $15,000 or more. Crazy right?!?!? My dad got in touch with an antique furniture dealer in England who is going to study it more to provide some more details, so I can't wait!

If you want to play the two things game, go link up on Kassi's blog. I'll have pictures of my fun antiquing day coming Thursday, and I can't wait to share them!

the new shoe dance

Yesterday I was feeling sort of silly (blame it on me doing children's church and playing with 4 to 7-year-olds), so I decided that I'd do a little dance to show you my new shoes. You've already heard enough about them, I'm sure, but I was so excited to finally get to wear them since a lot of the snow has melted and I no longer need boots. This may be foolish, but here they are...

It was sooooo pretty yesterday (about 60 degrees) and I think I could have spent the whole day walking around outside and watching all the little birds, but today is back to cold and rainy...bleh. In a few hours I'm going with my dad, stepmom and grandma to Roanoke to do a little antiquing, and I can't wait! I've got my camera battery charging, so I'll take some pictures to show you how our day went. My dad and stepmom have really been spoiling me lately; they've gotten me three different, decorative antique bird cages, and I'll show you them in the "two things I'm loving around my home" posts. So today, Dad said he found something that reminds him of me, and he wants to show it to me to see if I want it. I'm super curious and pretty excited! And speaking of antiques, I've got a REALLY neat story to tell you about a chair that my grandma has had for many years. I won't spill the beans today, I'll wait until tomorrow!

How was your weekend? Did you have nice weather and get to spend some time outside, too?

what i've been working on

Today it isn't all about what I'm working on, it's about what these other lovely bloggers are working on, too! I was so excited to get a few emails telling me about these projects. If you'd like to participate in this weekly post, you can send me pictures and descriptions of what you're working on to kissparrotkiss@aol.com

My first project was the bow necklaces. They're cold forged and hammered in 14kt gold filled and sterling silver. The second thing I've been working on is more .22 bullet and stone necklaces. I almost ran out of small stones, so I had to stock up yesterday; more yellow topaz and aquamarine on the way! The third item is a tote I sewed from yellow cotton duck with a scrap leather pocket decorated with embroidered vintage trim.

Rice Babies says: "I am working on this doll. Can't show you all of her because she is not fully stuffed and has no legs...lol. That's why I am still working on her, ran into a few kinks."

Brittan from little owl arts says, "These are photos of some of my nuno felting that I do. I hand dye the silk and then layer on the wool and felt it into the silk which creates really beautiful textures and patterns since the wool shrinks around the silk."

Lauren from the little things we do says, "So....technically or maybe not so technically this is what Craig's been working on....our new bed. But I've been working on little decor projects for the room too myself." (Lauren, I had to show those pretty windows!)

Catherine from fraise des bois - edelweiss says, "I have been working last weekend on a necklace that I have just finished this morning actually. It is made of amethyst (I love semi-precious stones), Japanese cotton fabric bought in Hawaii (I am so addicted to craft that where ever I go, I have to find either a bead store or a craft store for retail therapy), metal looking leather (I love everything that shimmers) and of course Swarovski crystals. I called it Aloha Flower Puff necklace. The art movement Pop Art and Hawaii inspire and I love flowers. So this necklace is a combination of all these different inspirations." *Note from me, Catherine is doing a giveaway of this necklace on her blog. You can stop by, but I'd prefer you didn't because it will hurt my chances of winning ;)

What do you guys listen to while you're working? I like to have some sort of noise in the background, and these songs have been on repeat in the dinosaur toes factory (you can even take them if you'd like):

tape song by the kills
the funeral by band of horses
weekend wars - MGMT

my friday so far...

Today has been a pretty typical Friday for me with one exception. Before I left the office, a state trooper (they're our office neighbors) came in and asked, "does 'BIRD GAL' belong to someone here?" Side note, that's my license plate which shouldn't surprise you! When I told him it was me, he said that my back right tire was almost flat, so I went out to look and saw a screw stuck in it! Chris was nice enough to come and put on the spare so I didn't have to get my pretty dress dirty, hehehe. I got that fixed and celebrated with a big bag of chips!

You know how I told you a few posts back that I did a trade with Rachel of Mere Trifles for these moccasins? Well I got the moccasins (and they're super cute so I'll show you pics sometime soon) and on top of the moccasins was this pretty wallet! GAH, I'm in love! I switched wallets right away, and I get a little smile every time I see it because I'm just so in love with vintage floral patterns!

Right now I've got cinnamon raisin bread baking, and I think it'll be ready at about 11pm, but until then, I'll pig out on pizza!

Tomorrow I'll be doing the "what I've been working on" post, and some of your favorite bloggers are playing along, so you'll be able to see what they're working on as well. I'm excited to have them joining in!

Have you done anything special today? Do you have any big weekend plans?

pretty: food

Today I have a chronic empty stomach and a persistent sweet tooth. I would be happy with: sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, cotton candy, conversation hearts, lucky charms cereal or a cream cheese danish, but extra sugar means extra buttage and extra guttage. Instead I'm fixing broiled flounder, mac & cheese and a fresh fruit salad. Yes, I know I didn't mention any veggies, but I forgot to get broccoli at le grocery store.

Images from we heart it and tumblr.

So what are you guys eating for dinner? Did you have any yummy snacks today? I don't know why I'm so hungry! When I was younger and I was really underweight (even though I could out eat most men) my stepmom's dad told me that I must have a tapeworm. Of course he was kidding, but I begged my dad to take me to the doctor to be sure! He didn't take me, and I didn't have one!

Thanks to everyone who emailed me pictures of their projects! I think I'm going to do the "what I've been working on" post on Saturday, so be sure to check back and see your lovely work! If you'd like to share your projects, you can still email me pictures and descriptions at kissparrotkiss@aol.com

One more thing, if you like drawing, writing, or just being creative in general, you should definitely sign up and join the notebook journey. I think I'm number 43, and the last I heard, there were 65 lovely people signed up!

wishlist wednesday!

It's time for this week's "wishlist wednesday!" This list was inspired by the beautiful art doll made by Harem6. I found the shop while looking through who hearted my items, and I'm glad I did! So, without further ado, here is the "pale and whimsy" wish list!

From the top: Noemi by Harem 6, three's a crowd bird hanger by monkey and squirrel, ninfea baby in cappuccino by ninu, green scissor necklace by tider design, ceramic bird wing by sara paloma.

If you'd like to play along and share your wish list, link back to me from your blog, and leave a link to your list in the comments section. I can't wait to see what you've picked!

Side note, I'm getting a little antsy not being able to swim or do more outside, and I'm really starting to feel kind of lazy and out of shape. The treadmill and exercise bike are there for me when I want to use them, but I was wondering, what are some of your favorite exercises and healthy snacks or meals?

two things i love around my home

Time for another round of Kassi's "two things I love around my home!" I really should be mopping the floors instead of blogging, but let's face it, this is more fun! I do have a load of laundry in, I did some picking up around the house, I took a walk, sewed and bag and actually cleaned up my fabric pile (!!!) so it's not like today has been a total waste, even if I don't get my mopping done.

My first item is an old oriental style tin from Holland (don't ask me how that happened). I got it I guess about 7 or 8 years ago at my favorite antique/junk store in downtown Lynchburg. It holds earrings, rings, charms...that sort of thing. I have it setting on a pile of books on a shelf by my bed.

The next item is an old (1950's) wide-eyed fawn. My grandma gave me the pair (yes, it has a twin, but only one is setting out) back before Christmas. She's the knick knack queen, and lately she's been saying that if we see anything we want, tell her so she can give it to us. I told her a while back that if she ever wanted to get rid of that set of fawns, they'd have a good home with me. I was so happy I got them, and I know they are truly old because she said they've been around for one hundred years (she's also the exaggeration queen). They sit on another stack of books by my bed. I have lots of book stacks around my house (maybe I'll count them one day). I just love reading! If you want to join, you can link up on Kassi's blog.

And how funny is this...my aunt mentioned me on her blog and referred to me as a "fashionista!" Haha, she's sweet, but I'm just a mess that took a while to put together, certainly not in the know fashion-wise! Well, it was sweet, and it made me laugh!

Also, because I'm not just in love with myself and my own creations, and because I know a lot of you lovely readers are pretty crafty yourself, I'd like to include some of your projects in my weekly "what I've been working on" posts. Just send me a picture (or more than one) and description to kissparrotkiss@aol.com so I can include you! If you're not ready to join this week, that's okay, I do the post every week!

hearts, hearts and hearts

Remember how I told you I got some film developed yesterday after playing with a heart-shaped lens hood I made? The first picture is of some heart garland I made after seeing Brandi's cute idea. I'm no bokeh expert, but I was trying to get a little when I hung this garland by a window. Thank you, recycled Pottery Barn catalog!

The last picture is my heart bokeh! I made the heart small enough so that not only the bokeh would be heart-shaped (it is, it's just hard to see since the picture is small), but the image area would be heart shaped as well! That particular picture is of the snow in my front yard. I plan to do lots more playing, but I want to do it at night with street lights.

Have you heard of the notebook journey? Basically, a single notebook gets sent from person to person for them to write draw, or somehow make their mark, then they send it along to the next person. I just signed up today, and I think you should check it out!

Last, I like to do a "what I'm working on" post about once a week, and I was thinking that I'd like to share what you're working on, too! If you'd like share with me and have your pictures posted (assuming I can get enough), you can email me at kissparrotkiss@aol.com.

happy hatch day, dinosaur toes!

Today isn't just Valentine's Day, it's even more special. It's Flojo's (a.k.a. Miss Dinosaur Toes) 5th hatch day, like a bird birthday! She's owned me since the day Chris and I made the trip to South Carolina to pick her up when she was 3 weeks old and completely bald! We've been inseparable for these last 5 years, and I couldn't imagine my life without her! Happy hatch day, my sweet and beautiful Dinosaur Toes!

I hope you all have had a happy Valentine's Day! Did you do anything special or get any special gifts? Chris and I pigged out and got some film developed. Remember film? Before the digital age? I'll always love my digital camera, but nothing can make me abandon good old fashioned film! I made a lens hood for the camera yesterday so I could take some heart bokeh pictures, and I'll scan them and share sometime this week!

friday's thrifting finds

Yesterday I did a little thrifting (and I wish I could have done it all day). On my list I had vintage cardigans, tan mid-calf suede boots and vintage frames. Well, I didn't find any of that. I still enjoyed my treasure hunt, and I came home with these three tops:

I love wearing thin stripes with dark skinny jeans and sandals in the summer. I was so excited to find this baby because it's a small size and fits like it was made for me. $3.

This next sweater I wasn't so sure about. I picked it up, set it down, picked it up, set it down, and finally decided to pick it up again! Like the last top, this sweater is an absolute perfect fit, and I love the knit details in the sleeves. I didn't get those moccasins in my hunting yesterday, instead I did a trade with the lovely Rachel of mere trifles on etsy, and I thought they'd look perfect with that sweater and distressed skinny jeans! Hooray for bartering! Sweater, $3.

The last thing is this tank top with smocking in the back. I was so excited when I saw this because I adore 1970's tanks, but I have the hardest time finding them! This little gem was handmade and will be worn before the weekend is over! I plan to pair it with a cream vintage cardigan, dark skinnies and brown suede ballet flats. Again, this is a small size (which I also have a hard time finding), and surprisingly it's almost a little tight in the chest which never happens, seeing as I'm the chairman of the IBTC! $2.50.

Ahhh, the healing powers of retail therapy! Have you done any thrifting lately or scored any unique treasures? The thrill of the hunt is almost like a drug, so now I'm just itching to go do some more hunting!

what i've been working on & kind of bleh.

My interest in hand sewing fabric flowers seems to be pretty cyclical. Lately I've not really had many ideas for metal, hammering and forging, so I've been busy on fabric flower headbands. Please excuse the way I look in the second picture. I promise I wasn't trying to pull the, "hey, look at me" sexy look, but it's just sort of the way it came out. Please don't hate me.

On to the bleh. I've had some things on my mind that I just can't seem to escape from, and I just found out that my Nana (great grandma) died yesterday. It's been a while since I've seen her, but it's sad nonetheless. Needless to say, I don't feel productive, inspired or the least bit creative, and it sucks. Big time. I might go to my grandma's sometime this weekend because she always makes me feel better. Sorry to unload, but it's on my mind. I promise it won't be a regular thing!

What have you guys been working on, and do you have any pictures? I'd love to see! I did a little thrifting today, and on my list was vintage cardigans, 70's tan suede mid-calf boots and old frames. I didn't find any of those things, but I still made out okay. Pictures tomorrow!